Splash loading, or top splash loading, is a form of top loading that involves filling tanks with material by positioning the fill pipe partially into the destination tank. The name comes from the splash effect that is created when the liquid released through the fill pipe makes contact with the sides of the tank and/or substances inside.
The splash loading method produces increased agitation and turbulence that can lead to the buildup of static electricity and excess vapors and proper vehicle grounding and bonding is neccessary. Static buildup combined with combustible vapors can produce catastrophic explosions. Moreover, droplets of material can escape through vented vapors resulting in product loss and emissions that negatively impact the environment. Splash loading can also be inefficient since it allows only one compartment to be filled at a time.
Vapor recovery systems help eliminate some of the drawbacks of splash loading by reducing emissions. The submerged top loading and bottom loading methods both produce less turbulence and reduce the volume of vapors that are generated during the filling process.
Submerged Loading
Submerged loading is a method of filling a tank in which the fill pipe is nearly or completely submerged below the surface of the liquid that is being loaded into the tank. There are two methods of submerged loading: traditional top loading and bottom loading.
Submerged top loading involves inserting a fill pipe through an opening in the top of the tank. The fill pipe is lowered until it is located just above the bottom of the tank. This method produces less agitation and turbulence than the splash loading method, reducing static buildup and harmful vapor emissions.
The bottom loading method involves pumping material into cargo tanks through a system of fittings and valves that are mounted underneath the truck. Again, since the fill pipe is located below the surface of the liquid, turbulence is controlled which reduces vapors and static buildup.
