There are several instances in which trucks will be used to carry crude oil and other fuels or fluids to a different location. Tanker trucks usually get oil from storage tanks and take it to a loading terminal to transload the fuel into railcars. Depending on the distance to the refinery or pipeline connection, the tank truck may be able to take the shipment the entire way. However, if the drive will be long, it is more cost-effective to do things the old-fashioned way and transload the product onto railcars.
Tanker trucks extract crude oil or other fluids from the storage tanks located fairly near the wellheads. Then the operator drives the truck to the nearest terminal, where a rail spur allows railcars to get into the terminal, be filled, and then get back to the main railway.
When the railcars arrive at their next stop, it will be another terminal where the reverse actions will take place. This terminal is located near the refinery and will be equipped for transloading from the railcars back into tanker trucks that can drive right up to the pipeline or refinery connection.
A transloading terminal needs the proper equipment, including:
- Loading racks
- Top or bottom loading arms
- Hoses
- Non-slip walking surfaces
- Gangways
- Safety cages
- Ladders
Of course, these items can be adapted to the customer’s unique needs. Terminal equipment has two important functions: to prevent injury to workers and to prevent a spill that could create plenty of damage.
Spill containment is another issue that must be addressed. Fuel spills happen most often when a worker tries to connect or disconnect during the loading and unloading process. Along railroad tracks, spill containment track pans can be used to fulfill the required environmental spill contamination regulations. These pans also make it possible to clean up a spill quickly should one occur. Track pans catch drips, leaks, and spills, and they can be placed end-to-end for full coverage. Steel is the preferred material because of its durability.
Once the railcar is in place, a pipe is connected to the bottom on one end and the tanker connection on the other. At that point, gravity does all the work to unload. If the oil is taken from the top of the car, then the pipe will have to do the work by drawing crude oil out of the railcars to deposit it into the truck. Soon after it is transloaded from railcars to tanker trucks, the crude is on its way again, this time to the refinery.
The need for oil and gas in America makes it mandatory that we develop the sources we have at home instead of being so dependent on foreign countries. In order to accomplish this task, fluid handling companies need accurate and reliable products with a focus on safety. That’s what Sam Carbis Solutions Group does best: provide companies with fall prevention and smooth integrated operating systems for increased efficiency. We can handle a variety of fluid handling issues, including:
- Custody Transfer
- Chemical Metering
- Mobile Transloading
- Pumping Systems
- Skid-mounted systems
Our custody transfer systems can be manufactured to use with chemical liquid transfer applications or alternative fuels.
Sam Carbis Solutions Group has more than 90 years of experience and knowledge as an industry leader in fall prevention and fluid handling equipment. We can provide complete safety equipment packages that feature pumping systems and control integration. Contact us today to see how we can help improve your transloading process by making your company more efficient and your employees safer.
