Chemical Compatibility
Liquip loading arms are available in a range of materials and seals to suit various chemicals and liquids.
Liquip reference industry standard chemical compatibility charts when deciding compatibility of materials and physically test product compability with seal and gasket material.
If no doubt, consult Liquip and if available provide your recommendations and material safety datasheet for specific products.
Thermal Relief
Over pressuring of the loading arm can be caused by thermal expansion of the product contained in the loading arm pipe work, i.e. the temperature of the static product within the loading arm is higher than the ambient temperature. This is caused as a result of the sun heating the pipes and product; as the temperature rises so too does the pressure within the loading arm. This increase in pressure, if severe enough can cause seals and gaskets to rupture and can damaged couplers. Therefore, the recommend an operating static pressure of most loading arms is 1,000kPa.
Liquip recommend that you consult your company policy on thermal pressure relief and put in place a system to prevent over-pressurisation through thermal pressure backup.
Fuel Velocity
Loading rates differ between installations. It is always advantageous to maximise loading flow rates in order to minimise loading time. However, ensure that the fuel velocity at any flow rate, does not exceed the maximum safe flow rate.
Excessive velocity increases the generation of dangerous static electricity and should be considered. It may be wiser to increase the size of the loading arm to achieve the same flow rate, thereby minimising static generation.
To ensure each loading arm that leaves our factory operates to its maximum potential, Liquip requests that the dimensional details and designs of each installation be checked by our design department. Design survey sheets are available from Liquip and Liquip distributors .
The following is the information needed to recommend an arm to suit your requirements:
- Top loading or bottom loading Top - long reach or pantograph Bottom - overhead or low profile
- Top feed or bottom feed (liquid is supplied from above or below)
- Left hand or right hand mechanism
- Product to be conveyed
- Temperature of the product to be conveyed
- Flow rate required
- Preferred diameter
- Material of construction
- Operating pressure
- Operating temperature
- Maximum temperature
- Mounting connection
- Coupler or other connection
To help maximise the productivity of your loading arms and thus provide the best value for money, it is important that Liquip be consulted early in the planning stage of the bulk liquid terminal or loading rack . The loading arm is the last component of an expensive supply chain so it is important not to compromise this important asset .
