You are here: Home » Products » Sealing Cones

Sealing Cones

A sealing cone is a specialized component attached to the drop tube of a loading arm, which is used to fill or unload tankers, railcars, or storage tanks. Think of it as the perfect plug that seals the connection between the loading arm's drop tube and the tanker's hatch or manhole. 
Sealing cones are critical in top-loading systems, where the drop tube extends into the tanker to deliver or extract fluids. 
Without a proper seal, you'd have leaks, vapor emissions, or contamination. 
These cones are engineered to create a tight, reliable seal, ensuring safe and efficient fluid transfer.
  • 4"~12"

  • PERFECT LOADING

  • NBR / FKM / PTFE / PP

Availability:
facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

General Description of Sealing Cones:

The sealing cone is mounted on the end of the drop tube, which is lowered into the tanker’s hatch during loading or unloading. The cone’s shape—often conical or tapered—allows it to fit snugly into the hatch opening, creating a tight seal against the rim. Some designs include a flexible lip or gasket to enhance the seal, ensuring no gaps for liquid or vapor to escape.

When the loading arm is in action, the sealing cone keeps the fluid contained within the drop tube and tanker, preventing spills or splashes. In vapor recovery setups, the cone works with a vapor return line to capture and redirect emissions back to a recovery system.


Sealing Cone Key Features:

1. Leak-Proof Sealing:

They form a tight seal against the tanker’s hatch, preventing liquid leaks and vapor emissions.

2. Vapor Recovery:

Many sealing cones are designed to work with vapor recovery systems, capturing harmful vapors (like VOCs from fuels) to protect the environment and workers.

3. Durability:

Built to withstand harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and constant use without cracking or degrading.

4. Easy Installation:

They’re designed to fit seamlessly onto drop tubes, with quick-connect features for fast setup and removal.

5. Customizable Fit:

Available in various shapes and sizes to match different hatch designs, ensuring a perfect seal every time.

6. Low Maintenance:

With robust materials and simple designs, they require minimal upkeep, saving you time and money.

These features make sealing cones a must-have for any loading arm system.


Materials of Sealing Cones:

The choice of material depends on the fluid being transferred and the operating environment. Here’s a rundown of the most common materials:

1. Nitrile Rubber (NBR):

A go-to for petroleum-based fluids like gasoline or diesel. It’s flexible, durable, and resistant to oils, making it perfect for fuel terminals.

2. Viton (FKM):

Ideal for harsh chemicals like acids or solvents. Viton offers superior resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, perfect for chemical plants.

3. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)/Polypropylene:

Virtually inert, PTFE & Polypropylene are used for aggressive chemicals or food-grade liquids. Its non-stick surface also makes it easy to clean, a big plus for sanitary applications.


pp 密封帽(1)

                  密封帽1(1)       IMG_4483(1)


Polypropylene Sealing Cone                  Rubber:FKM,  Skeleton: SS304L                     Cone's skeleton: SS304L/SS316

                                                                                                


Specifications of Sealing Cones:

Sealing cones come in a range of sizes and designs to fit different loading arm systems and tanker hatches. Here’s a quick look at the typical specs:

1. Size:

Diameters range from 4” to 12” (100mm to 300mm) to match common hatch sizes. Smaller cones (4”-6”) are used for chemical or food-grade tankers, while larger ones (8”-12”) handle bulk fluids like crude oil.

2. Shape:

Most are conical or tapered to ensure a snug fit, but some have flat or flanged designs for specific hatches. Custom shapes are available for non-standard openings.

3. Pressure Rating:

Designed to handle low to moderate pressures (up to 10 bar or 145 PSI) during loading, as they’re not pressurized components themselves.

4. Temperature Range:

Typically -20°C to +120°C (-4°F to +248°F), with materials like Viton or PTFE extending to higher temps (up to +200°C or +392°F).

5. Vapor Recovery Compatibility:

Many include ports or channels for vapor return lines, critical for fuel or chemical applications.

These specs vary by manufacturer and application, so it’s crucial to match the cone to your loading arm and tanker setup.


Applications of Sealing Cones:

· Petroleum and Gas: Used in top-loading arms at fuel terminals to transfer gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel. They prevent spills and capture vapors, keeping emissions in check.

· Chemical Industry: Handle aggressive chemicals like acids or alkalis during tanker loading. The right material (like Viton or PTFE) ensures no corrosion or leaks.

· Food and Beverage: Transfer liquids like syrups, oils, or juices in sanitary conditions. FDA-approved materials like silicone or PTFE keep things clean and safe.

· Pharmaceuticals: Used for high-purity liquids or intermediates, where contamination is a dealbreaker. Sealing cones ensure a sterile, drip-free process.

· Rail and Road Tankers: Ensure safe loading/unloading at depots, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Each application demands specific features, like vapor recovery for fuels or sanitary materials for food. Sealing cones are the glue that holds these operations together, ensuring every transfer is clean and efficient.


Installation and Operation of Sealing Cones:

The cone is attached to the drop tube of the loading arm, typically via a clamp, flange, or threaded connection. During operation, the drop tube is lowered into the tanker’s hatch, and the sealing cone presses against the hatch rim to form a tight seal. The operator adjusts the loading arm to ensure proper alignment, and the fluid flows through the drop tube into the tanker.

For vapor recovery, the cone may connect to a vapor return line, channeling emissions back to a recovery unit. The process is quick and intuitive, with most cones designed for tool-free installation or removal.


Maintenance of Sealing Cones:

Sealing cones are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way. Here’s how to keep them performing well:

1. Inspect Regularly:

Check for cracks, tears, or wear, especially on the sealing surface. A damaged cone is like a worn-out gasket—leaks are inevitable.

2. Clean Thoroughly:

Remove fluid residue or debris to prevent contamination, especially in food or pharma applications. Use compatible cleaners to avoid degrading the material.

3. Replace When Needed:

Swap out cones showing signs of hardening, cracking, or deformation. Keep spares on hand for quick replacements.

4. Check Alignment:

Ensure the cone aligns properly with the hatch to avoid uneven wear or poor sealing.

5. Store Properly:

When not in use, store in a cool, dry place away from UV light or chemicals to extend lifespan.


Conclusions:

Sealing cones might seem like a small part of the loading arm, but they're the linchpin that keeps operations safe, efficient, and compliant. They prevent costly spills, reduce environmental impact, and protect workers from hazardous exposure. In industries where every drop counts—whether it’s high-value chemicals or regulated fuels—sealing cones ensure nothing goes to waste.

Their versatility, durability, and ease of use make them indispensable. Plus, with customizable materials and sizes, you can find a cone for any application, from food-grade syrups to corrosive acids. It’s like having a tailor-made solution that fits your needs perfectly, no matter the challenge.


Previous: 
Next: 

Product Category

Related Products

content is empty!

Consult Your PERFECT Loading Arm Expert

Contact us
Loading Systems
Internal Floating Roofs
Quick Links
Contact Us
  sales@perfectloading.com
  Office:Shanghai, China
  Factory:Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
COPYRIGHT © 2025 PERFECT LOADING ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.