Although no two Toluene Diisocyanate (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 Toluene Diisocyanate? Toluene Diisocyanate, also referred to as TDI, is a light yellow to clear, odorless liquid used to manufacture polyurethane products in the forms of coatings, sprays, insulation materials, and foam cushioning in bedding and furniture. 

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

Toluene Diisocyanate is typically shipped in insulated tank cars with high pressure safety valves.  The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45′ to 50′, with 6′ x 6′ center opening crash box openings.

TDI is primarily used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams including bedding (i.e., foam mattresses) and furniture cushions.