NorFalco uses top-discharge tank cars for rail shipments.

All tank cars are non-pressure or general service cars, with Specification DOT or TC 111 A 100 W2 stencilled on the sides. DOT or TC represents the approving authority (either the U.S. Department of Transportation or Transport Canada). The 111 indicates that it is a non-pressure or general service tank car (service test pressure of less than 100 psi). The 100 refers to the tank test pressure and the W2 indicates welded carbon steel, bottom outlet prohibited.

Cars used by NorFalco have a capacity of 100 short tons and are constructed of fusion-welded steel. They have a baked phenolic interior coating to maintain product quality and protect the interior of the railcar against corrosion. Tank cars used for shipping 93% acid do not need to be insulated. Tank cars used for shipping 96%, 98% and 99% acid are usually insulated and can be steam coiled for winter service.

At NorFalco facilities, each tank car load of acid is pressure tested with air to check for leaks, and depressurized just prior to shipping. Seals are applied to ensure the integrity of the product while being transported to the customer.

Appropriate individual company procedures and applicable government requirements, including Transport Canada or U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous materials regulations, must be followed at all times. The same holds true for residue sulfuric acid tank cars or tank trucks being returned to the shipper since they still contain some sulfuric acid.

For more information, please see Tank Car Fittings.

New Security Feature
In line with our commitment to Responsible Care®, NorFalco has embarked on a program of securing and sealing all access points to its railcar shipments of sulfuric acid. Our approach to sealing tank cars involves two distinct sealing methods:

• Permanent seals applied to seal flanges and other potential openings not involved in loading or offloading tank cars. These 3/16" thick steel cable seals are not to be removed except when tank cars are receiving maintenance.
• A single-use fittings seal to seal the fittings used for loading and unloading a tank car. This is a single 1/8" diameter x 80" long cable seal that winds its way through all four regular-use fittings (air valve plug, fill hole cover, eduction pipe cap and rupture disc assembly) and must be removed to unload a tank car.

The application of the single-use fittings seal affects unloading operations because the seal must be cut and discarded. A cut seal left on top of the platform may represent a safety hazard. Unloading personnel will need a pair of wire cutters, which can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store.