autoload.t version patented by Zipfluid is the first robotic system expressly designed for loading fluids into road tankers, ISO containers and rail tankers.
At the start-up, it self-checks, then autonomously recognizes the manhole, compute its exact position, moves to it, inserts the drop pipe and loads the fluid.
autoload.t version
automatic loading arm for tankers
welcome to the future
Why autoload® for tankers?
Safety
- No risks of falls
- No toxic inhalation
- No ergonomic challenges
- No damages
Efficiency
- There is no need of an expert operator
- Drivers execute nothing more than their normal tasks
- All preparatory operations are streamlined
- Loading sequence is fast, consistent and error free
LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP
- The cost of operators for purely waiting around is saved
- The cost of periodical maintenance is lower due to absence of damages
- The cost of the insurance premiums is lower thanks to lower safety risks
- Compliance to Industry 5.0 Regulations allows for fiscal relief
Filling a Road Tanker, an ISO Container or a Rail Tanker is a hazardous and labor-intensive process. The risk of getting it wrong can have severe consequences with high costs and a bad advertising that could devaluate the company brand.
Working at height can cause accidental misadventure, there is the potential of death by falling, of damaging the loading arm or the tanker, of injuries for the operators.
Loading Arms are often equipped with many accessories, such as vapor recovery hose, actuated valves, overfill sensors, that increase their weight and - therefore - the ergonomic challenges and risk of damages.
Handling manually dangerous liquids greatly relies on the skills and the familiarity of the operator to manoeuvre accurately the arms or the hoses. In case of human misbehaviour, toxicity, corrosivity and flammability of the fluid may cause death or injuries for the operators and significant damages to the surrounding environment.
To create a safer and a cleaner workspace and to boost efficiently, Zipfluid has invented the autoload® Loading Arm, available in ATEX and SAFE version.
How does autoload® work?
Picture a fluid loading operation, where the tanker is positioned somewhere in the loading bay. The manhole has been opened and it awaits filling. The autoload® loading arm is parked in a tundish.
Just one button is pressed. It can be pressed from a control panel on the loading platform or in a remote-Control Room. The autoload® loading arm will lift out of the tundish and move through its arcs to a point over the tanker.
Once the manhole is detected, the autoloader for trucks will lower itself into position, carry out self-checking operations (tanker earthed, arm pressed onto the manhole, vapor line pressure low, high-level sensor dry). Only then, it will give a permissive to start loading. The command can then be given by the operator in the loading bay or by the supervisor in the remote Control Room.
On completion of loading, the autoload® arm will remove itself from the manhole and return directly to the parking tundish where a purge can be conducted awaiting the next tanker to load.
Manual operation is always allowed in case the operator wants to take control of the loading. By using a simple joystick, he can manoeuvre autoload® by using a wireless joystick or pressing the LEFT/RIGHT and UP/DOWN buttons.
Two-way communication to TAS / DCS allows for a complete integration of autoload® into the Company Management System.