EQUIPMENT
41
working pressure (MAWP), with no significant wear or damage to any of the parts. To replicate the rigours of daily service,
Fort Vale went on to perform Impact Testing on the same coupler with repeated side impact and drop tests. Following these tests, the coupler remained in the closed position with the interlock fully engaged.
ADDING AN ARM The same level of attention was paid to the development of the Safeload loading arm, introduced earlier this year. The final design was the culmination of many months of research and development and analysis of customer feedback, and the company believes that it is bringing something fresh and unique to the global oil terminal market. The key component is the balance mechanism, which combines familiar industry- standard features with several innovative elements that deliver increased durability and safety and an enhanced user experience.
Unlike most assemblies on the market,
the Safeload balance mechanism is manufactured in stainless steel as opposed to traditional cast steel with a coated finish. This ensures excellent corrosion resistance and inherent strength and durability. The base swivel assembly incorporates a superior triple seal and a dual needle/dual ball race bearing combination for maximum axial and radial strength and performance. The specialist PTFE primary seal is rated to 400 Bar G, so is less prone to splitting in high-pressure operating conditions. The material is highly resistant to deterioration caused by product contact and affords the operator low-friction ease of movement. Secondary and tertiary seals protect the swivel mechanism from dirt ingress, ensuring a long-lasting and hard-working installation. The base swivel also features a “swivel-
stop” device to prevent radial over-rotation and collision with adjacent loading arms.
The stop bar is rubber-coated to ensure that there is no risk of spark generation. Balance adjustment is controlled by gas springs, which are considered a safer and more reliable option than compression springs. A limiter-bolt is incorporated as a failsafe to protect the loading arm and coupler from damage in the unlikely event of gas spring de-pressurisation. As a superior safety feature, all the
loading arm swivels contain an integral earth system, unique to the Safeload design, that ensures electrical continuity and eliminates the necessity for separate earth wiring. Fort Vale will be demonstrating the
Safeload loading arm and coupler at the Tank Storage Asia show in Singapore at the end of September. The company is hoping for the same level of attention that the loading arm generated during the StocExpo show in Antwerp earlier this year. HCB
www.fortvale.com
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