Although no two Aluminum Chloride Loading solutions will be identical, the product itself determines much of the critical design criteria that will ensure that optimum safety and productivity can work together in harmony. 

What is Aluminum chloride? Aluminum chloride also referred to as aluminum trichloride solution is a colorless to yellowish crystalline solid dissolved in water and is corrosive to metals and human tissue. Aluminum chloride is a versatile compound. It’s used in the production of petrochemicals such as ethylbenzene and alkylbenzene.  It can also be found as an ingredient in certain pharmaceuticals, as well as, in the production of paint, synthetic rubber, lubricants, and wood preservatives. 

In the United States, Aluminum Chloride is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded or unloaded into rail cars via rubber chemical hoses or 3” PTFE lined carbon steel loading arms. Aluminum Chloride, if not handled properly can cause serious injuries and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Additionally, because operators are on top of the vehicles during the loading process, robust, well-designed fall prevention is essential to ensure increased throughput, without compromising operator safety.

Aluminum Chloride is typically shipped in 10,000 gallon DOT-103 insulated or non-insulated rubber lined tank cars with safety valves.  The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 50′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.