Although no two Zinc Chloride 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 Zinc Chloride? Zinc chloride is a chemical compound, composed of zinc and chlorine. In its dry state it forms white, odorless granules with hygroscopic qualities, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.  Zinc chloride is very soluble in water forming a colorless acidic solution.

Zinc chloride can be found in numerous applications such as the manufacture of dyes, as well as intermediate chemicals and solvents. It’s also used as a condensing agent, disinfectant, and a wood preservative.

In the United States, Zinc Chloride is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded or unloaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 316 stainless steel loading arms. Zinc Chloride, 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.

Zinc chloride is typically shipped in 10,00 gallon DOT-103 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves.  The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 55′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.