Although no two Ethylene Dichloride  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 Ethylene Dichloride? Ethylene dichloride (EDC) or 1.2-dichloroethane is a clear flammable liquid with a chloroform-like odor. It’s a chlorinated hydrocarbon mainly used to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VMC) which is a precursor in the production of PVC pipe.

In the United States, Ethylene dichloride  is typically a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” carbon steel loading arms. Ethylene dichloride, 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.

Ethylene dichloride is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated 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.