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Home / Industries / Bulk Chemical Loading / UANUAN Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.
What is UAN? Urea Ammonium Nitrate Solution (UAN) is a colorless liquid with a slight ammonia odor that is produced by combining urea, nitric acid, and ammonia into a liquid solution. Farmers prefer UAN because it can be applied more uniformly than non-liquid forms of fertilizers.
In the United States, UAN is transported via rail, truck, and barge. It is typically a splash loading operation when loaded into trucks or railcars via loading arms. UAN itself does not pose an inhalation hazard. However, decomposition of UAN may produce nitrogen oxide and ammonia vapor, so operator diligence of vapors must be observed. Vapor recovery, while not required, should be considered while operators are on top of the vehicles during the loading process to further increase the level of safety during the loading/unloading process.
UAN is typically transported in 20,500-gallon tank cars. The rails cars themselves are 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~47′, with offset crashbox openings of varying length and widths.
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View Full TextYour Project
Typically, as a starting point, we will need to know answers to these questions for your project
- The Railcar connection locations need flexibility – Do you know what the breadbasket connections look like?
- Are you using liquid and vapor arms/hose as two separate devices or a piggyback arm?
- Is the loading station indoors or outdoors?
- Is the loading area temperature controlled?
- How are you going to spot your railcars
Our highly trained technical sales team will undertake a detailed site survey prior to undertaking any work to check and clarify all dimensions, obstructions, access issues and other salient points. Our challenge is to provide the safest working environment – protecting operators and the equipment – while simultaneously enabling you to improve throughput and productivity.
Your Project Needs
Whether you are looking for a turn-key installation, on-site supervision or a maintenance program, SafeRack is positioned to assist you. We can do as little or as much as you need. Our project management and supervision team is the best in the business at supporting your company’s needs.
- Collaborative Design – Our loading platform specialists will work with you one on one, if you design to design the best loading solution for your specific needs
- Contract review – drawings and associated documents relating to the contract prior to site arrival
- Risk Assessment – Undertaking a site risk assessment
- Shipment Inspection – Detection of any shipping damage or abnormalities
- Material Receiving – Supervised off-loading and transport at site
- Installation Management – Supervised Installations and Coordination
- Start-up & Commissioning – On-site training for both users and maintenance personnel
Loading Arms
Generally speaking, SafeRack recommends rigid pipe loading arms where possible for the following reasons:
- Balanced throughout their movement envelope
- Designed not to hit the ground – protecting the asset and the operator
- Ergonomic – one man operation
- Fitted with manual or actuated valves.
- Fitted with optional purge/vent facilities
- Can be moved into position with ease and left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker connection
- Parked neatly
Hoses require:
- Annual pressure test
- Are difficult to stow neatly when not in use
- Can be dropped
- Can be driven over
- Are very heavy to use if fitted with a valve at the tanker connection point
- Cannot be easily heated or have vent/purge valves fitted to it
- Prone to catastrophic failure
Typical UAN Loading Platform
Quote or discuss your installation.
Start by selecting loading application"*" indicates required fields
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.
UAN Loading Arms
UAN is not a hazardous product, but it is extremely corrosive to zinc, copper, brass, bronze, and iron. Aluminum and carbon steel are less susceptible, but stainless steel is the widely accepted material of choice for loading systems. Couple the arm with PTFE seals and you have a good combination of corrosion-resistant materials that will hold up to the rigors of UAN loading. UAN is generally not considered an inhalation hazard. Therefore, vapor recovery is not mandated but recommended in facilities in close proximity to populated areas.
Loading Gangways and Safety Cages
A wider access gangway (36″-48″ 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 7’x8’ 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
SafeRack’s GX SAS gangways use Retractalok power-assist technology allowing operators to raise or lower effortlessly, light as a feather to lift, and solid as a rock. Tested in the most critical applications, this revolutionary new gangway outperforms all others. Available in multiple lengths and widths.
Learn MoreMAXRack Elevating Safety Cage
As an alternative to our two and four-rail safety cages, some customers prefer our MAXRack elevating safety cages. The ultimate fall prevention solution engineered to keep operators safe and productive. Designed for both trucks or railcars, and available in multiple cage lengths and widths. Safe, durable, and easy to use. MAXRack is built rock-solid with galvanized steel column supports and lifting arms (cages can be Aluminum, Galvanized, or Stainless Steel depending on application) Available in two power options – Pneumatic Air Drive and Electric Drive (Explosion and Non-Explosion Proof).
Learn MoreUAN 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.
UAN 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 UAN Grounding
While UAN is not flammable, industry best practice includes the grounding of all vessels before starting the (un)loading process. - Vehicle grounding and bonding — ensure true grounding before product flow is permitted
- Explosion-proof enclosures — meet or exceed UL, CSA and Ex requirements
Safety Gates for UAN Loading
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
UAN 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
Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. A face shield (with safety goggles) may also be necessary.
Skin Protection: Wear liquid resistant clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Safety glasses or goggles are recommended.
* For illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) 101
Things to know about UAN
UAN is a colorless liquid with a slight ammonia odor that is produced by combining urea, nitric acid, and ammonia into a liquid solution. UAN’s nitrogen content typically ranges from 28 to 32 percent. Farmers prefer UAN because it can be applied more uniformly than non-liquid forms of fertilizers. It can also be mixed with herbicides, pesticides, and other nutrients, enabling farmers to reduce costs by spraying once versus multiple applications. It also allows for improved safety versus anhydrous ammonia or dry ammonium nitrate. It’s easy to handle and apply accurately, plus it’s not likely to be stolen for illegal use.
UAN is very corrosive to most metal surfaces. When not properly managed, UAN corrosion can cause serious damage to pumps, pipelines, storage tanks, and access equipment.
UAN is not flammable. Use water to extinguish a fire involving UAN if the water is compatible with the burning material
Customer Reviews
5 5My product was shipped the same day the PO was approved!The entire process went well. Chris Hite had a quote to me within 30 minutes of consultation. The product was available and the purchase was complete and in route the same day. My product was shipped the same day the PO was approved! Operators await the installation and will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they are truly grounded when unloading potentially hazardous cargo.
By Charles Branch from International Paper on 12/17/104 5Saved us a lot of time.The SafeRack is safe, easy to put up and it took away the hassle of us designing our own system. Saved us a lot of time. Phyllis answered all my questions within that day, if not within the hour! I really appreciated that, communication is key, especially when buying things online.
By Lyle Kriener from Soy Basics on 9/26/115 5Ease of mobility. Safety. Multiple heights.Just used it today for the first time. Easy to use and set up. Makes getting to the top of tank wagons and iso-containers much easier.
By Mark Hinze from King Industries, Inc. on 8/10/175 5Will definitely buy again in the future.John Bast was very quick to reply and very helpful. In my experience, some shop-built or pre-fabricated systems are of low quality. The design and manufacturing quality was better than expected. All positive comments, nothing negative. Will definitely buy again in the future.
By Jaydee Bullard from Caljet Of America LLC on 2/13/124 5These products work very well for all of our applications and are well-priced.Dave Young is very responsive to all of our needs. All inquiries are received in a timely manner. These products work very well for all of our applications and are well priced for the applications. Yes, I can buy similar products from other suppliers at competitive prices, but I do not get anywhere near the expertise, customer service, and prompt delivery that SafeRack provides.
By Mike Amos from E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company on 5/4/115 5SafeRack GangwayWe are extremely satisfied with our SafeRack gangway.
By Kevin Jensen from Illinois Cement on 5/7/21Is 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.
Customer Reviews
5 5Safety CagesGood Product with safety in mind.
By Dean Goode from Mohawkind on 7/7/214 5Both delivery and customer service were fast.Both delivery and customer service was fast, courteous and follow-up was great.
By Jeff Brooks from Quick Fuel Fleet Services on 1/7/135 5SafeRack is great to work with, we will be placing more orders with SafeRack.SafeRack Sales and Customer Service has been extremely positive and was able to deliver each item we ordered very quickly. I found that, unlike some other product supply companies, SafeRack responded very quickly and efficiently. We are also working with the engineering group on a transloader. The engineering department has been extremely helpful and has been able to provide answers and solutions to all of our questions and concerns. I found that SafeRack is great to work with and we will be placing more orders with SafeRack.
By Brian Hess from Associated Energy Services on 8/6/125 5Very good service.Amber Graham and Taelor Pryor were both very helpful and professional.
By Matt McCurdy from Corbion on 1/31/195 5You guys can also produce and get to the customer way faster.I used this product in Texas and found it was a lot beefier than the competition’s products. It also offered a bar to keep the drivers from leaving it down. You guys can also produce and get them to the customer way faster.
By John Bennett from CEMEX on 3/9/165 5The whole process was a positive one with very little issues.I found that the equipment is very sturdy and built to the OSHA regulations. Its very easy to put together, I can trust it is built to code, the bright colors of the products makes it look very nice.
By Brady Heck from NUK USA LLC on 8/9/17Why 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
- Acetic Acid
- Acetic Anhydride
- Acetonitrile
- Acrolein
- Acrylic Acid
- Acrylonitrile
- Aluminum Chloride
- Aluminum Sulfate
- Ammonia
- Ammonium Hydroxide
- Ammonium Nitrate
- Aniline
- Benzene
- Benzyl Chloride
- Bromotrifluoromethane
- Butadiene
- Carbon Dioxide
- Caustic
- Chlorine
- Chloroform
- Chlorosulfonic Acid
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
- Diethylene Glycol
- Dimethylformamide
- Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid
- Ethanol
- Ethyl Acetate
- Ethyl Chloride
- Ethylene
- Ethylene Dichloride
- Ethylene Glycol
- Ethylene Oxide
- Ferric Chloride
- Ferrous Chloride
- Hexane
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Hydrofluoric Acid
- Hydrofluorosilicic Acid
- Hydrogen Cyanide
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrofluoric Acid
- Hypochlorous Acid
- Isopropyl Acetate
- Liquid Argon
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Liquid Oxygen
- Maleic Anhydride
- MDI
- Methanol
- Methyl Chloride
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone
- Methyl Methacrylate
- Methyl Isocyanate
- Molten Sulphur
- Nitric Acid
- Oleum
- Phenol
- Phosphoric Acid
- Phosphorus Oxychloride
- Phosphorus Trichloride
- Polypropylene
- Renewable Diesel
- Sodium Cyanide
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Styrene Monomer
- Sulfuric Acid
- Sulfur Dioxide
- Titanium Tetrachloride
- Toluene
- Toluene Diisocyanate
- Turpenitne
- UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate)
- UREA
- Vinyl Acetate
- Vinyl Chloride
- Xylene
- Zinc Chloride
- 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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Bob Kashtan
Located in South Carolina
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Located in South Carolina
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Located in South Carolina
Amber Graham
Located in South Carolina