Tanker Operations #10 - Connect Two - Fill One
 
By President Mark Davis
April 21, 2016
 

When loading tankers, the goal is to load at 1,000 gpm - since that is the minimum fill rate specified in NFPA 1901. Why would we set up a fill site to load tankers at a rate slower than the minimum design specification?

When using LDH and manifolds for loading operations, the better practice is to load one tanker at a time. Allow the pumper to commit all of its pumping discharge outlet capacity to one tanker. It is okay to have a second tanker connected to another line off the manifold - just don't open that line until the first tanker is full.

The only real exception to this best practice is if you are using a 2,000 gpm or larger pumper at the loading site; then it is possible to load two tankers at 1,000 gpm at the same time - assuming that the pumper can get that 2000 gpm into its pump.
 
Chichester Engine 2 drafts and supplies a 4-inch LDH supply line to an LDH manifold at thiswate supply drill in Gilmanton, NH (2012).
Chichester Engine 2 drafts and supplies a 4-inch LDH supply line to an LDH manifold at thiswate supply drill in Gilmanton, NH (2012).
Connect two, load one at a time.
Connect two, load one at a time.