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Bottom Loading Arm

A bottom loading arm is a specialized equipment that attaches to the underside of a tanker truck or railcar, rather than the top. 

These arms use a system of rigid pipes and swivel joints to reach the tanker's bottom valves or adapters, making the transfer process cleaner and faster.

  • 2‘'~6”

  • PERFECT LOADING

  • Carbon steel, SS304, SS316L

Availability:
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Why not stick with top loading for all working conditions? Top loading risks falls, while bottom loading arms offer a safer and faster alternative.

Advantages of Bottom Loading Arms:

  • Safety: Ground operation cuts fall risks, reducing accidents and protecting workers.

  • Efficiency: Multi-compartment loading saves time, boosting output.

  • Environmental: Vapor recovery reduces emissions.

  • Durability: Robust materials handle tough conditions, cutting costs.

  • Versatility: Fits various industries and fluids.


Key Features of Bottom Loading Arms:

1. Ground-Level Safety

By connecting at the bottom, operators avoid climbing, slashing fall risks. It’s like trading a tightrope walk for a stroll on flat ground—much safer.

2. Multi-Compartment Loading

These arms can fill several tanker compartments simultaneously, speeding up the process.

3. Reduced Turbulence

Bottom loading creates less agitation in the tank, lowering static electricity risks. No splash, no sparks.

4. Vapor Recovery Compatibility

Easily integrates with systems to capture escaping vapors, keeping the air clean. Imagine a vacuum cleaner sucking up dust—same idea, but for fumes.

5. Ergonomic Design

With adjustable reaches and counterweights, they’re a breeze to handle.


bottom unloading arm

The bottom arm is unloading chemical from tanker to storage tank, with break-away couplings standing by.


Specifications of Bottom Loading Arms :

1. Size:

  • Liquid arm: 2” to 6” (DN50 to DN150), with 3” and 4” being for most tanks.

  • Vapor arm: typically 2” to 4” (DN50 to DN100).

2. Design Pressure:

Up to 2.5 MPa (25 bar), handling high-volume transfers.

3. Temperature Range:

-40°C to +200°C (-40°F to +392°F), covering cold storage to hot chemicals.

4. Reach:

Fixed reach up to 120” (3 meters) or variable reach up to 20 feet.

Adapts to different tanker sizes and parking spots.

5. Swivel Planes:

3 to 6 planes of rotation, ensuring flexibility for tight connections.

Keeps the arm nimble and precise.


Materials of Bottom Loading Arms:

1. Arm Body

  • Carbon Steel: The go-to for strength, often coated to fight rust.

  • Stainless Steel (SS304/SS316L): Used for corrosive or food-grade fluids.

2. Swivel Joints

Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel: The pivots that allow movement, built to last. They’re the hinges keeping the arm flexible.

3. Seals

PTFE & Viton: Seals that handle heat, pressure, and chemicals, ensuring no leaks.

4. Coatings

Epoxy or Zinc: Protective layers to shield against corrosion.

This mix creates a loading arm that’s tough, adaptable, and ready for action across various industries.


Sizes of Bottom Loading Arms:

Bottom loading arms come in sizes to match your needs:

  • 2” (DN50): Ideal for low-flow, precise transfers like solvents.

  • 3” (DN80): A versatile middle ground for many industrial uses.

  • 4” (DN100): The go-to for high-flow fuel or chemical loading.

  • 6” (DN150): Perfect for heavy-duty, high-volume moves like crude oil.


The size hinges on your flow rate, tanker type, and site layout. PERFECT LOADING offers custom sizes.


Applications of Bottom Loading Arms:

1. Petrochemical Plants

Loading gasoline or diesel.  Bottom loading arms speed up refueling with multi-compartment efficiency.

2. Chemical Facilities

Transferring corrosive chemicals.  Their ground-level design and seals keep operators safe.

3. Food and Beverage Industry

Moving edible oils or syrups. Stainless steel options prevent contamination.

4. Rail and Marine Loading

Filling railcars or small vessels. Their long reach handles misaligned vehicles.

5. Waste Management

Handling toxic waste.  These arms ensure safe, controlled disposal.

From fuel depots to waste sites, bottom loading arms keep operations flowing.


Accessories of Bottom Loading Arms:

Bottom loading arms come with add-ons to boost performance:

1. API Couplers:

Secure, leak-proof connections to tanker valves.

2. Vapor Recovery Systems:

Capture fumes, keeping the air clean.

3. Safety/Emergency Breakaway Couplings:

Snap apart safely during pull-aways, preventing spills.

4. Insulation:

Keeps heat in for viscous fluids.


Operation of Bottom Loading Arms:

1. Alignment:

Position the arm’s coupler to the tanker’s bottom valve, using swivel joints for flexibility.

2. Connection:

Lock the API coupler onto the valve with a quick twist or snap—secure and tight.

3. Loading:

Open the valve to start the flow, filling multiple compartments if needed.

4. Monitoring:

Watch gauges or sensors for pressure and level, adjusting as required.

5. Disconnect:

Close the valve, release the coupler, and retract the arm. Use breakaways if the tanker moves unexpectedly.


Cautions and Considerations of Bottom Loading Arms:

These arms are tough, but they’ve got quirks to watch:

  • Alignment Precision: Misaligned couplers can leak—get it right like fitting a key in a lock!

  • Maintenance: Seals and joints need regular checks to avoid wear.

  • Cost: Upfront investment is higher, but long-term savings shine.

Regular upkeep and proper training keep these arms in top form.


Delivery Cycle of Bottom Loading Arms:

Two months after order and drawings confirming

 

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