Traveling loading arm for marine tankers

Abstract

A traveling articulated loading arm movably mounted on the deck of a marine tanker for transferring fluid between a flexible hose along either side of the tanker and manifold ports at various locations along the tanker centerline. The arm can be extended sufficiently beyond either side of the tanker to enable connection of the hose to the arm without having to bend the hose over the tanker railing, and petroleum and other fluid from the hose can be directed into any of the tanker holds by connecting the inboard end of the arm to the proper manifold inlet. The arm can be moved like an inchworm from one side of the tanker to the other by connecting the inboard end to a first manifold flange or other appropriate support at the tanker centerline, bringing the outboard end in and connecting it to a second manifold flange or support closely adjacent the inboard end, and then disconnecting the inboard end from the first flange or support and extending it out to its functional position at the other side of the tanker. The arm also is provided with a hydraulic system for maneuvering the arm sections, for operating couplers to connect it to manifold or other flanges, and for powering jacks to adjust the position of the couplers with respect to said flanges.