Loading Arm Upgrade Significantly Improves Operations
Originally built in the 1940s, a high-volume bottom-loading petroleum terminal in Kentucky had truck-loading lanes that had undergone a patchwork of upgrades, expansions, and reconfigurations over the years. These uncoordinated improvements resulted in disorganized, inefficient loading operations over time. The hodge-podge of cumbersome components was poorly spaced. And incompatible loading arms led to loading inefficiencies and put unnecessary physical strain on drivers as the result of the lack of an ergonomic design.
While the loading lanes and equipment may have worked well when constructed nearly 80 years ago, the final layout in 2019 was incapable of delivering the expedited, efficient loading times expected in today’s fast-paced world. Over the years drivers came to resent the loading arms and cumbersome operations.
After bringing in the service provider to survey the site, the biggest issue was clearly that the loading arms did not effectively cross over one another. Drivers couldn’t access the required arms without moving other arms out of the way first and loading more than one compartment at a time was impossible.
The engineering team created a new layout that incorporated the ideal spacing and staggering of the arm mounts. Short-range, bottom-loading arms outfitted with LYNX API couplers were also recommended. These short-range hose loaders allow simultaneous connections while filling up to three product lines. They are stored horizontally with only a slight upward or downward movement required to align the coupler with the truck adaptor. LYNX Bottom Loading Couplers set the standard in dry-break API coupler performance through their ultra-durable stainless-steel collar and ability to ensure the loading-arm connection is not compromised even at surge pressures up to 500 psi (35 bar).
New truck lane mounting piping was designed which enabled the loading arms to be installed in the optimal mounting configuration. Today, the redesigned loading system features arms that cross over and clear one another, which allows easy access to the desired arm. The upgraded system also quickly and efficiently loads multiple compartments simultaneously. The arms also store and balance at roughly the same height as the truck adaptors which creates a more ergonomic system for operators. Little effort or strain is required from the drivers in order to connect and disconnect the arms to the truck adaptors and return the arms to their storage position when the loading process is completed. Because all of the new system’s components were sourced from the same supplier, it is easier for the client to order, stock, and track spare and replacement parts.
In the end, the best possible outcome was delivered. From purchase order to product shipment, a cooperative effort between the distributor and engineering/design teams provided a complete loading solution to meet the safety and efficiency needs of the terminal in under six weeks.
LYNX API couplers
LYNX – Bottom-Loading Coupler for Liquid Terminals, Tank Trucks
LYNX is optimized to bring your liquid terminals and tank trucks the very best in dry-break API technology. From its ultra-durable stainless-steel collar to its ability to protect your loading-arm connection even when facing surge pressures up to 500 psi, you can count on LYNX for years of service and to help minimize fluid loss.
Fast Disassembly, Less Downtime
If you have 30 seconds and a screwdriver, you can disassemble LYNX. Thanks to a U-pin design, loading-arm operators can perform coupler maintenance without special tools and do it quickly.
