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Home / Industries / Bulk Chemical Loading / Ethanol Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.Ethanol Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.
Although no two Ethanol 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.
Ethanol, also referred to as ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol is a clear colorless liquid and it’s a principal ingredient in alcoholic beverages. In the United States ethanol is primarily produced from the fermentation of starch in corn grain. In the fuel industry, bio-refineries use state-of-the-art technologies to convert grains, food wastes, cellulosic biomass and other feedstocks into high-octane ethanol.
Ethanol is typically shipped in 26,000 to 30,000 gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves. However, the newly mandated 2015 FAST Act ruling requires that all tank cars moving flammable liquids must be retrofitted to meet the new DOT-177J and 177R tank car specifications. The ruling also establishes a timeline of May 1st, 2023 to phase-out tank cars that don’t meet the new specification.
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View Full TextTank truck (un)loading procedures are similar to railcar applications with the trailers meeting established DOT requirements for transporting ethanol or other like commodities. Approved trailers include MC 306/DOT 406 low pressure trailers. Road trailers are bottom unloaded and equipped with pressure relief valves.
Ethanol is a flammable, colorless, and slightly toxic chemical compound. It shares similar chemical properties to gasoline and because of that ethanol has evolved into a fuel substitute and fuel additive. It’s also used to oxygenate gasoline mixtures, which in turn allows fuel to burn more completely, which results in cleaner emissions and better air quality.
In the United States, Ethanol is primarily a “splash” or (open dome) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via 4” to 6” boom-supported carbon steel or CS and aluminum loading arms. Ethanol, if not handled properly can cause injuries; therefore 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.
Ethanol-blended fuels are transported in various types of containers including tank trucks, rail cars, barges, and pipelines.
Typical Ethanol Loading Platform
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Below are some of the loading and unloading solutions for illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs.Ethanol Loading Arms
Ethanol is typically loaded into railcars or tank trucks via a fixed reach or boom supported carbon steel loading arms with aluminum sub-components (i.e. aluminum drop tube) The arm will have a top inlet with a control valve to ensure that it is self-draining after use. Additional arm components may include, high level sensor probe, or parking latches with proximity sensors to ensure the arm is properly stowed when not in use, and more importantly before any rail car or truck movement can occur. Railcar unloading typically includes a sweeping aluminum elbow attached to the belly valve connected to either a self-draining stainless or CS loading arm or petroleum hose with emergency breakaways and flanged end connections.
Road tanker unloading would typically involve petroleum hoses or bottom (un)loading arms with API couplers attached to the under belly or lower rear of the trailer.
Ethanol Loading Gangways and Safety Cages
A wider access gangway (48″-60″ is preferable) as it helps improve access and egress to and from the vessel. In addition, a wider gangway will reduce the risk of the operator’s PPE getting caught, torn or damaged, and will improve productivity and safety. Powered gangway solutions are also an option, with both hydraulic and pneumatic solutions being commonly used. Each gangway will be fitted with a two-rail safety cage for the railcar crash box. This will be a centered 6’x6′ safety cage to sit directly over the cashbox. This will provide a safe, secure work environment for your operator when connected to their breathing apparatus
GX FLAT RAMP ACCESS (FRT) GANGWAY
SafeRack’s NEW GX-FRT is a flat ramp model popular with railcars. It features a slip-resistant walk surface and, with the use of the telescoping extension, eliminates gaps on narrow railcars. Learn More
Ethanol Eye Wash/Drench Showers
ANSI guidelines state that an Eye Wash/Drench Showers need to be located 10 seconds or 55′ (16.8m) from contaminants or hazardous materials. Eyewash stations need to be on the same horizontal plane with no obstructions.
Therefore, we would propose the installation of a standard combination Drench Shower/Eyewash Unit, which will save limited space and fit easily into any work environment.
Ethanol Spill Containment
Spill containment pans will be provided at the point of loading operations and is an essential piece of equipment in overall site safety and environmental protection Ethanol Grounding
Ethanol is not normally combustible. However risk of fire does exist in the presence of TRS gases. These fumes are flammable and can be ignited by heat or flame. Vapors have been known to travel back to ignition sources and flashback. - Vehicle grounding and bonding — ensure true grounding before product flow is permitted
- Explosion-proof enclosures — meet or exceed UL, CSA, and Ex requirements
- Non-sparking tools are also recommended while working around this product
Ethanol Safety Gates
Safety Gates will be installed at the top of stairs and any other openings to ensure operator safety at all times. YellowGate Safety Gates
SafeRack’s line of industrial safety gates is the most flexible product on the market with the ability span openings between 16″ and 36″ and is field adjustable with nothing more than a wrench. Learn More
Ethanol Options
- Lighting – Lighting both over and under the platform will be provided. For overcast days or second shift, lighting is essential for improved safety and improved productivity.
- Platform & Canopies – Full platform canopies reduce exposure to the elements and improve the safe and productive loading operation from the operator’s perspective.
- Operator Shelter – Depending on your site requirements, consideration should be given to the requirement of an operator or guard building on the loading platform. This can be customized to meet specific site requirements.
- Wheel Chocks – Railcar Wheel Chocks provide fast blocking of all types of railcars and meet OSHA regulations to safely prevent railroad cars from moving during loading or unloading operations. This is a requirement by the Department of Homeland Security.
Personal Protective Equipment PPE Requirements
Mandatory Safety Attire: H2O2 should never come in contact with combustible materials such as cloth or leather. Stepping in even a small puddle of concentrated H2O2 can initiate combustion of leather footwear.
Eye/Face Protection: Wear “snug fitting” chemical safety goggles with a full face shield.
Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Best practice includes protective chemical, full-body encapsulating suit made of vinyl, neoprene, PVC or polyethylene. As well as, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Suitable materials include: butyl rubber, Viton®, Viton®/butyl rubber, Barrier® – PE/PA/PE, Silver Shield® – PE/EVAL/PE, Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Saranex®™, Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder® CSM, Tychem® TK. The following materials should NOT be used: neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride
Respiratory Protection: Up to 5 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against chlorine*; or Any supplied-air respirator*.
*Reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.
APF = Assigned Protection Factor
Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. Refer to the NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards for more information.
Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control the amount in the air. Consider using a corrosion-resistant exhaust ventilation system separate from other ventilation systems. It may be necessary to use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Use backup controls (e.g. double mechanical pump seals) to prevent the release of this material due to equipment failure. * For illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs Customer Reviews
4 5Incredibly fast.Incredibly fast. We had an emergency need for a customer, so we picked one up, in Andrews, the same day. Kim Anderson was very helpful. The customer is very appreciative of the fast service, when they had an emergency need for the product. They were very pleased to be able to get the gate the same day.
By Pierce Webster from Dillon Supply on 7/16/135 5We would recommend the MAUI – it is flexible and robust.Excellent delivery – Chris Hite’s response was excellent – received follow-up emails with drawings . We would recommend the MAUI – it is flexible and robust.
By Johnnie Pearson from Hagemeyer/Georgia Pacific on 5/20/115 5The product is easy to assemble, good quality and reconfigurable.The response from SafeRack is prompt. I’ve dealt with both the SafeRack UK as well as US divisions and they are both very helpful and professional. Client is happy with the product and some resulted in repeated order. The product is easy to assemble, good quality and reconfigurable. Overall the client is happy with the quality of the product. Service and engineering support from SafeRack is good.
By Collin Ng from Alltrust International PTE LTD on 9/13/165 5Great customer service. Very prompt.We appreciate your dedication to safety Not being able to raise the cage except from the platform is a plus. We believe safety is part of your passion.
By Mike Collins from Cemex on 2/20/195 5This is a quality product at a good price with quick delivery.Excellent salesman response. David Daniel responded with a quote within a few hours of the initial inquiry. This is a quality product at a good price with quick delivery. Your MAUI system increased our safety level, productivity, and added a more professional appearance to our truck unloading area. The entire process was smooth and easy. We are happy with our purchase.
By Mike Siegel from IMTT - Geismar on 9/12/134 5Good responsiveness.Travis McCraine’s responsiveness was good.
By Jack Bonn from Eden Cryogenics on 7/21/11Ethanol 101
Things to know about Ethanol
Ethanol is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and is classified as a flammable and combustible liquid with the DOT identification number UN 1170.
Since there are various ethanol blended fuels being transported over the road and by rail in the U.S. and around the world. Consistent and proper labeling of ethanol while in transit helps first responders in identifying the product in the event of an emergency.
Only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted to (un)load Ethanol tank cars and tank trucks. Operators should wear approved PPE equipment including impervious clothing, footwear, gloves, and goggles.
Ethanol can be dangerous to human health, and acute exposure can cause skin and eye irritation. Do not breathe fumes, mist, or vapors. Handle only outdoors, or in a well ventilated area.
First aid measures for exposure include – removing operators from the source of exposure and into fresh air. Remove contaminated clothing immediately; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; flush eyes with tepid water for 15 minutes. If ingested do not induce vomiting, but immediately call your local poison control center. Aspiration into the lungs can cause fatal chemical pneumonitis. If ingestion has occurred, assume there is a risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Ethanol, similar to gasoline is highly flammable; best practice includes keeping away from open flames, hot surfaces, and sources of ignition.
Ethanol blends tend to be incompatible, meaning they degrade over time, with brass, lead, and zinc, so care should be taken to avoid long term exposure with these metals. Degradable non-metallic materials include natural rubber, polyurethane, cork gasket material, leather, polyvinyl chloride, and certain thermoplastic.
However, aluminum, bronze, and stainless steel have shown resistance to ethanol corrosion. Non-metallic materials such as reinforced fiberglass, Neoprene & Nitrile rubber, polypropylene, Viton, and Teflon meet acceptable usage requirements.
Is your plant or facility compliant with ANSI, OSHA, and local safety codes? We can help!
EMERGENCY EYEWASHES / SHOWER EQUIPMENT AND THE ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 – 2014 STANDARD
Following eye contact, you must start washing with water immediately to prevent permanent damage. In the event of skin contact, you must start washing with water immediately to prevent slow-healing chemical burns.
Are you aware that ANSI guidelines state that Eye Wash/Drench Showers need to be located 10 seconds or 55′ from contaminates or hazardous materials and located on the same horizontal plane, with no obstructions? If bottom loading/unloading, an additional shower should be located at grade as well. SafeRack provides the above equipment plus much more needed to keep employees safe and expedite bulk chemical loading and unloading.
OSHA Regulation Experts – Does your existing chemical safety equipment or chemical loading systems meet OSHA’s latest requirements? SafeRack’s professional technical sales consultants are available to meet with your team to make recommendations to keep your facility in front of OSHA’s ever-changing country and region-specific standards and regulations, including lifeline and trolley beam fall arrest systems, metal stairs, and access platforms.
Why SafeRack?
The SafeRack approach is a collaborative one. Let’s call it The SafeRack Way. We have, over many years amassed a great deal of experience and understanding of the safety aspects involved in loading road tankers and railcars, as well as the behavioral habits of the operators.
Experts In Chemical Loading
- Acrylonitile
- Aluminum Sulfate
- Ammonia
- Ammonium Nitrate
- Aniline
- Benzene
- Butadiene
- Caustic
- Chlorine
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
- Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid
- Ethanol
- Ethyl Chloride
- Ethylene
- Ferrous Chloride
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- MDI
- Methanol
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Molten Sulphur
- Nitric Acid
- Oleum
- Phenol
- Polypropylene
- Renewable Diesel
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Sulfuric Acid
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Titanium Tetrachloride
- Toluene
- Turpenitne
- UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate)
- UREA
- Vinyl Chloride
- Xylene
- Agro-Chemical
- Specialty Chemical
- Petrochemical
North America’s largest loading terminal
World-leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of truck and railcar loading platforms
As one of the primary railcar loading points, Hardisty is one of the major crude oil hubs in North America and a major origination point of pipelines that export to the United States. SCS was asked to supply and construct a SafeRack crude oil loadout terminal spanning nearly half a mile. The USD Hardisty terminal can load up to two 120-railcar unit trains per day and consists of a fixed loading rack with 62 railcar loading positions enclosed, separate control, operator and mechanical buildings, as well as a unit train staging area and loop tracks capable of holding multiple unit trains simultaneously. SCS also supplied and installed boom-supported loading arms with supply and vapor management systems.


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