Vertically Elevating Platforms

Vertically Elevating Platforms by Carbis Loadtec offer safe and reliable access onto tanker tops, a subject of increasing concern to all engineers and safety managers involved in the area of bulk liquid transfer. Unacceptable levels of injury and fatalities in recent years have made this one of the leading issues in the bulk fluid transfer industries.

In many cases, switching to bottom loading is not feasible. There exists a clear and present need to make access on tanker tops foolproof and as safe as possible. Carbis Loadtec offers a wide range of systems to suit every budget and tanker/plant configuration designed to suit each site’s needs.

It cannot be said that a problem is unique, as there are infinite tanker sizes and access choices possible; Carbis Loadtec has the solution for all of them.

The Vertically Elevating Platform (VELP) System is designed to provide drivers and operators with flexible and safe access to tankers of varying heights and lengths, whether to load or sample liquids or to open vents for bottom loading. The unique feature of the multi-modal is that each end of the cage can be tilted to match the slope of a tanker top. The multi-modal systems are galvanised steel and have aluminium flip-up floor panels. Galvanised floor panels can be specified if necessary. Used in conjunction with the Carbis Loadtec range of loading platforms, the system can be designed to meet almost any customer requirement.

The VELP concept is well-proven and has been sold worldwide for over 20 years with great success. The continuous floor level removes any concerns about tanker walkways falling off the end of the tanker. The tilting system ensures that the gap between the cage and the tanker is minimised and that the limit switches stop movement before the tanker is contacted. The range of travel is 1.5m from 3.2m to 4.7m, which gives a safe margin for passing traffic and ensures every form of tanker transport can be safely accessed.

The Vertically Elevating Platform (VELP) can be designed for any application, ranging in length from 4m to 12m. The platform consists of two sections: Inboard, closest to the folding stairs, is the walkway, a 0.6m wide grated plank surface that allows the operator to walk easily along the full length of the tanker top. The second section consists of the flip-up panels; these measure 1.4m long x 0.3m wide with a serrated, non-slip surface. They are easily fitted, parked against the far handrail, and secured using the supplied carabiner clips.

Each multi-modal is controlled by a stand-alone power pack, and customers can select between electrically or pneumatic-powered hydraulics as well as ATEX, NEMA 7 or NEMA 4 electrical standards. At the platform level, a panel provides the operator with simple, push-button control of the up, down and tilt movements.

Limit switches on the underside of the cage prevent the unit from resting on the tanker, making it ideal for weighbridge activities and further limit switches on the end frame ensure the cage is tilted only within its safe design range.

Did you know?

Liability notice

When a vehicle drives into your business premises, you are held accountable for the safety of the individuals who load your product into that tanker.