Top/Bottom Loading
Ferrum Energy delivers industry-leading solutions to the oil and gas sector in collaboration with international partners. Our solutions include custody transfer systems, Fuel loading and unloading equipment, tank gauging, additive injection, vapor handling, safety systems, and engineered modular skids. This document outlines the technical and operational criteria for converting top loading bays to bottom loading bays in fuel terminals.
Key Differences Between Top and Bottom Loading Operations
- Top Loading involves operators climbing to the top of tank trucks, connecting arms to each compartment manually, and monitoring loading operation from elevated platforms.
- Bottom Loading allows operators to remain at ground level, connecting all arms simultaneously to the bottom of the truck, with automated monitoring of grounding and overfill signals.
Modular Solutions Advantages
Factory-integrated and tested, with single vendor warranty and faster commissioning.
Additive Injection Systems
Fully customizable based on number of additives and dosing requirements.
Operational Benefits
Faster truck turnaround, safer ground-level operation, improved vapor management, and higher throughput.
Truck Requirements for Bottom Loading
- Mechanical: loading/discharge valves, vapor adapters, emergency shutoffs.
- Electrical: overfill sensors, ground pin, 5-wire connectors.
Main Conversion Considerations
- Flow Computers: Compatible for both loading methods and located near loading areas.
- Flow Meters: Existing meters can be reused or upgraded to higher capacity meters.
- Flow Control Valves: Both mechanical and electrohydraulic options available.
- Loading Arms: Bottom loading arms allow simultaneous connection, typically 4″ in diameter, in different tank truck compartments.
- Overfill Protection: Automatic detection using API RP 1004 sensors
- Grounding Verification: Combined overfill and grounding monitors improve safety.
- Vapor Recovery: Integrated vapor return lines.
- Calibration Methods: Inline calibration using Master Meters without interrupting operations.
Conclusion
Bottom loading enhances terminal safety, efficiency, and compliance. Ferrum Energy provides turnkey solutions for smooth conversion with expert engineering and support.
Interested in upgrading your terminal to bottom loading? Ferrum Energy offers expert guidance, engineering, and turnkey solutions to ensure a safe and efficient conversion.
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