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Home / Industries / Pulp & Paper / Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) Handling Design, 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.
Tall Oil, a by-product from the pulping of pine trees, is a clear amber to yellowish liquid with a low rosin content and a distinct odor. While not flammable or combustible TOFA can produce irritating vapors and gasses, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when this chemical is involved in a fire. Tall Oil is used as an intermediate chemical to produce Amides, Amines, Soaps, Alkyd Resins and Plasticizers.
In the United States, Tall Oil is a splash loaded (open dome) operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” carbon or stainless steel loading arms. TOFA, if not handled properly can cause serious injuries; therefore 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. 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 TOFA or other commodities.
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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 stainless steel loading arms or chemical hoses with a flange connection. The arm or hose will have a top inlet with a control valve to ensure that it is self-draining after use and is supported along the length of a mechanical loading arm to improve handling; this is known as a by-pass arm. You can install one liquid and one vapor arm, or mount both the liquid and vapor hoses on one by-pass arm. For unloading, typically you would use a rigid stainless steel self-draining loading arm with Buna-N, PTFE or Viton seals. Purge lines can be fitted to the arm, for nitrogen purging. 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
Tall Oil is not combustible. However, industry best practice includes the grounding of all vessels before starting the (un)loading process. - Ground controllers — 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
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. Coveralls or long sleeve shirts and pants in some operations.
Respiratory Protection: Up to 5 ppm:
Up to 5 ppm. Use impervious butyl or neoprene gloves when handling this product.
(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.
Customer Reviews
4 5Our employees are more comfortable and feel safer now than on gangways we were using before.The design, quality, price, and value are hard to beat. Add to that, the prompt and courteous response from customer service, are all a major factor in implementing a program to phase out current gangways, and to investigate other products. Our men are more comfortable and feel safer now than on gangways we were using.
By James Courtney from Equistar Chemicals, LP on 1/8/134 5Significantly more robust than the competition’s.Travis usually go back to me within a day if he didn’t answer his phone immediately. I like the stamped steps as opposed to welded steps. The gangway latch is significantly more robust than the competition’s. The pivot points on the gangway have bushings, this is where we’ve seen the majority of our issues.
By Jon Coolidge from St. Mary's Cement on 2/8/115 5We are very satisfied with our Galvanized Center Track PanWe are very excited to be working with our new Regional Salesmen who has excellent follow up skills, knowledge and a positive commitment to help distribution grow our business through education and aggressive sales and marketing of the SafeRack Product Line.
By Mike Bauer from Peterson Industrial Products Inc. on 3/16/204 5With SafeRack, you’re not just purchasing products, you are partnering with experience that allows for a successful finished project.I knew from the beginning that I needed to have SafeRack gangways… One of our counterpart facilities started with your product and ended up with another (competitor’s product). Feedback from our counterparts was that they had made a mistake and should’ve gone with SafeRack… SafeRack provides full support throughout the process. We found that we were purchasing a high quality product that is supported by qualified individuals within SafeRack’s organization. Our sales rep, Travis McCraine, came to our facility to assist with design and application. We learned that SafeRack is not just offering high quality products, rather becomes part of the solution toward finished projects. Very stream lined process…From the first visit to our facility by Travis, to the actual design and implementation of our specific needs. Thanks to the entire staff at SafeRack for their solution toward a successful loading system. With SafeRack, you’re not just purchasing products, you are partnering with experience that allows for a successful finished project.
By Steve Labordus from The Andersons on 6/11/125 5Our product was delivered in a timely fashion and met our needs.We needed a handrail for our metal platform and SafeRack delivered again. I would recommend it to others as I believe it is a respectable product. It looks very nice and easy to install.
By Ricky Lloyd from Gulf Coast Pipeline Services on 2/6/205 5Amber was very good about quick response time.Amber was very responsive as soon as she had the proper information to provide a quote for the loading arm bearings and seals that were needed.
By Phil Fenton from Vertellus Specialities on 6/29/18COMPANIES (PAPER MILLS) THAT WE’VE SOLD TO INCLUDE:
Tall Oil 101
Things to know about Tall Oil
Tall Oil is not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a hazardous chemical; therefore it doesn’t have a unique UN identification number.
Tall oil is a by-product of the Kraft process in pulping wood for paper and corrugated paper products. TOFA is primarily a mixture of resin and fatty acids. Tall oil is used in the manufacturing of adhesives, rubbers, inks, as well as an emulsifier. It can also be used in metalworking fluids, oil field fluids, such as “fracking”, cleaning agents, soaps and alkyd resins.
Only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted to handle this product. Operators should wear approved PPE equipment including apron, long sleeve clothing, sturdy footwear, gloves, and safety glasses or safety goggles.
Acute exposure to Tall Oil can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Do not breathe dust/fumes/mist/vapors; use only outdoors, or in a well ventilated area.
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 exposed, seek medical assistance immediately Avoid contact with eyes, skin and prolonged breathing of vapor or mist. Avoid contact with acids or strong oxidizers. Tall Oil is not corrosive to most metals including aluminum, carbon, stainless and galvanized steel.
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
- 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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