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EMCO Wheaton’s tank truck loading systems have been designed to make bottom loading and vapor recovery simple, safe and effective.
Bottom loading is now practiced extensively across the world and EMCO Wheaton has been at the forefront of this change, designing systems that support closed filling, vapor return and vapor recovery. Users of this system benefit from safer loading and unloading, and a more economic approach that delivers tangible return on investment.
This tank truck loading system consists of a range of components, including:
Bottom loading tankers were first introduced to Europe in the mid-1980s and are now commonplace among operators transporting petroleum products. This method is ultimately safer, faster and more environmentally friendly when compared to the older top loading approach.
EMCO Wheaton’s system avoids the pitfalls associated with top loading, which requires someone to climb on top of a vehicle’s tank and open a manhole cover to begin loading fuel. This is not only unsafe, as it exposes operators to gaseous vapors, but also inefficient as it allows recoverable product to escape into the atmosphere.
Recognising the challenges with this method, most oil companies have now moved away from top loading and opt to install bottom loading equipment on their vehicles. EMCO Wheaton has been an active partner in facilitating this industry change and has designed a series of products that make fuel transfer safer, cleaner and more efficient. All EMCO Wheaton vapor recovery units are fixed on the vehicle’s manifold, which open once the operator introduces a permissive load to the system. When loading begins and compartments fill with fuel, the vapor contained in the tank is pushed through a common line to a recovery adapter where the vapor is then condensed and reintroduced to a storage tank. This line is found next to the other fuel couplers on the vehicle’s side.
Bottom loading means operators are far safer when handling fuel as they are no longer working at height. It also eliminates exposure to harmful gaseous vapors and greatly reduces the risk of catastrophic electrical discharge. Beyond this, EMCO Wheaton’s tank truck loading system is more environmentally friendly, as it captures greenhouse gases that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere. There are also fewer clean-up costs thanks to a design that minimises unintended discharge.
Users of this system often see their gate times cut by half, not to mention a clear return on investment due to the fuel saved via vapor recovery. The most important feature, however, is an emergency venting system, which allows gas to safely escape from a compartment should damage to a tanker barrel occur during transit.
Why is Vapor Recovery Necessary?
The hydrocarbon vapors given off by petroleum products contribute to smog and haze in urban areas. They also contain greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, as well as toxic and carcinogenic substances that damage human health. As such, there has been increasing legislative pressure to control these pollutants. Bottom loading is now regarded as the preferred way to limit people’s exposure while also improving the efficiency when transporting fuel products.
EMCO Wheaton’s tank truck loading system supports bottom loading and vapor recovery throughout the world. It’s found on tank trucks owned by many of the biggest oil companies, working across:
Our tank truck loading systems are reliable, using the best materials and components. However, even the best products can wear over time and require some maintenance to get them working properly.
That’s why EMCO Wheaton provides a range of original spares and repair kits to ensure customers are never left without solutions. Most repairs can be carried out in the field, helping to keep you moving in challenging environments.
ABOUT EMCO WHEATON
For more than 100 years, Emco Wheaton has provided premium fluid transfer systems that are engineered t omeet and exceed the growing demands of our customers across a range of on- and off-shore industries; including gas, chemical, aviation, storage and transportation. We take pride in servicing a global customer base by offering a range of market leading loading and fuel systems that have been engineered using extensive experience, expertise, and a culture of innovation. Backed by our first class service and support, only Emco Wheaton can provide our customers with the quality, safety, and peace of mind needed to help them drive their operations into the future.