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Home / Industries / Crude Oil / Tall OilTall Oil, Loading, and Installation.
Although no two Tall Oil 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.
Crude Tall Oil (CTO), also referred to as “liquid rosin” or tallol, is a viscous yellowish-black odorous liquid. It’s a by-product of the Kraft process of wood pulp manufacturing after being separated from the black liquor sulfate. Tall oil extraction consists mainly of 15% – 35% rosin acids and 30% – 50% fatty acids and 30% – 50% pitch, a bioliquid used for energy generation and also as an intermediary in the chemical industry.
In Canada, most crude tall oil is incinerated as fuel in the lime kilns of pulp mills to displace the burning of fossil fuels. However in the South Eastern United States, tall oil facilities fractionate the crude tall oil into value-added components. These include converting both the fatty and rosin acids into a feedstock for green diesel fuel.
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View Full TextIn the United States, Tall Oil can be a “splash” loaded or “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” carbon steel loading arms. Tall oil, if not handled properly can cause operator 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.
Tall Oil is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves that meet the DOT specification for the transportation of oleum and other like commodities. The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 50′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.
Tank truck (un)loading procedures are similar to railcar applications with the trailers meeting established DOT requirements for transporting Tall Oil or other like commodities. Approved DOT trailers include MC 307 or MC 312. Trailers are typically vented from the top and bottom unloaded.
Typical Tall Oil Loading Platform
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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.Tall Oil Loading Arms
Tall oil is typically loaded into railcars or tank trucks via boom supported carbon steel loading arms or chemical hoses with a flange connection. For unloading, typically you would use a rigid carbon steel self-draining loading arm with Buna-n or Viton or seals or chemical hoses. Additional features such as parking latches with proximity sensors can be incorporated into the total system to ensure the arm is correctly stowed when not in use, before any rail movement can occur. Tall Oil Loading Gangways and Safety Cages
A wider access gangway (48″-60″ 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 6’x6′ 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
GX FLAT RAMP ACCESS (FRT) GANGWAY
SafeRack’s NEW GX-FRT is a flat ramp model popular with railcars. It features a slip-resistant walk surface and, with the use of the telescoping extension, eliminates gaps on narrow railcars. Learn More
Tall Oil 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.
Tall Oil 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 Tall Oil Grounding
Top Oil is not normally combustible. However, the risk of fire does exist in the presence of TRS gases. These fumes are flammable and can be ignited by heat or flame. Vapors have been known to travel back to ignition sources and flashback. - Vehicle grounding and bonding — ensure true grounding before product flow is permitted
- Explosion-proof enclosures — meet or exceed UL, CSA, and Ex requirements
- Non-sparking tools are also recommended while working around this product
Tall Oil Safety Gates
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
Tall Oil 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
Mandatory Safety Attire: H2O2 should never come in contact with combustible materials such as cloth or leather. Stepping in even a small puddle of concentrated H2O2 can initiate combustion of leather footwear.
Eye/Face Protection: Wear “snug fitting” chemical safety goggles with a full face shield.
Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Best practice includes protective chemical, full-body encapsulating suit made of vinyl, neoprene, PVC or polyethylene. As well as, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Suitable materials include: butyl rubber, Viton®, Viton®/butyl rubber, Barrier® – PE/PA/PE, Silver Shield® – PE/EVAL/PE, Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Saranex®™, Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder® CSM, Tychem® TK. The following materials should NOT be used: neoprene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride
Respiratory Protection: Up to 5 ppm:
(APF = 10) Any chemical cartridge respirator with cartridge(s) providing protection against chlorine*; or Any supplied-air respirator*.
*Reported to cause eye irritation or damage; may require eye protection.
APF = Assigned Protection Factor
Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. Refer to the NIOSH pocket guide to chemical hazards for more information.
Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control the amount in the air. Consider using a corrosion-resistant exhaust ventilation system separate from other ventilation systems. It may be necessary to use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Use backup controls (e.g. double mechanical pump seals) to prevent the release of this material due to equipment failure. * For illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs Customer Reviews
5 5I’ll be a customer for life.The ErectaStep system was exactly as our salesman stated… OSHA approved, high quality aluminum and really fit the needs of what we were looking for… and it arrived exactly when Chris Hite said it would. Each time I contacted my salesman, he jumped right on it. SafeRack will always be my first stop when I need anything for our facilities. The care and courtesy we received from Chris and each SafeRack representative has created a customer for life. Thank you Chris.
By Jason Musgrove from Veterans Oil Inc. on 6/22/125 5Dana Harbuck provided expert and immediate response and feedback.Dana Harbuck provided expert and immediate response and feedback.
By Penny LeBlanc from Georgia Gulf Chemicals and Vinyls Inc. on 2/29/124 5Good communications and fast responses.The product was delivered just as promised – quickly. Good communications and fast responses.
By Luke Keller from Simplot on 3/18/115 5After the design was complete it was delivered very quickly.I have nothing negative to say about the service I have received thus far. All the personnel I have dealt with thus far are pleasant, responsive and very knowledgeable. If we had not worked out a turnkey installation, I would have been forced to look elsewhere. After the design was complete it was delivered very quickly.
By Bret Grider from Bunge North America (OPD West) Inc on 8/8/165 5I have never had an issue with the service from SafeRack.Extremely responsive and helpful. I have always had great dealings with SafeRack. Caelin Lacy is great to deal with always.
Great price. Great quality. [Exactly] what I [was] looking for.
By Nathan Winchester from Brenntag Canada, Inc. on 5/14/185 5Good communication.Good communication, Shane kept us posted… Requires less than 35 pounds to lower or rise. No pinch points. Meets OSHA/MSHA guidelines.
By Hector Leal from CEMEX on 3/9/16Tall Oil 101
Things to know about Tall Oil
Crude tall oil is a unique type of oil with properties that are different from common edible and non-edible oils. The name tall oil is derived from the Swedish word “tallolja” which means pine oil. Tall oil is the third most abundant chemical by-product in the Kraft mill after lignin and hemicellulose.
Tall oil is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of soaps, adhesives, rubbers, and inks. It’s also used in applications such as asphalt emulsifiers and cleaners.
Traditionally, Tall Oil was viewed as a low-value substance and burned as an alternative to heavy fuel oil. However, over the last decade or so, it has emerged into a promising raw material for the production of synthetic fuels, such as biodiesel and diesel, as well as, lubricants and solvents.
The composition of tall oil is highly variable based on differing raw materials and the efficiency of the extraction process. Because of this, there is little specific data concerning the degree of skin and eye toxicity. Long term, or chronic health hazard data is not available
However, as a mildly corrosive substance, exposure to tall oil liquid or vapor can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation. Respiratory symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
First aid measures for exposure include – removing operators from the source of exposure and into fresh air. Remove contaminated clothing immediately; wash skin thoroughly with soap and water; flush eyes with tepid water for 15 minutes. If ingested do not induce vomiting, but immediately call your local poison control center.
Additional safe handling procedures include avoiding contact with acids and strong oxidizers.
Is 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.
Why 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
Acrylonitile
- Ammonia
- Aniline
- Benzene
- Butadiene
- Caustic
- Chlorine
- DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
- Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid
- Ethanol
- Ethyl Chloride
- Ethylene
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- MDI
- Methanol
- Molten Sulphur
- Oleum
- Phenol
- Polypropylene
- Renewable Diesel
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Sulfuric Acid
- Sulfuric Dioxide
- Titanium Tetrachloride
- Toluene
- Turpenitne
- UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate)
- UREA
- Vinyl Chloride
- Xylene
- 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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