Although no two Chlorine 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.

In the United States, chlorine is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into trucks or railcars via chemical hoses or by-pass arms. Chlorine, if not handled properly can be fatal and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Additionally, because operators are on top of the vehicles during the loading process, fall prevention is essential, not only for safety but increases throughput.

Chlorine is transported in 18,000 to 23,000-gallon DOT 105 class dedicated thermal insulated and pressurized tank cars. Chlorine tank cars come in three sizes 55, 85 or 90 ton capacities. It’s imperative that the tank cars not be loaded in excess of the load limit stenciled on the side of the car; therefore we would always recommend a secondary overfill device. The rails cars themselves have a 10′ outside diameter and an overall length ranging from 33’ to 48’, with a 6’x6′ centered crash box.

Chlorine tank cars are top un-loaded by increasing the pressure in the vapor space above the liquid level to force the chlorine up the discharge pipe and out the liquid angle valves. Connections to the Angle valves are typically made from one inch schedule 80 carbon steel pipe, approximately 15” long with standard NPT threaded ends. Additional padding (increasing the pressure in the vapor space) with compressed dry air or nitrogen can be used if the tank car pressure drops during the unloading process.

DOT MC-330 & MC-331 tank trailers are used to transport chlorine over roads and highways with a capacity of 15 – 20 tons (13,600 kg – 20,000 kg) The trailers can be top or bottom loaded/unloaded using the same man way and valve arrangements as rail tank cars and are required to have excess flow check valves under both the liquid and gas angle valves. Before loading begins, all hoses and ANSI fittings should be connected to the trailer for accurate axle weight to prevent overfilling.