Loading arms are devices used to load or unload oil or gas from tankers or storage stations. They can be installed on a fixed structure such as a refinery or oil terminal (onshore systems) or on offshore platforms.
Designed to facilitate safe and efficient loading/unloading without leakage or safety hazards, they can rotate and extend to serve different vessels sizes.
In order to be able to monitor and manage the internal loading/unloading process safely, loading arms must meet oil and gas industry stringent requirements using only explosion-proof devices with high reliability and corrosion resistance, such as
ex-proof stainless steel valves certified to operate in hazardous environments according to applicable international standards.
Explosion-proof hydraulic systems for marine loading arms are therefore a highly safe solution, as they are designed to prevent the risk of sparks, fires or explosions in potentially explosive environments, as like flammable liquids storage areas. Thanks to the use of explosion-proof digital proportional valves, these systems are able to precisely control arm movements, ensuring reliable control and reducing the risk of fluid spills or leaks during docking maneuvers. Furthermore, ex-proof hydraulic devices marked ATEX and IECEx standards ensures full compliance with international regulations on safety and protection against explosive mixtures.