OPW Engineered Systems
Supported Boom Style Top Loading Arm

Loading Arm Configurations

Boom style loading arms are an excellent choice for variable reach applications, especially in larger sizes and longer reach where the outboard components can be heavy. Its long reach capability, un-paralleled flexibility and ease of operation make this the most popular Top Loading Arm design.

Support section can be added to further maximize reach and additional weight capabilities.

In addition to easy operation, this style of loading arm can also be folded back against the loading platform for convenient, compact storage.

Features & Benefits:

• Available in 2", 3", 4" and 6”
• Available in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum
• Choice of flanged, threaded or all-welded construction
• Adaptable to tight-fill or closed system loading when equipped with additional swivel planes of rotation and/or drop hose; along with required outboard coupling, union or fitting
• Rail or truck applications
• Smooth, easy operation

Loading Arm Velocities What size pipe do I need?

Velocity in ft/sec.						Velocity in m/sec.
GPM	2"	3"	4"	6"		L/min.	2"	3"	4"	6"
100	9.6					400	3.1
125	12					600	4.6	2.1
150	14.3					800	6.1	2.8
175	16.8					1000	7.7	3.5	2
200	19.1	8.7				1250	9.6	4.4	2.5
225	21.5	9.8				1500		5.2	3
250	23.9	10.8				1750		6.1	3.5
300		13	7.5			2000		7	4
350		15.2	8.8			2250		7.9	4.5	2
400		17.4	10.1			2500		8.7	5.1	2.2
450		19.6	11.4			2750			5.6	2.4
500		21.7	12.6	5.6		3000			6.1	2.6
550		23.9	13.8	6.1		3250			6.6	2.9
600			15.1	6.6		3500			7.1	3.1
650			16.4	7.2		3750			7.6	3.3
700			17.6	7.8		4000			8.1	3.6
750			18.9	8.3		4500			9.1	4
800			20.2	8.9		5000				4.5
900			22.7	10		5500				4.9
1000				11.1		6000				5.3
1200				13.3		6500				5.8
1300				14.4		7000				6.2
1400				15.6
1500				16.7
1600				17.8
1700				18.9
1800				20
Velocities above 15 ft./sec. (4.6 m/sec.) are generally not recommended - Bold are recommended.

Accessories:

Hi-Level Alarm- An effective means to prevent overfilling of tank is always suggested. In many cases both a primary (metering, scale/weight) and secondary (Hi-Level Alarm on Loading Arm) may be in place.

• For Clear, Light Non-Viscous Materials  Civacon Optic Cane Probe (Model 1300/1400)    
• For Dark, Viscous Materials  A variety of probe styles, manufacturers can be adapted to fit on your OPW Loading Arm. We have experience with most major overfill brands.

Vapor Recovery- Concern for the environment and your employees is of utmost concern. Several options are available to help retain and recover harmful vapors and avoid excessive splashing, each customized to fit your application. Heating – Loading Arms can be fully or partially jacketed for efficient handling of asphalt, molten sulfer, waxes, resins and other products that are highly viscous or tend to solidify at ambient temperatures.Loading Arm Insulation – OPW can provide a Custom Insulation Package designed specifically for your loading arm. Unlike field-applied insulation, these packages are completely removable and reusable, making them the ideal solution for loading arm use. 

Grounding/Bonding – Suggested for many top/splash loading applications. Available as an option on all Loading Arm designs. 

Electronic Ground Verification

The Civacon model 8030 Ground Verification Monitor is compatible with today’s transport ground systems. The monitor is equipped to provide a permissive signal to allow load rack operation and, if ground is lost, to indicate a non-permissive signal and shut down the loading operation.

Safety Breakaway Coupling Protects your equipment, piping and personnel in the event of an unintended pull-away. A consideration whenever you are making a tight connection to a truck or railcar.

   

Quick & Dry Disconnect Couplings – With OPW, you have many options at your disposal for your loading arm termination connections. From the original quick-disconnect Kamlok® coupling to our Epsilon™ dry disconnect coupling, we have a coupling to meet your needs.  Vacuum Breaker – OPW Engineered Systems Vacuum Breakers permit quick, positive evacuation of the arm after the loading operation is complete. Suggested for any top load/submerged fill application.  Lockdown- available to help insure that your loading arm stays securely in vehicle during loading operation. Several options available depending on your application.  Deflectors – Loading arm drop tube can be provided with deflector to help minimize the risk of static build-up and/or product foaming. Can also be used to redirect the upward pressure in order to keep the arm from attempting to rise out of tank during loading. 

• 463 Deflector (Cone)  
  • Aluminum Construction 
  • 3” & 4”, FNPT 

   

• 464 Deflector (Tee)  
  • Aluminum Construction 
  • 3” & 4”, FNPT

Strainers- Loading arm drop tube can be provided with a cast aluminum suction strainer when unloading tank cars. Helps prevent scale and other foreign objects from being sucked into line.

• 341 Suction Strainer 
  • Cast Aluminum 
  • Galvanized steel screen 
  • 3” & 4” FNPT 

Loading Valves

• 6400 Series Horizontal Valve – OPW Loading Valves are designed to shut off flow without causing shock in the pipeline. 
  • Adjustable closure rate 
  • 3” & 4” sizes, Aluminum Construction
  • TTMA Flanged connections 
  • Ball Valves (per application/specification) 

Pneumatic Counterbalancing – an alternative to conventional spring balanced loading arm, pneumatics provide the ultimate in loading arm design.