Liquid Transfers
Loading arm projects go faster and more smoothly with SafeRack, because we coordinate with pipe, electrical and civil engineers to help resolve any variables with vehicles. In addition, we offer the widest selection of swivel joints for the most difficult liquid handling applications. Simply put, your railcar loading systems are more productive with SafeRack.
SafeRack’s experienced loading arms experts allow us to walk clients through every step of the design process from swing arm style to dimensions and materials. We ensure your loading arm is designed and built to specifications and delivered on schedule, the first time.
Each loading arm is designed for ease of operation and handling, which creates a faster, safer loading operation. The rugged construction of these loading arms makes downtime and maintenance issues virtually non-existent.
We routinely provide options such as overfill protection, vapor recovery, tracking and insulation to meet any requirement or regulation.
How to stay safe when loading and unloading liquid sulfur
Sulfur is most easily transported as a liquid, which means that before it goes anywhere, it must first be heated to its melting point of 239 degrees Fahrenheit. During its transit, liquid sulfur must be kept within a 43-degree range — between 266 degrees and 309 degrees Fahrenheit — in order for safe loading and unloading to occur. This extremely hot range poses a serious threat if not handled properly.
The physical properties of liquid sulfur can also endanger workers. When sulfur burns, it forms sulfur dioxide, a toxic gas that is fatal if inhaled. That’s why it’s critical to keep it under that 309-degree mark. Additionally, high concentrations of sulfuric vapor and water vapor can lead to deadly explosions, and liquid sulfur itself is highly flammable. Your facility’s equipment and crew need always to properly address these dangers.
The Right Loading Arm for the Job
When handling a volatile material like sulfur, it’s important that safe, smart solutions are built into your loading rack system and applications from the start. These features are key to protecting both your employees and the environment.
Parallel loading arms are ideal for working with liquid sulfur. A parallel arm is composed of two boom loaders connected together so that all movements are performed in unison. One boom is used to load the liquid sulfur while the other is used for vapor recovery, keeping dangerous vapors from leaking out into the air. Even with two booms, this loading arm can be operated as easily as a single arm.
Safe operation of the arm is critical when handling liquid sulfur. Electro-hydraulically controlled systems are preferred for their precise, smooth movements. These systems also control flow rates via a hydraulically actuated flow-control valve, which helps ensure the safest transfer through the loading arm. The arm itself can be operated using a remote pendant control unit, which allows the worker to operate the arm from a safe distance.
Automatic Safeguards Built In
Built-in electric heat tracing allows the loading arm to maintain a safe, constant temperature. The trace heating is insulated and clad in stainless steel. With sensors located near the swivel joints and elbows, you can be sure that the temperature is being accurately monitored and adjusted accordingly.
Because of liquid sulfur’s flammable nature, it’s imperative to eliminate any possible ignition sources. Electrical static bonding straps placed across all swivel joints eliminate any difference in electrical potential between the arm’s parts. These straps ensure that no sparks or static electricity will be produced when the liquid crosses the swivel joints.
Your loading arm can also keep workers safe from dangerous sulfuric vapor. During loading, a truck will sink on its axles due to the weight. If you’re not careful, vapor can escape through the gap that appears between the hatch and the vapor recovery cone — immediately endangering nearby workers. A built-in powered hold-down device ensures that permanent, steady pressure is applied to the vapor recovery cone.
Make Safety Simpler
Safe operation of your loading system is easy when you use smart equipment. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system can efficiently handle complex tasks like data processing and equipment automation. The PLC quickly monitors information from a number of sources such as the hold-down device and the arm’s pressure sensors so a worker can see comprehensive data at any given time.
Loading and unloading liquid sulfur comes with many risks. The best way to stay safe and productive is to use equipment with built-in safety features that minimize the risk of human error. SafeRack’s loading arms are manufactured with safety in mind. Plus, we only use the most durable materials to ensure that your loading solution is not only safe, but will last in tough situations like when loading liquid sulfur.
How to manage liquid transfer amid growing demand
Crude oil isn’t the only oil transferred via truck and rail across our country. Over the last decade, the production of edible oils and fats has grown more than 45 percent — which means, so has the volume being transferred from refinery to market.
• Coconut oil
• Corn oil
• Cottonseed oil
• Olive oil
• Palm oil
• Peanut oil
• Rapeseed/Canola oil
• Safflower oil
• Sesame oil
• Soybean oil
• Sunflower oil
Edible oils are the types of oils used in food — both for cooking (like canola and olive oils) and as supplements (like flaxseed oil). Aside from food, edible oils may also be used in oil painting, wood finishing and skin care.
In particular, the production of oils derived from palm, soybean, rapeseed and sunflower seed has increased more than 60 percent in the past decade. These types have also accounted for more than 90 percent of the total global output of oils and fats.
And it is estimated that by the end of 2016, the global production of edible oils is expected to be over 180 million metric tons. With such a hugely growing commodity, the means for getting edible oils from refinery to its demanding consumer base needs to be seamless and efficient.
Pressure at the Loading Platform
The biggest risk factor when transporting refined oils and fats is exposure to oxygen. Contact can and will cause changes to the product that can impact its quality. And this risk is never more prevalent than when loading the refined oil or fat into a tanker for bulk transfer to or from a plant.
Another risk at this point of transfer is contamination. Since the product is destined for human consumption, avoiding potential contamination is of utmost concern — especially when looking at your loading equipment design.
There are specific types of loading features that need to be in place in order to maintain product quality. Typically the road/rail tankers and ISO tank containers used to transport edible oils are constructed out of stainless steel and equipped with an internal heating system. The vessels are then loaded from the top of the tank either through a loading arm fitted with a telescopic drop-pipe or through a fixed connection with an internal pipe leading to the bottom of the tank. This technique prevents any aeration, which would expose the refined oil to oxygen (a no-no). Additionally, the cleaning and draining of the tanker and all of the pipework is essential.
Depending on the product handled and your specific application, the type and configuration of loading arm design will vary. But typically, you’d want to consider implementing the following features:
- Boom-style loading arm
- Top inlet, self-draining
- Stainless steel construction for refined oils. Conversely, crude or semi-refined oils can use carbon steel arms.
- Food-grade swivel seals/swivel seals for refined oils. Conversely, standard seals are used for crude or semi-refined oils.
- Long-radius elbows for improved cleaning
- Clean coupler, if required
- Emergency overfill prevention
In addition, be sure to look closely at the platform and access gangway design to make sure that the loading arm, gangway and vessel being loading all work together efficiently and with minimal downtime. With edible oils and most products, it’s always about an integrated solution.