STANDARD

SPECIFICATION
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM

BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED

E&P HQ MUMBAI

L.UL.01.0 01.04.18 R1 GENERAL MGR(Mech DGM(Mech) GM(Engg)

1 )
DOC. NO. REV. REV. REVISION PREP. BY CHK. BY APPR. BY
DATE NO. DETAILS
 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
R1, DT.LPG
LPG –LOADING
REV. /LOADING
- 01.04.18 / UNLOADING
UNLOADING ARM ARM

SPECIFICATION OF LPG TANK-LORRY

LOADING/UNLOADING ARMS (WITH EMERGENCY
RELEASE COUPLING / BREAKAWAY COUPLING)

1. BRIEF SCOPE OF WORK:

The scope of work covers (but not limited to) the design, engineering,
fabrication, inspection at manufacturers/assemblers works, testing, supply to
site, supervision of erection/commissioning and providing performance
guarantee of LPG Liquid & Vapor loading/unloading Arm with suitable ACME
coupling to connect directly with lorry ACME adaptor for end connection.
ERC / BAC (Emergency Release Coupling / Shear Pin type Breakaway
Coupling) shall be integral part of all such arms.

It is not the intent of this specification to completely specify all the details of
design and construction. Nevertheless, the equipment to be supplied by the
vendor shall conform to the high standards of engineering, design and
workmanship in all respects. Design and sizing of all components of the LPG
loading/unloading arms should be approved by one of the third party
inspection (TPI) agencies given in tender. The materials and specifications
mentioned in the tender document are minimum required and if the design
warrants a superior quality/higher sizing of materials, the same should be
included in the scope of this supply.

2. DOCUMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS SPECIFICATION:

The following are the documents included in this specification:
2.1 Data sheets of LPG unloading/ loading arm.
2.2 Successful tenderer must visit the locations to ascertain the actual
connection size at the plant end before manufacturing the loading arms.

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

3. On single stand post or single mounting plate (Individual base plate is

preferred) , two arms one for liquid and one for vapor should be mounted with
acme coupling suitable to lorry side acme adaptor of 2” and 1.5” size for
-liquid and vapor respectively. ERC/BAC, 2” shut of valve.
Swivel joints, earthling / bonding system etc. Each Arm should be with
ERC/BAC. The ERC/BAC should not have any shearing parts having falling
metal objects during operation. Shear pin type Emergency release coupling
/Break away coupling are acceptable but no other shearing / dismantled parts
are acceptable Activation /breaking /releasing/separation it should not impart
force in excess of what is prescribed either at the tanker manifold nozzles
ends or at TLD pipeline manifold ends which can cause any unsafe
condition .

4. The ERC/BAC should be activated when the arm moves inadvertently in

attached condition along with the tank lorry. Design of ERC/BAC should be
such as to create a maximum torque within the range of 250 - 300NM at the
EFCV (Excess flow check valve) / IEFCV (Internal Excess Flow Check
Valve) of the tank lorry during relative motion beyond which the coupling shall
operate / shear pin shall break disconnecting the tank lorry from main
manifold in the gantry with no LPG leakage from LPG tank lorry or from LPG
manifold pipeline. Engineering design should be suitable to meet BPCL
requirement. However, in no other normal operating conditions, handling of
unloading arms, the equipment must not break and the design of shear Pin
/Breakaway coupling must ensure this and vendor has to redesign the same
to ensure above required performance.

5. The torque refers to the torque created by the force acting perpendicularly
on the length of the unloading arm (moment arm) at the EFCV / IEFCV of the
Tank Lorry. Torque range shall be 250 - 300 NM at the EFCV/IEFCV. In other
words, the shear force required to operate the breakaway coupling shall not
cause a rotational torque less than 250 NM and more than 300 NM at the
EFCV/IEFCV.

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

7. After activation of break-away coupling, flexible portion of arm must rise

automatically to avoid fouling with the tank lorry The actuation mechanism for the
ERC /BAC shall be based on shear force. Shear Pin design ERC/BAC shall be
acceptable. The actuation mechanism for the ERC/BAC could also be based on
reference to the threshold shear force acting against the pre-calibrated circlip
springs holding the BAC assembly together. No ERC/BAC design with cable & cam
type actuation dependent on position shall be considered for reasons of accuracy and
reliable operation

8. In Case Shear Pin type design is offered, 10 sets of shear pins per arm will
be supplied at no extra cost. Any other consumable like O-rings/gaskets
which require replacement at the time of replacement of Shear Pin shall also
be supplied at no extra cost.

9. Detailed refitting Methodology for Emergency Release Coupling shall be

provided.

10. Supply and supervision of erection of accessories connected with bottom

unloading/loading arms, like earthing strips, bonding arrangement, foundation
bolt for stand post/mounting plate etc.

11. The Loading/Unloading Arm (Liquid & Vapor) connected to the LPG Tank
Truck should have cold flaring arrangement. This is to avoid splashing
leakage of LPG while disconnecting the arm from tank lorry. The flaring
arrangement should include:

 ½” sch. 160 seamless pipes, ½” steel braided hose of minimum

3000 # rating and
 ½” threaded / flanged end SS fire safe ball valve. Venting line
should be of rigid pipeline and across the swivel joint ½” steel
braided hose of minimum 3000# should be used (1/2 inch
schedule 80 pipe is also acceptable for venting operations).

12. SCOPE OF SUPPLY: Vendor scope of supply shall include complete

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

loading/unloading arm. Quantity of loading/unloading arm shall be as per

SOQ (Schedule of Quantities).

The Major components of the Liquid and Vapor arm are:

i. Base Riser
ii. Inboard arm (3” for both liquid and vapor arm)
iii. Outboard arm
iv. Connecting arm/pipe) Swivel joints
v. Vent/Drain connection with valve for both liquid and vapour arm.
vi. 2” Shut-off valve for Liquid line, 1.5” for vapour line. (Ball Valve
size 2" for Vapor Line is also acceptable. The specifications of the Ball
valve shall be as per Tender Specifications.)
vii. Counter balance arrangement with proper protection cover.
viii. Supporting arrangement.
ix. Parking/ locking arrangement. No protruding part of arm shall be
seen outside the island in parked and locked position.
x. Emergency release couplings/safety breakaway couplings (shear
pin type) with automatic shutoff valves and automatic rise/folding
option (after activation) to avoid collusion with rear wheels.
xi. In Case Shear Pin type design is offered 10 sets of shear pin will
be supplied at no extra cost. Any other consumable like o rings
/gaskets which require replacement at the time of replacement of
Shear Pin shall also be supplied at no extra cost. Design of shear
pin must be ensured to achieve requirements of normal LPG
operational, Arm handling and safety during LPG
unloading/loading operation.
xii. Suitable ACME coupling to connect directly with lorry acme
adaptor.

13. SPARES FOR 2 YEARS NORMAL OPERATION:

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

Tenderer shall quote for recommended spare parts for two years trouble free
operation as given in the Price Bid. However, if any tenderer feels that
additional spares are required as per OEMs recommendation for two years
trouble free maintenance, then they shall supply same along with the
equipment and include the cost of such spares in their bid. The same is
applicable to erection/commissioning/testing spares also. Spares required
during training, field acceptance testing activities also form part of
commissioning spares and are deemed to have been included in the
respective items of supply of loading arms. In Case Shear Pin type Design is
offered 10 sets of shear pin per arm will be supplied at no extra cost. Any
other consumable like O rings /gaskets which require replacement at the
time of replacement of Shear Pin shall also be supplied at no extra cost.

14. CODES & STANDARD:

The material of construction of the pipes, flanges, valves, joints etc. shall be
in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The design and fabrication shall
be as per latest edition of ANSI B 31.3 Petroleum Refining Standards. The
specification of the pipes & flanges (ANSI 300#) shall be in accordance with
relevant ANSI, API standards & codes. Wherever international standards and
codes are not available, vendor may follow his own proven standards and
practices.

15. GENERAL REQUIREMENT:

Bottom Loading/Unloading Arm shall essentially consist of outboard arm,
inboard arm, connecting pipe, swivel joints, drain and vent connection, shutoff
valve, counter balancing arrangement, supporting arrangement,
locking/parking arrangement, emergency release coupling / shear pin type
safety breakaway coupling and ACME coupling. The Loading/Unloading Arms
should be suitable for LPG liquid flow of 60 Cum/Hr - for 3” (80 mm) NB.

Page 5 of 20
 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

The Unloading/loading arms shall be designed for the

following conditions: Design temperature: -25 Deg.
C to +65 Deg. C. Design Pressure: 28 Kg /Sq.Cm,

Test Pressure: 35 kg/Sq.Cm.

16. ARM & PIPE:

The arms shall be seamless pipes suitable for LPG conforming to ASTM A
106 Gr. B and flanges, valves, joints etc. shall be in accordance with
relevant ASTM standards &codes. The specification of the pipes and flanges
shall be in accordance with relevant ANSI standards & codes. The pipe
thickness shall be adequate for the specified design pressure and the
bending and torsional stresses encountered in the loading operations. Size
of liquid & Vapour Inboard arm is 3” and tanker end connection of 2” for
liquid and 1.5” for vapour. Connecting pipe/nozzle shall be provided with
male/female connector of ACME Threads. A shutoff valve shall be provided
in the connecting pipe or outboard arm to minimize product leakage at the
time of disconnection. The shutoff valve should be a ball valve of Fire safe
type design with full bore and should be accompanied by a type test
certificate. The arm shall be balanced throughout its working range with
adjustable balancing arrangement.

Specifications for Seamless Pipes

Material - Carbon Steel Std -ASTM A 106 Gr B

Mfg Process - Seamless

Wall Thickness - Size: 15-20 NB - Sch 160

Size: 25-50 NB - Sch 80
Size: 65NB & Above - STD Sch
Specifications for Seamless Pipe Fittings (Elbows, Tees,
Reducers)

Material - Carbon Steel

Std - ASTM A 234 WPB

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

Mfg Process - Seamless

Wall Thickness - Size 15NB- 40NB (Socket Welded 3000#)

Size 50NB & Above- Sch 80

Specifications for Flanges

Material-Carbon Steel Std - ASTM A 105 (SS)

Drilling - ANSI B16.5
Mfg Process - Forged
Pressure Rating -Size 15NB- 40NB (Socket Welded 300#)
Size 50NB & Above- (Weld Neck 300#)
Note: (SORF Flanges not acceptable)

Specifications for Ball Valves

Type - Full Bore Ball Valve

Design Std - API 6D
Body - ASTM A 216 WCB/ ASTM A 105
Ball -13% Cr Steel /SS304/SS316/SS410
Stem - 13% Cr Steel (No Casting with Anti Blow
out
Design)
Trim - 13% Cr Steel /SS304/SS316/SS410
Packing & Seat - RPTFE / Grafoil
Studs, Bolts / Nuts - ASTM A 193 B7 / ASTM A 194 2H
Fire Safe - API 607 / API 6FA API 6D
Monogram - Required Pressure
Rating - 300#
Operation - Manual (Lever Operated, Quarter Turn,
with Open / Close Position Indicator)

17. SWIVEL JOINTS:

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
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DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

The swivel joints shall be designed to make the arm manoeuvrable with the
effort of a single person and MOC of same shall be min. A 105. The swivel
joint should be of split flange type design with ease of maintenance. The joints
shall have chrome carbon steel balls/high carbon steel balls/SS balls as per
design in minimum 2 rows fixed in suitably hardened steel guide ways. The
seal materials shall be filled PTFE with ant extrusion rings of Inconel-X 750 /
SS316 energizer spring or better/equivalent seal.

The materials should be corrosion resistance to mercapton Sulphur which is

present in LPG and shall be compatible for LPG application.

The swivel joints shall be long lasting lubricated type. If any alternative
lubrication is offered, vendor shall substantiate its superiority with respect to
the long lasting lubricated type.
The arrangement of swivel joint shall preferably allow changing of seal without
complete dismantling. The swivel joints shall have corrosion-proof sealing
surfaces, preferably of stainless steel. Seals shall prevent ingress of moisture
and particulates. They shall have leak detection port to enable monitoring of
primary seal for possible leakage. They shall also have a positive back-up seal /
radial O-ring to protect ball races against harsh operating conditions. The
swivel joints shall be split-flange type. The LPG unloading / loading arm shall
have a leak detection port which will give an early warning of failure of primary
seal of the swivel joint. It shall have a provision to plug and continue the
operation of the arms with secondary seal in working condition. This feature
shall be clearly shown in the GA drawings and submitted along with the
technical bid. The functionality of the leak detection port as mentioned above
shall also be demonstrated to the TPIA during inspection.

The strength of the swivel joint shall be based on the combination of the internal
design pressure for swivels and the maximum design equivalent load as per
ASME B31.3 which takes into account combination of external axial, bending
moment and radial loads.

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DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

Swivel joint design shall be such that non-destructive examination (NDE) of

the hardened thickness of ball races is possible. Pressure losses for the entire
arm assembly shall preferably not exceed 0.5 bar at maximum flow rate.

Number of swivel joints (minimum 5) provided in each loading arm should

result in adequate degrees of freedom/rotation to ensure the following:
a. Cross connection of liquid/vapor lines/phases of the tank lorry without
additional pipe.
b. Strain free normal locking / bolting of quick coupler and clamping collar
of breakaway coupler.
c. Tank lorry connection of loading arm should be such that interference
with vehicle bumper is avoided.

The terminal swivel assembly shall be designed to keep the coupling device
horizontal and equipped with a manual handle. Balancing unit shall be adapted
when necessary to maintain this condition.

18. EMERGENCY RELEASE COUPLING/SAFETY BREAKAWAY COUPLING

Each loading arm shall be provided one emergency release coupling /safety
breakaway coupler with self-closing valves on both the sections. It should be of
instantaneous shut down type to be installed either on the terminal sleeve or on
outboard arm downstream of the shutoff valve. The breakaway couplers shall
be of SS 316 L constructions, seals of Viton, PTFE type, working pressure of
25 bar.g. and working temperature - 46 deg. C to + 100 deg.C. and shall be
suitable for re-assembly in approximately less than 20 minutes. The
emergency release coupling should not impart any excess force either at the
tanker end or pipeline manifold of TLD Bay which may cause any unsafe
condition e.g. damage to the tank lorry nozzle manifold or tank lorry gantry pipe
line manifold during emergency exit of the tank lorry from gantry with unloading
arm connected. The loading/unloading arm should be in Stay Put Condition.

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

The breakaway coupling shall have the feature for instant disconnection when
tank truck moves away accidentally. When disconnecting in normal
operation/accidently no falling parts should exist in the breakaway coupling. It
should be of high flow rate/low pressure drop and quick closing time, with
minimum loss of media.

The requirements are:

a) BAC/ERC shall not accidentally operate during normal operation as well as
during handling, maintenance of the unloading/loading arm.
b) As and when it operates in emergency, there shall not be any falling metallic
parts which could cause generation of spark.
c) In case of Emergency Release, both the liquid and Vapour Arms should be
activated together with complete auto isolation of LPG tank lorry as well as
LPG pipe line manifold resulting to maintaining a complete NO LPG leakage
situation d) The two loading arms on Emergency release should not entangle
with each other.

19. ACME coupling

Suitable for direct connection with lorry side ACME adaptor (male portion of
ACME coupling)
The couplings shall be made of stainless steel and shall confirm to SS 316L
grade ANSI 300 or better. Chemical/ mechanical certification must be
submitted with every batch of product. Material must be corrosion resistant and
suitable for LPG. Sealing material should be compatible for LPG-PTFE.

The coupling shall be capable of retro-fit to the Loading/ loading Arm provided
at site, subject to balancing of arm.
The loading/ unloading arm and ACME coupling shall be integrated as a single
system and counter balanced at site.
Portion of arm pipe from ERC/BAC to ACME coupling of 2” $for liquid arm, 1.5”
for vapour arm will be made of Stainless Steel. The ACME coupling alignment

Page 10 of 20
 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

should be proper with the tank truck nozzle and easy to align with no leakage
or spillage. The design and weight balancing of the arm shall be such as to
facilitate ease of operation (connecting & disconnecting the arm) by the
operator deployed on duty.

20. END CONNECTION

End connections for the Unloading/Loading Arms will be as follows:

LPG LIQUID LINE LPG VAPOUR LINE

MANOEURABLE END 2” (50mm NB) ACME 1.5” (40mm NB) ACME

FIXED END 50/80 mm NB WNRF 50/80 mm NB WNRF 300

300#
# to ANSI B 16.5

Note: All flanges shall be a minimum of 300# rating and shall be weld neck
raised serrated face type.

21. BALANCING ARRANGEMENT

The arms shall be counter balance by a spring balancing device (no counter
weights permitted) / composite spring type /Gas Strut//Helical Springs
(Torsion spring type is not acceptable).The balancing arrangement shall be
such that the outboard arm along with the connecting pipe remains horizontal.
Balancing mechanism should be operable by single operator with ease and
enables fine adjustment with simple tools. Provision for adjusting the counter
balance shall be provided. Each loading arm should have balancing systems
for outboard arm and for connecting pipe (nozzle) to keep both of them
horizontal. Balancing should be done considering all components of entire
loading arm i.e. ERC/BAC, ACME coupling of size 2” for liquid line & 1.5” for
vapour line , Ball Valves, and Swivel Joints etc.

22. SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENT:

The arm shall be self-supporting type or column mounted type with stand
post/mounting plate. The supporting arrangement shall be such that there is
complete flexibility in operation.

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LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

23. LOCKING ARRANGEMENT: Suitable locking arrangement shall be provided

for locking the arm in parked position. The locking arrangement can be
manual or pneumatic.

24. GROUNDING ARRANGEMENT:

Electrical grounding device shall be provided so that the tank wagons/trucks
are properly earthed and electrostatic charges are safely diverted to ground.
The arm shall be equipped with earthing strips min. 70 mm2 cross-section
area or as per relevant standard made of copper rubber lined or SST for by-
passing all non-conductive junctions and shall guarantee 0.5 Ohms max.
electrical resistance throughout the life of the arm. Earthing grounding device
not to be provided. However earthing strips for by-passing all non-conductive
junctions to be provided.

25. LOADING/UNLOADING WORKING ENVELOPE:

The length of inboard/outboard arms and connecting pipes shall be such as to
give adequate flexibility in loading/unloading operations. The distance from the
edge of the fixed platform to the centreline of the tank truck is approximately
2.75-3.0 mtrs. The width of tank lorry is 2.4m approximately. The size of the
tank lorry bay being: Width 5.5-6.0M, Length: 16.0M, the height of truck nozzle
will be approximately at 0.9m from FFL. The vendor should be responsible for
collecting the actual site data from the locations and design suitable length of
loading arm at free of cost on award of work as the dimensions given are
indicative and not actual field data.

The following range of flexibility shall be provided as a minimum for every arm:

a) Longitudinal direction (Tanker positioned at Centre of the bay): +/-1.0

b) Transverse direction (Tanker flange(s) and loading arm(s) on

same axis): +/-0.5 m
c) Vertical direction (From tanker flange centre line/top elevation): + /-
0.5 m

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DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

The loading arms shall be designed in such a manner that in all positions of
the tank trucks, the liquid arm should be able to connect to the liquid nozzle
on the truck. Similarly in all positions of the tank trucks, the Vapour loading
arm should be able to connect to the vapor nozzle on the tank truck with or
without crossover with liquid arm. The loading arm shall have sufficient
working range to reach all the filling nozzles of the tank trucks.

26. INSPECTION & TESTING:

Design and sizing of all components of the LPG loading arms should be
approved by one of the Third party inspection (TPI) agencies given under.
Vendor will bear the TPI charges. The materials and specifications mentioned
in the tender document are minimum required and if the design warrants a
superior quality / higher sizing of materials, the same should be included in
the scope of this supply.

TPIA to cover the following:

 TPIA charges shall be paid by vendor & hence any TPIA

charge is to be included in vendor quoted price.
 Vendor will arrange all facilities and instruments for getting
the below mentioned inspection done by TPIA).

a. Visual and dimensional examination of all arms. All radiograph films to

be handed over and 100% checking of radiographs of welds and
certification according to ASME VIII & IX.
b. Witnessing hydrostatic test of all loading/unloading arms in situ
(assembled/installed) at 35kg/sq.cm. for 30 minutes and rotation test of
each swivel joint for five movements clock-wise and antic clock-wise
should be done at working pressure and certificate thereof. Secondary
seal to be tested at 30 kg/sq.cm pressure. Procedure for testing Leak
Detection port of Swivel joint under pressure for functional test to be as
under :-

- Radial O ring to be removed and checked for leakage through leak

detection port.

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STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

- Leak detection port needs to be plugged and pressurized to check for

leakage ensuring secondary seal effectiveness. 2. 5% (five percent) of
loading arms per location to be tested for this.

c. Review of manufacture’s data including raw material certificates,

WPS/PQR and welder’s qualifications, NDE certificates (radiographic
examination, liquid penetrate test and other etc.).
d. Witness functional test, balancing examination/mechanism with vertical
and horizontal movement of the loading arm. Balancing of connecting
pipe should also be checked. Review of manufacturer’s data book
including raw materials certificates, WPS/PQR and welder’s
qualifications, non-destructive examination qualifications of operators,
painting certificate.
e. Functional test for Emergency Release Coupling/Safety Breakaway
Coupling: All the individual ERC/BAC shall be tested functionally for
emergency release by making proper arrangements at vendor
workshop/at any test point by installing the arm in a solid foundation,
connecting it to a moving vehicle with LPG tank lorry like nozzles
manifold of threaded joint tightened to required torque, connecting the
arm with Nitrogen/Inert gas/water pressure and simulating emergency
movement of the vehicle. With this, the ERC/BAC should break with
closure of the emergency valves. Nitrogen / inert media/water shall be
used for functionality check at 15 kg/cm2. Operation of ERC/BAC with
respect to working envelope / release envelope shall be recorded. 10% of
ERC testing to be witnessed by TPIA- for re-usable (disengaging) type
design while 10% at random will be tested for shear pin type ERCs.
Spare shear pins must be duly embossed for identification and should
carry performance guarantee. The above test must be witnessed by TPIA
/ BPCL officer.
f. Rotational test of random sample of each size of swivel joint for 50000
cycles with continuous design pressure to be witnessed by TPI. This is a
destructive test and the swivel should not be used for production.
g. BPCL, on its discretion may participate in witnessing ANY of the Tests as

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STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

per the Scope of Inspection specified. However, the scope of inspection

by TPIA shall be strictly as per the specifications

BPCL/Authorized representative/Third party shall have access for stage wise

& final inspection. This is in addition to manufacturer’s own inspection and
quality assurance program. Vendor shall submit Quality Assurance (QA)
procedures before commencement of fabrication. Approved QA procedures
shall form the basis for equipment inspection.

All the butt weld joints shall be 100% radiographed. The inspection procedure
shall include checking of major dimensions, NDT (radiography etc.) and
verification of materials of construction (through mill test reports) of all
components

After assembly, the arm shall be subjected to tests as per manufacturer’s

standard test procedure. This shall include the functional test of the swivels,
the counter balance & hydrostatic test of complete arm assembly etc. If
dismantling is required for improvement of performance after the tests, the
above basis tests including hydrostatic test shall be redone after reassembly.
Surface cleaning & painting to be inspected by TPI agency in lots.

Any or all the tests, at BPCL’s option, shall be witnessed by third party
inspection agency. Acceptance of shop tests shall not constitute waiver of
requirements to meet the field performance under the specified operating
conditions. NDE (Non Destructive Examination) will be applied to all swivel
bearing surfaces without damage to the swivel body.

SWIVEL’s TEST: If proof test certificates (for swivels of the type and size
proposed and having at least the same loading) are unavailable or
unacceptable, the swivel shall be proof tested at the ❑ Vendor’s works. After
1assembly, at least one arm of each type shall be erected at the supplier
premises. This will allow for all inspection parties to check dimensions,
balancing, operation and function of the complete assembly.

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

27. OTHER REQUIREMENT:

a. ACME coupling suitable to match with acme adaptor of size 2” for liquid
line and 1.5” size for vapor line.
b. The swivel joints provided in the arms shall be interchangeable and
provision shall be provided for replacement of defective swivels.
c. The supplied unloading/ loading arm shall have sufficient strength and
suitably design to take heavy load at the time of connection /
disconnection with tank Lorries without any damage to the Unloading/
loading Arm or to any other structure including TLD LPG manifold/tanker
manifold.
d. Vendor shall be responsible for inspection and certification of all items.
Charges, if any shall be borne by the Vendor. Inspection shall include all
items procured by the Vendor whether indigenous or imported including
all Vendor items and shop fabrication items at Vendor’s / sub-Vendor’s
works. However, for raw materials like structural, steel sections, beams,
plates, and sheets etc Vendor shall furnish mill test certificates only.
BPCL and/or their authorized representative reserve the right to visit the
contractors, vendors, sub-Contractor’s shops for their own
inspection/quality assurance/ quality control and expediting. Such
inspection by BPCL, however, in no way relieves the Vendor of his
responsibilities and obligations.

e. The design shall ensure maximum standardization and inter-

changeability of components. The Unloading/ loading Arm and Coupling
to be designed in accordance with Code ASME B 31.3 latest edition.
Welding qualification for all pressure welds in product carrying members
shall comply with the requirements of Section IX of ASME Code or ASME
B 31.3 whichever is applicable.
f. Loading/ Unloading arm should be designed in such a way so that none
of the arms should foul/hit the rear wheel/mudguard of tank truck before

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

detachment of the ERC/BAC.

g. In no circumstances, ERC/BAC should be partially separated leading to
leakage of product from ERC/BAC.

28. PROTECTION AND PAINTING:

All exposed carbon steel parts to be painted shall be thoroughly cleaned to
remove of scale, rust, dirt and other foreign materials by sand/shot
blasting/power tool cleaning as applicable. Minimum acceptable standard in
case of power tool cleaning shall be SA 3 and in case of blast cleaning shall
be SA 2 ½ as per Swedish standard SIS 055900 – 1967.
Primer and finish paints shall be of Polyurethane. Painting shall be one coat
surface tolerant epoxy at 125 microns and two coats of finish paint acrylic
aliphatic polyurethane at 30 micron per coat.
Non-ferrous materials, austenitic stainless steels, plastic or plastic coated
materials, insulated surfaces of equipment and pre-painted items shall not be
painted. Stainless steel surfaces, both inside and outside, shall be pickled
and passivated. Machined and bearing surfaces shall be protected with
varnish or a thick coat of grease. The final shades of paint (Golden Yellow as
per RAL 1026) will be finalized during finalization of drawing before
execution. Painting shall include providing color bands to identify LPG
Vapor / Liquid arms.

29. PACKAGING AND IDENTIFICATION:

All packaging shall be done in such a manner as to reduce the volume. The
equipment shall be dismantled into major components suitable for shipment.
All assemblies shall be properly match marked for site erection. Attachments,
spare parts of the equipment and small items shall be packed separately in
wooden cases/ suitable gunny packing. Each item shall be appropriately
tagged with identification of main equipment, item denomination and
reference number of the respective assembly drawing.

Detailed packing list in waterproof envelope shall be inserted in the package

together with equipment.

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 STANDARD SPECIFICATION: DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
LPG LOADING / UNLOADING ARM REV. –R1, DT. - 01.04.18
DOC. NO. - L.UL.01.01
STANDARD SPECIFICATION:
LPG –LOADING
REV. R1, DT. - 01.04.18
/ UNLOADING ARM

Each equipment shall have an identification plate, permanently fixed, giving

salient equipment data, make, year of manufacture, equipment number,
name of manufacturer etc. Permanent Manufacturer’s identification mark
should be available in all major components.

30. PERFORMANCE TESTING:

The vendor shall carry out the performance test run of the complete unit at
site after satisfactory erection. Training of operators shall be given at site
during erection /commissioning period without any extra cost to owner.

While designing the loading/unloading, suitable arrangement to be made to

prevent loosening of ACME coupling at threaded connection with arm.

Note : The Dynamic Form is attached as Part 2

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