PRESENTAION

ON HP MARINE
LOADING ARM
CONTROL AND
OPERATING
FUNCTION.

BY –SUSHIL KURALE
 WHAT ARE MARINE LOADING ARM?

• Marine Loading Arm also known as Mechanical Loading Arm , Loading Arm,
or MLA, CHIKSAN word is often used to refer Marine Loading Arm.
• It’s a system consisting of rigid pipes connected together with swivel joint
to obtain better efficiency in loading/unloading of Gas /liquid both in
terms of time & money.
• It is an alternative to direct hose hookups.
• It can be controlled manually or hydraulically.
• It can be used handling both Liquid and Gases.

• Loading Arm consist of following:-

I. Vertical riser base assembly.
II. An inboard arm.
III. An outboard arm.
IV. Balancing System.(Counterweight/Pantograph)
V. A set of Hydraulic cylinders.
 Style 40

Pantograph

In board

Counterweight
out board

Style 50

Style 80
Base riser
1) Most efficient & reliable way of fluid handling both in
terms of money & time.
2) Hazardous liquid , petroleum product, gases etc can be
easily handled by loading arm in comparison to hoses.
3) Maximum Operation safety & minimum operational cost.
4) Less manpower required.
5) Easy to maintain.
6) Longer life.
7) Environment friendly.
8) No Spillage.
 Type of Marine Loading Arm

Full Balance MARINE

Double Counter-
Type LOADING
weight Balance Type
ARMS

Rotary Counter-
weight Balance Type
1. Fully Balanced Marine Arm (FBMA)

 The FBMA is fully balanced in all

position with two independent
counter-weight system.
 It is a self-supported structure，the
pipeline and the swivel joint endure
not only the pressure from the media
but also the gravity and the overturn
moment of all load.
 Highly simplified design marine
loading arm for use to offload barges
or small tankers where a limited
operating envelope is required.
 Available diameters:- From 3” to 12”.
2. Double Counterweight Marine Arm (DCMA)
 The DCMA is fully balanced in all
position with two independent
counterweight system as well as
pantograph to balance the inboard
and outboard arms.
 It is most versatile and sophisticated
arm which require less space for
counterweight clearance behind the
arm.
 Available Diameters:- From 6” to 24”
 Applications
Petroleum products
Chemical Products
Heated services
Refrigerated services.
3. Rotary Counterweight Marine Arm (RCMA)
 The RCMA arm is fully balanced in all
position , the counterweight being
combined into one rotating assembly to
balance both the inboard and outboard
sections of arm.
 All of the vertical load and overturn
moment should be supported by the base
rise.
 It is significantly lighter as compared with
large loading arms.

 Available Diameters:- From 6” to 24”

 Applications
Petroleum products
Chemical Products
Heated services
Refrigerated services.
MARINE LOADING ARM ALARM PHILOSOPHY
1. First step of alarm (ESD1) activated by proximity switch
2. Second step of alarm (ESD2) activated by proximity
M . Maximum operating envelope of the loading arm
P . PMS prealarm step activated by PMS device only
HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT.

The HPU is composed with: one oil container

one main electrical motor pump unit
one second hydraulic pump (standby pump) one hand operated pump

one accumulator with oil pressure control and low N2 pressure control set
of filters

set of pressure gauge and pressure regulation block

“Normal and slow” speed function, to control the loading arm flange
approach while the connecting phase.
Roof, hood, protecting cabinet
Oil level and temperature control
HYDRAULIC SECTOR ASSEMBLY
 The hydraulic selector valve assembly is installed on
the base riser of each marine loading arm.
 Basically 6 motion control valves for six movement.
 Arm selection proximity switch.
 Coupler QC/DC actuation valve.
 Pressure switch.
 Free wheel drive valve.
LOCAL CONTROL PANEL
 The electric control and commands of the loading
arms are integrated in the Local Control Panel
 The heart of the system is composed of a PLC and
integrated push buttons and selector switches,
indicating lights, terminal blocks and other electric
basic components.
 It is strongly proposed to locate the local control panel
on the jetty, near the loading arms, fitted with all arms
commands and indicating lights.
POSITION MONITORING
SYSTEME (PMS)
 A Position Monitoring System installed in a safe area is
mainly composed of a dedicated PLC and a
communication interface.
 A local LCD display installed on the jetty control
cabinet with a set of push buttons, selector switches
and LEDs.
 The PMS read the analogue inputs of the loading arm,
displays its position and can activate the alarms (Pre-
alarm, 1st step and 2nd step).
 Operating Equipment

Control Panel
Remote Control
GENERAL FUNCTION OF CONTROL SYSTEM
 The loading arms and the Hydraulic Power unit could
be controlled
 1.Local control panel.
 2.Radio control device.
Control should be either one.
Radio device and control panel function-
Pump start /stop, Arm selection, Coupler QC/DC,
Inboard back/ forward, outboard back/forward,
Normal/slow speed, Valve closed /open.
Function Description.
 Mode Selection.
The operator selects the functioning mode from the Local Control
Panel with the 2 Positions Selector switch” PMS ON / OFF

Position OFF:
 The green LED “PMS ON” is OFF
 The PMS displays the real-time position of the arms
(extension, slewing, inboard, outboard).
 The PMS displays the remaining distances between the
actual position and the first stage and the second stage
alarm of the operating envelope.
 Position ON:
 The green LED “PMS ON” is ON
 The PMS displays the real-time position of the
arms (extension, slewing, inboard, outboard) The
PMS displays the remaining distances between the
actual position and the first stage and the second
stage alarm of the operating envelope.
 The PMS generates alarms to the loading arm
control system when the arm reaches the first
stage or the second stage alarm of the operating
envelope.
OVER DRIFT ALARM
The alarm design to detect the over drift of flange
connection of style 80.
Three alarm type are available.
1.Pre alarm-
 When the arm is connected (Ready for loading) a square of 1 m around the centre
of the flange of Style 80 (4m²) is created.
 When the arm is out of this area, the light “ARM IN PRE-ALARM” of the display is
ON.
 When Alarms are generated, external visual alarm blink (0.5 second “ON”, 1.5 second
“OFF”) and external audio alarm is intermittent (0. 5 second “ON”, 1.5 second “OFF”)
and “ARM IN ALARM”.
 When the Operator presses “Update Pre-Alarm” on the PMS Display, the area of 4 m²
is re-centred around the actual position, the lights and the Horn are switched off.
 2.The first step alarm:

• When the potentiometers detect the arm in first stage alarm, an

intermittent horn signal is generated, the lamp “Arm in Alarm” (of the
concerned arm) is flashing,

• When Alarms are generated, external visual alarm blink (0.5 second
“ON”, 0.5 second “OFF”) and external audio alarm is intermittent (0. 5
second “ON”, 0.5 second “OFF”).

3.The second step alarm:

• When the potentiometers detect the arm in second stage alarm, a

continuous horn signal is generated, the lamp “Arm in Alarm” (of the
concerned arm) is ON

• When Alarms are generated, external visual alarm and external audio
alarm are continuous.
Human machine interface
LOCATION TYPE/LABEL STATUS/ACTION FUNCTIONS

Local Control 2 fixed positions selector Selection Selection of the controlling mode:
Panel switch: - LOCAL
LOCAL/RADIO - RADIO
Local Control Green Pilot light Lamp Off Mode Local
Panel RADIO CONTROL Lamp On Mode Radio
Local Control Push button Selection Selection of the ARM:
Panel ARM SELECTION - 0
… up to 2 Arms
Local Control Selector switch 3 positions Selection Selection of outboard motion
Panel spring return to centre - OPEN
ARM ISOLATING VALVE -
OPEN / CLOSE - CLOSE
Local Control Pilot light green Lamp Off VALVE closed
Panel ARM ISOLATING VALVE Lamp flashing VALVE in intermediate position or
OPEN Lamp On discordance
VALVE opened
Normal Connection and
disconnection sequence.
Connection and ramp up
 All valves shall be closed, except valve (3)

 Open the QCDC (13) and remove the blind flange. Blind flange on HP
spool shall also be removed.

 Operate the loading arm until final mating of the QCDC (13) to the HP
spool.

 Close the QCDC (13).

 Close valve (3).

 Operator deselects the arm in order to let the arm in freewheel mode.
 Pressurize with gaseous nitrogen at 2-3 barg the volume between the
isolating valves (3) and (4) using the connection port (11), to leak soap
test the QCDC face seals.

 Carry out the routine test:

 Open valve (7) during at least 2 seconds to release remaining pressure
 Open valve (6)

 Close valves (6) and (7)

 Pressurize the loading arm from FSRU by :

 Opening the arm isolating valve (3) and spool isolating valve (4)
 Opening FSRU valve (10) till reach the operating pressure.

 Operator selects “arm in service” on the LCP.

 Open valve (2) and start the offloading

Normal disconnection
 The offloading is stopped.

 Jetty valve (2), isolating valves (3 and 4) and FSRU valve (10)
are opened.

 Close the valve (10) then close the jetty valve (2).

 Vent the unloading arm :

 Open the vent valve (5) and (7) to vent the loading arm,

 Wait until the pressure is released (local pressure gauge

control at the base riser or at the spool)
 Operator deselects “arm in service” on LCP. (note: arm
stays in freewheel mode)

 Close valves (4), (5), (7)

 Operator shall select the arm.

 Open the QCDC (13) and close it with the blind flange.
HP spool blind flange shall also be installed.

 Bring back the arm in stored position.

Quick draining sequence –ESD 1
 The ESD 1, could be initiated by:

 a slew angle (if arm reach the first step limit angle of working
envelope) detected by one of the proximity switches on all
connected arms.

 Or a extension angle (if arm reach the first step limit angle of
working envelope) detected by one of the proximity switches
on all connected arms.

 Or locally by pushing the button “ESD 1” on the control panel

 Or from customer system if existing
In case of emergency situation:

 ESD1 signal is sent to Customer (hardwired signal) to stop the

offloading.

 Automatic closure of the both isolating valves (3) and (4).

 The valves (2) and (10) are closed by Customer.

 The valves (5) and (7) are opened automatically to release the
pressure between the valves (3) and (4) to FSRU vent or jetty
vent.

 When the pressure between the valves (3) and (4) is released, the
backup vent valve (6) is opened and valve (7) remains opened.
Quick emergency disconnection
sequence-ESD2
 The ESD2, could be issued by:

 a slew angle (if arm reach the second step limit angle of
working envelope) detected by two out of three proximity
switches on each connected arm.

 Or a extension angle (if arm reach the second step limit angle
of working envelope) detected by two out of three proximity
switches on each connected arm.

 Or locally by pushing the button “ESD2 - Emergency

disconnection” on the control panel
 Or from customer system if existing
ERS (Emergency Release System)
 Steps of Emergency Disconnection Of MLA

1. After connecting the loading arm to ship’s manifold activate the PERC(Power
Emergency Release Coupler) locking Valve (Lever).
2. Remove the 3 No’s locking nut bolt which prevent disconnection.
3. Change the position of A & B pins from maintenance mode.
4. When the arm approaches the limit of predetermined working range, first
alarm ,intermittent audio and lighting alarm.
5. Double disco valve will be closed and draining valve (if present) opening.
6. When arm approaches the limit of maximum operating envelope, second
alarm with continuously audio and light alarming ,PERC cylinder will be
activated for emergency disconnection.
7. After disconnection happens select the arm(panel or mechanically), then get
the arm back to its locking position.
8. After locking the Arm it can be reset from panel.
 The quick disconnecting actuation (automatic or manual mode) shall actuate the components
on all connected arms simultaneously.

 ESD1 sequence and ESD2 information is sent to Customer (hardwired signal)

 When the ESD1 sequence is completed, the QCDC (13) is opening (10s) and vent valve
 is closing.

 The arm is selected automatically and retract the arms near the rest position..

 RECOVERY PROCEDURE AFTER ESD SEQUENCE

 The operator turns off the switch “ARM IN SERVICE”.

 When the pressure drops to zero inside the loading arm (local pressure gauges control, at the
base riser and at the manifold), close the valve (5) and vent valve on arm.

 The operator brings back the arm in stored position.

 The operator reset ESD sequence.

Manual emergency disconnection
sequence.
Procedure:

 The 1st valve to be turned is “REDUNDANCY 1 EMERGENCY

DISCONNECTION”. It activates the closing of the 2 product valves:
ARM ISOLATING VALVE (3) and SPOOL ISOLATING VALVE (4).

 The 2nd valve to be turned is “REDUNDANCY 2 EMERGENCY

DISCONNECTION”. It activates the opening of the 2 depressurization
valves: FSRU VENT STACK VALVE (7) and BACK UP VENT VALVE (6).

 The 3rd valve to be turned is “REDUNDANCY 3 EMERGENCY

DISCONNECTION”. It activates the opening of the QCDC and the
Selection of the Loading arm.
 Maintenance
 Different level of maintenance must be done to maintain the material in
good operating conditions in order to avoid all risk in use.

Quarterly Inspection:
a) Inspection of hydraulic fluid in reservoir .
b) Checking Movement of inboard/out board arm,sweil joint for lubrication.
c) Checking of pressure switches functioning and testing each MLA for its
operation.
Half Yearly Inspection:
a)Checking Functioning of Double disco Valve, PERC.
b)Tightening of pantograph cable, counterweight etc.
c) Checking & lubrication of swivel joint.
Yearly Inspection:
a) Cleaning of hydraulic tank , replacement of oil.
b) Tightening of all hydraulic fitting.
c) Checking and tightness of electrical fittings, control card.
d) Checking of counterweights.
THANK
YOU