LPG Loading Arms

LPG Bottom Loading Arms by Carbis Loadtec are the most efficient and ergonomic method for ground-level tanker filling. Generally described as an “LPG station”, the system comprises a liquid LPG loading arm and a vapour return arm mounted on a single stand post.

Essential Guide Compressed Gas Tanker Loading

The method of operation is that the LPG tanker will pull into the allocated space next to the LPG loading station. The operator removes any caps or bars shielding the tanker connections and moves the vapour arm into position. Usually, for LPG the connection is a rotating coupler, generally described as a “hammer union”. These are different sizes for liquid (larger) and vapour (smaller) to avoid errors.

Once the vapour arm is connected, the liquid arm can be moved into position and connected. The arms contain isolation valves and drain valves to empty the pipe annulus at the end of loading and prevent open discharge of pressurised LPG to the atmosphere.

In many cases, these stations are made of carbon steel, but we are asked to build them in stainless steel for some customers. Generally speaking, they have a life of 25 years. We fit emergency release couplings to both the liquid and vapour arms to help achieve that and prevent catastrophic failure if the tanker makes an unplanned departure. These are designed to de-couple the loading arm from the tanker before the arm is stretched to its maximum length. Thus avoiding stress on the swivel joints and failure of peripheral components. The alternative is the breakaway coupler, which utilises break studs to cause the coupler to the part when a predetermined lateral load is placed on the coupler.

The LPG loading arms are each balanced by a spring cylinder, which provides an even and smooth counterbalance for the outboard sections of the arm. Furthermore, the end (tanker connection arm) is also counterbalanced by a gas spring, which holds that arm horizontally +/- 15o.

When parked, the arms fold neatly against the standpost into secure parking latches. The loading arms cannot be dropped or driven over. They are tested to 60 bar and have low maintenance, high capacity swivel joints for long life and reliability.