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Naphtha Loading

Advanced Safety and Loading Solutions for Upstream/Downstream Naphtha Handling

SafeRack provides industry-leading naphtha loading platforms, naphtha truck loading racks, and safe naphtha transfer systems to support the safe and efficient handling of naphtha gas. Given naphtha’s highly flammable nature, compliance with OSHA naphtha handling safety requirements is essential. SafeRack’s comprehensive solutions help facilities mitigate risks while optimizing loading and unloading operations.

Our systems include naphtha railcar loading arms, fall protection solutions, and bulk liquid naphtha loading equipment, ensuring secure access and controlled handling for both truck and rail transport. By integrating modular access platforms, gangways, and containment systems, SafeRack enhances worker safety while minimizing downtime and operational hazards.

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Naphtha Loading

Understanding Naphtha Gas and Its Industrial Uses

Naphtha is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture derived from natural gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and the distillation of coal tar and peat. The term naphtha may refer to crude oil fractions or refined products such as kerosene.

Common naphtha uses include:

  • Diluting heavy crude oil for easier pipeline transport
  • Producing high-octane gasoline
  • Manufacturing lighter fluid and cleaning agents
  • Serving as a precursor to various petrochemicals

Historically, naphtha fuel was a forerunner of gasoline, and it continues to play a critical role in energy production and industrial applications. Because of its volatility, handling naphtha gas requires specialized safe naphtha transfer systems and adherence to OSHA naphtha handling safety requirements.

Products

Optimized and Safe Naphtha Loading Systems

SafeRack designs naphtha loading platforms, truck loading racks, and bulk liquid loading equipment to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant handling of naphtha gas. Our safe naphtha transfer systems provide secure access, fall protection, and operational reliability in both truck and rail loading applications.

A typical naphtha loading system includes multiple integrated components designed to improve safety, enhance workflow, and prevent spills or over-pressurization.

Naphtha Loading Platforms and Safety Products

  • Top Loading Platforms & Canopies – Equipped with safety gates, access and egress points, lighting, and traffic bollards, ensuring OSHA naphtha handling safety requirements are met.
  • G4 Gangway with 4-Rail Cage – A 36-inch-wide gangway allows for easier maneuvering of the naphtha railcar loading arms, improving accessibility while ensuring worker safety.
  • Extended Gangway Handrails & Articulating Outboard Handrails – Added fall protection to support safe loading and unloading, meeting requirements for fall protection for naphtha loading.
  • Manual vs. Pneumatic Gangway Options – The GX gangway is available in both manual and pneumatic configurations for increased flexibility.
  • Tracking Gangway or MaxRack Integration – The MaxRack elevating safety cage offers an additional level of safety, making it the ultimate solution for high-risk loading environments.
  • Safety Shower & Eye Wash Stations – Critical safety features ensure worker protection in the event of exposure to naphtha fuel vapors or spills.
  • Grounding System – Proper grounding systems for naphtha loading prevent static discharge and improve safety during the transfer process.
  • Spill Containment & Safety Barriers – Reduce the risk of environmental contamination while keeping high-traffic loading areas secure.

Naphtha Loading Arms & Flow Control Features

  • Top Inlet Design – Engineered for naphtha truck loading racks and naphtha railcar loading arms, ensuring smooth product transfer.
  • Carbon Steel Construction – Durable materials built to withstand the demands of safe naphtha transfer systems.
  • 6” Product Line – Designed for high-capacity loading while maintaining control and efficiency.
  • Powered Operation Options – Motorized systems are available to enhance control and precision during the loading process.
  • Vapor Recovery Cone & Hold-Down Device – Helps maintain regulatory compliance by controlling emissions and preventing product loss.
  • Telescoping Drop-Pipe Consideration – Designed for bulk liquid naphtha loading equipment, ensuring product containment and reducing vapor escape.
  • Vapor Line Pressure Switch – Prevents over-pressurization, ensuring OSHA naphtha handling safety requirements are met.
  • Endress & Hauser Nivotester Liquifant High-Level Probe – Provides accurate monitoring to avoid overfill situations.
  • Ball Valve at High Point for Drainage – Improves system maintenance and prevents product buildup.
  • Viton Seals – High-performance seals enhance durability and resistance to chemical exposure.
  • Swivel Joint Bridge Straps for Electrical Continuity – Ensures consistent grounding and static control in safe naphtha transfer systems.
  • Parking Latch & Sensor Integration – Improves safety by ensuring secure storage and proper alignment of the loading arm when not in use.

FAQ

How do SafeRack’s gangways improve safety during energy product loading and unloading?

SafeRack’s self-adjusting gangways provide safe, OSHA-compliant access to tank trucks, railcars, and barges transporting crude oil, natural gas liquids, and refined fuels. Equipped with four-rail safety cages and available in powered options, our gangways minimize fall risks and ensure safe, efficient loading and unloading in high-volume energy operations.

Can SafeRack’s loading arms handle corrosive and flammable materials?

Yes. SafeRack’s carbon steel loading arms are built to safely transfer a wide range of energy products, including crude oil, LNG, and petrochemicals. With PTFE-sealed swivel joints for chemical resistance and vapor recovery systems for EPA compliance, these arms are designed to withstand harsh environments while maintaining safety and efficiency.

How does SafeRack help prevent spills and environmental hazards at energy facilities?

SafeRack provides a range of spill containment solutions, including pans, berms, and wheel chocks, to capture leaks during the transfer of oil, gas, and petrochemicals. These systems help energy facilities stay compliant with EPA regulations while protecting workers and the environment from hazardous spills.

Why is grounding important in energy loading operations, and how does SafeRack help?

Grounding is critical in energy operations to prevent static discharge, which can ignite flammable vapors during the transfer of crude oil, LNG, and refined fuels. SafeRack’s grounding and bonding systems ensure a secure ground connection before product flow begins, reducing fire and explosion risks and maintaining compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards.

Can SafeRack customize safety platforms and access systems for energy facilities?

Absolutely. SafeRack offers customizable access solutions, including gangways, platforms, stairs, and fall protection systems, specifically designed for the complex needs of energy facilities. Our modular systems are built to withstand harsh environments while improving worker safety and operational efficiency.

Projects

What Customers Are Saying

★★★★★

Great, easy to read shop drawings. Great, easy to read shop drawings, aluminum construction and OSHA Certified. Shipped immediately. The product went together well and was a perfect fit.

By Pete W. from Miller Bros. Construction, Inc.

★★★★★

Costs less than I could have it designed for. Standard model could be modified to meet my application. Costs less than I could have it designed for. Costs less than I could have it built for. Easy installation.

By Project E. from International Paper

★★★★★

I've had zero negative experiences working with SafeRack. The product was delivered on time with excellent communication – packed down small for shipment. I've had zero negative experiences working with SafeRack – and look forward to buying some other products very soon.

By Tom G. from Flotech Performance Systems

★★★★★

All positive experiences! Even my customer agreed! My salesman Joe Free was fantastic, he was incredibly responsive & was very honest with me when it came to what my customer really needed for their application. As I could not be there for the on-site visit – my customer was drawn to a new unit from SafeRack as they already had a unit they were using & liked, recommended by their safety manager, lead times were short & installation is easy!

By Kelsey I. from Dival Safety Equipment Inc.

★★★★★

Extremely Satisfied We really like the product. It serves us well.

By Kelly Q. from Bunge Oils

★★★★

Light years better than your competitors. Molly Laqua was excellent, responsive and had almost immediate answers to each question or comment. Light years better than your competitors in terms of responsiveness, quality, documentation, and delivery.

By Karen C. from Flexible Lifeline Systems