Bottom loading arm skid
In refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical storage facilities, loading operations are highly frequent. To improve production efficiency, ensure operational safety, and reduce various factors that affect loading speed, our company has developed the distributed LTC-X300 Batch Loading Control System. This system is designed based on an in-depth analysis of the needs of petrochemical enterprises, combined with lessons learned from domestic and international advanced practices.
The system can meet the requirements of batch loading with small loading arms for both trucks and railcars. On-site control is carried out using our company's RCM-T2 series batch loading controller. Instrument signals from flow meters, valves, thermometers, level switches, electrostatic grounding clamps, and loading pump controls are integrated into the controller. The controller collects and processes these signals according to the loading process requirements.
For remote management, the system employs an industrial control computer for centralized supervision. In addition, the system can be connected to a truck scale to support multiple delivery and settlement modes.
System Performance Indicators
Supports simultaneous connection of multiple valves, programmable valve operation sequence, and 8-channel feedback signals.
Accepts pulse signals and 4–20mA signals from flowmeters, supporting real-time data communication.
Connects to 4–20mA output temperature sensors or PT100 platinum resistance sensors with an error margin of ±2%.
Supports powered, voltage-type, or passive level switches.
Compatible with common electrostatic grounding devices.
Loading accuracy under system control: ±0.1%.
Uses open MODBUS communication protocol, allowing easy system integration.
System Composition
(1) Upper-Level Control System
- Data service workstation
- LED monitor
- A4 dot matrix printer
- UPS uninterruptible power supply
- Ethernet switch
- 485/232 communication module
- Loading monitoring software
- IC card writer
(2) Field Control Instruments and Equipment
- Batch loading controller
- Explosion-proof control box
- Mass flowmeter or Roots flowmeter (for oil products)
- Digital electro-hydraulic valve or pneumatic two-stage valve
- Integrated temperature transmitter
- Anti-static overflow controller
- Explosion-proof card reader
CHK-AX Series Batch Loading Controller
The CHK-AX Controller is the core of the system. Based on a Siemens high-performance PLC processor, it is an intelligent explosion-proof device that can be installed near the loading arm for on-site control of truck or railcar loading operations. It communicates with the monitoring computer via a standard industrial control network.
Core Hardware
The Batch Loading Controller is the key hardware component. It integrates a high-performance PLC core and is designed for decentralized installation near loading arms, enabling field control of loading operations and seamless communication with the monitoring computer.
Functions of the Batch Loading Controller
- Batch Loading – Set target volume and issue valve control signals for accurate loading.
- Interlock & Alarms – Provides overfill protection and electrostatic fault alarms via level switches and grounding clamps.
- Valve Control & Feedback – Supports four valve groups; timing can be adjusted via panel input based on LCD display.
- Flow Input – Connects to various flowmeters; commonly supports pulse signals (0–3 kHz).
- Temperature Input – Acquires PT100 standard industrial signals; 14-bit A/D converter ensures accurate measurement and automatic temperature compensation.
- Parameter Setting – Density, flow coefficients, and valve timing can be adjusted based on site requirements.
- Centralized/Decentralized Control – Enables either computer-based centralized control or controller-based decentralized control per loading bay.
- Communication Settings – Open MODBUS protocol for seamless integration with upper-level systems.
