Although no two Toluene 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 Toluene? is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid with the smell associated with paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, consisting of a methyl group (CH₃) attached to a phenyl group. As such, its systematic IUPAC name is methylbenzene. Toluene is predominantly used as an industrial feedstock and a solvent.

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

Toluene is typically shipped in insulated tank cars, equipped with external heating coils and a safety relief valve set for 75 psi. The temperature of the contents must be above 60 degrees F or (16 degrees C) when the car is unloaded. If needed the tank car can be heated to 68 degrees, but do not exceed 104 degrees F or 40 degrees C.