Bottom Loading Arms

OPW’s supported and unsupported boom type bottom loading arms are designed to provide flexible long range operation with compact stowage. By swivelling through 5 planes of rotation (minimum) the low level bottom loading arm offers complete flexibility.

The arms can be supplied equipped an API coupler, Dry-disconnect coupler, threaded connection, flanged connection, breakaway coupler or any other customer-specified end fitting loading or unloading, railcars, tank trucks or ISOTAINERS.

As standard, the arm has the adequate reach to connect to a tanker at the side, at the rear or underneath. In addition, the intermediate and end swivel assemblies can be orientated upwards or downwards for optimum ease of operation. To assist self-draining capability optional Low Profile Swivels may be selected in critical gravity unloading applications.

OPW bottom loading arms are available in many different configurations to accommodate specific customer requirements and can include jacketing and trace heating as required.

Features and Benefits include

• Easy to handle, smooth operation
• Compact storage when not in use
• Proven design OPW loading arms are used by major oil terminals worldwide
• Flanged construction for ease of maintenance
• Swivels equipped with grease nipple
• Durable construction
• Wide range of seal material available
• Sizes 2” / DN50 , 3” / DN80 , 4” / DN100 or 6” / DN150
• Alternative materials of construction Carbon Steel, 316/316L Stainless Steel available
• Available with linear spring or torsion spring
• Pre-balanced at the factory to minimise installation and commissioning time

Typical Product Specification

Standard Materials of Construction – other options available

Inlet swivel                        Carbon Steel
Intermediate swivel           Ductile Iron
End swivel assembly        Aluminium
Swivel seals                      Viton® GFLT
Boom arm                          Carbon Steel
Primary arm                       Aluminium

OPW bottom loading arms are designed to accommodate the widest range of possible working envelopes described in the API 1004 RP.

As long as the truck fittings are in accordance with API 1004 RP, OPW bottom loading arms can be connected to any of or all off the truck adaptors, allowing simultaneous loading of multiple compartments. This is the major advantage of bottom loading and one which is fully considered in OPW’s comprehensive loading arm design.

OPW bottom loading arms are available in a variety of configurations to accommodate specific customer requirements and can be ordered with or without an additional drop hose swivel for added flexibility and increased hose life.

Features and Benefits 

• Easy to handle, smooth operation
• Proven design OPW loading arms are used by major oil terminals worldwide
• All flanged construction for ease of maintenance
• Swivels equipped with grease nipple
• Durable construction
• Composite drop hose as standard, stainless steel or rubber hoses optionally available
• Wide range of alternative seal materials available
• Equipped with OPW’s unique API coupler model 1005E3-0402
• Standard with linear spring, optional torsion spring available (model HT/HST)
• Pre-balanced at the factory to minimise installation and commissioning time

Typical Product Specification

Standard Materials of Construction – others options available

Inlet swivel                 Carbon Steel
Drop hose swivel        Aluminium
End swivel                  Aluminium
Swivel seals                Viton® GFLT
Primary arm                Carbon Steel
Drop hose                    High quality Composite liquid hose
Coupler                        Aluminium