Unsupported Boom Type Bottom Loader

Designed to provide flexible long range operation without the use of hose, this heavy duty configuration is both reliable and easy to use. A minimum of five swivel planes of rotation offer complete flexibility in making tight connections for loading and unloading rail cars and tank trucks, and servicing aviation refuelers. The outboard swivel and arm adjusts for any changes in elevation or tilting that may result as the vehicle is loaded or unloaded.

The unsupported boom type bottom loader is extremely versatile and many variations are possible. It can be equipped with dry disconnect coupler,  union, quick coupling, or other customer specified end fitting to make connections on the side, athe the rear, or underneath the vehicle. The intermediate swivel is often inverted to achieve the low profile and clearances needed to connect to the underside of a rail car.

 

Typically installed at or near ground level, arms of varying lengths can be mounted on staggered risers to achieve crossover and neat, compact storage of multiple arms in a confined space.

Available in 2", 3", 4", and 6" sizes in steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and specialty alloys and choice of flanged, threaded, or all welded construction.

 

Counterweighted Hose Loader

Installation and operation is simple and efficient with OPW counterweighted hose loaders. Adjustable counterweights mounted on a pair of horizontal rails are simply moved until the desired balance point is located. This design provides for efficient handling and coupling to the tank truck adaptor.

Available in 4" and 6" X 4" sizes, this popular hose loader features a flange x flange base joint for reliable performance and ease of maintenance. A heavy-duty split flange base swivel (pg. 17) is standard on 4" arms. Construction is carbon steel with composite drop hose for maximum flexibility and easy handling. Braided stainless steel hose is also available. Outboard swivel, spacer spool, and API coupler are aluminum.

Standard horizontal reach is 114" to fully cover the API RP-1004 bottom loading envelope with up to four loading arms spaced 18" apart. Reaches of 66", 78", 90" and 102" are also available, but full coverage of the API envelope may require moving the truck. Each loader should be mounted successively higher, 16" stagger recommended, to provide maximum crossover capability for efficient simultaneous compartment loading. Minimum recommended drop hose length is approximately 60".

Bottom loading systems offer numerous benefits over conventional top loaders. Safety is the prime advantage since the operator remains on the ground, not on top of the truck where falls are a common threat. Bottom loading connections are made more quickly so overall loading time is reduced.

Bottom loading creates less turbulence in the tank, reducing the danger of generating static electricity. Bottom loading not only reduces vapors which can be an environmental hazard, but this system can also be easily adapted to fully recover vapors displaced during loading.

Speed is a key advantage of bottom loading because tanks can be filled faster and a number of compartments can be loaded simultaneously. Bottom loading islands are simpler and cheaper to build than top loading racks. Maintenance time is also reduced. You can realize more savings because you'll safely load more material in a shorter time with less spillage and vapor loss.

OPW offers a complete line of equipment for efficiently bottom loading and unloading petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied gases.