Although no two Hydrofluorosilicic acid (un)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 Hydrofluorosilicic Acid? Hydrofluorsilicic acid is a colorless fuming liquid with a penetrating pungent odor. This chemical is very corrosive to metals and tissue. Both the fumes and acute contact with the liquid can cause severe and painful burns.  This chemical is often referred to as fluorosilicic acid, silicofluoride, and abbreviated to HSA or FSA. It’s created when you take a phosphoric rock from the ground and convert it to soluble fertilizer. It’s also used in water fluoridation, hardening of cement, ceramics, and also used as a wood preservative.

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