Top Loading Arms

OPW offers a range of loading arms and related equipment for top-loading. The two most popular configurations are the Scissor Type and the Long-reach type, both of which are detailed below.

At Assentech we work closely with OPW to ensure the arms we provide are of the best configuration for their requirement, carrying out site survey and installations as required.

– Scissor-Type Loading Arms

The scissor type is the most common type of arm used in top loading applications worldwide.

This versatile design is specifically for top-loading installations where a variable operating range is required. The secondary arm rotates 360 degrees in the horizontal plane providing a spotting allowance of up to twice its length.

Commonly used to handle high flow rates and to withstand rough usage in tank-truck loading applications, the scissor type arm is also a good choice for railcar loading applications where cars are frequently mis-spotted.

Features and Benefits Include

• Ideal for applications where variable spotting of the vehicle is common
• Easy to handle, smooth operation
• All flanged construction in for ease of maintenance (available in 3” and above)
• Swivels equipped with grease nipple
• Durable construction
• Available with or without inboard loading valve and optional remote control handle
• Available in 2” / dn50, 3” / dn80 or 4” / dn100 with ASA 150lbs RF or DIN PN10/16 inlet flange
• Inverted inlet swivel orientation available to assist self-draining capability
• Adaptable to tight-fill or closed-system loading with optionally supplied swivels and couplers
• Alternative materials of construction Carbon Steel or 316/316L Stainless Steel
• A wide range of swivel seal material available
• Pre-balanced at the factory to minimise installation and commissioning time
• Jackets and Trace heating optional

Typical Product Specification

Standard Materials of Construction – others options available

Inlet swivel Ductile Iron

Intermediate swivel Aluminium

Drop tube swivel Aluminium

Swivel seals Viton® GFLT

Primary arm Aluminium

Secondary arm Aluminium

Drop tube Aluminium

– Long Reach Type Loading Arms

This popular OPW top loading arm is specifically designed for applications where smooth handling and a wide working range is required, particularly useful for top loading of railcars or multi-compartment tank trucks.

The boom is supported by a high-quality pillow block, allowing for maximum flexibility and smooth operation combined with a significantly longer reach. Both boom and arm can be folded back against the gantry for convenient, compact storage away from the traffic flow.

Commonly used to handle high flow rates and withstand rough usage in railcar and tank-truck loading applications, a stable construction is guaranteed and a supported boom allows many optional accessories to be mounted.

Features and Benefits Include

• Ideal for applications where a wide working envelope is required
• Easy to handle, smooth operation
• Compact storage when not in use
• All flanged construction for ease of maintenance
• Swivels equipped with grease nipple
• Durable construction
• Available in 2” / dn50, 3” / dn80 , 4” / dn100 and 6” / dn150 with ASA 150lbs RF or DIN PN10/16 inlet flange
• Available with/without inboard loading valve and optional remote control handle
• Self-draining inverted swivel and/or inlet orientation available
• Boom arm can be made with upwards or downwards slope
• Design allows for optional vapour recovery cone
• Adaptable to tight-fill or closed-system loading with optionally supplied swivels and couplers
• Alternative materials of construction Carbon Steel or 316/316L Stainless Steel
• A wide range of swivel seal material available
• 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

Intermediate swivel Ductile Iron

Drop tube swivel Aluminium

Swivel seals Viton® GFLT

Boom arm Carbon Steel

Primary arm Aluminium

Drop tube Aluminium