n2 BLANKET 3

[cclp9404]

We are planning to load Hopper Railcars with Bisphenol A and adding n2 nitrogen as a blanket. Any ideas on how? Our laoding method is from super sacks to a agriculture type conveyor tube to top of railcar manhole. Suggestion on applying this idea? This is all new to us.

 

[LittleInch]

Nitrogen blanketing is more commonly used for liquids when a sealed pipe can be made to the vessel or tank concerned.

Not sure how you load this stuff, but if you can't seal the inlet point then it won't work or you will loose large quantities of N2.

Usually you add a gas supply to some very low pressures ( inches water guage) with suitable venting arrangement as the tank fills up. This requires a secondary nozzle on top of the vessel.

Adding the blanket after loading really requires inlet and vent nozzles either end of the railcar to sweep the gas space free of oxygen.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[cclp9404]

Thanks on your response. So in other words, after loading the product which is applied to hopper rail car by a agriculture conveyor belt system and fed into the railcar by drop chute, then just open the last hatch (manhole) on car and start pushing o2 out with n2 on other end?

 

[LittleInch]

In a controlled manner yes.

Nitrogen can kill in confined spaces so the venting needs to be controlled properly. How you get a controlled supply and vent system onto a railcar is beyond me...

Or why.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[racookpe1978]

The usual hatches on a dry bulk car will NOT be airtight (nitrogen tight) so over a very short time of vibration and rocking (yanking of the car bodies) the oxygen content of the cars will be back to "near-normal". Probably too low for safe occupancy, and too high for chemical inerting.

A chemical car (used for vaporous or flammable liquids) would have a sealing hatch.

 

[rotw]

off topic

Just curious to know the use of Bisphenol A ?

I thought this chemical was recognized by many countries risk for public safety. This includes concerns raised by World Health Organization.

 

[Latexman]

BPA is used to make plastics and epoxy resins. It has been one of the highest volume of chemicals produced worldwide. It's hormone-like properties has and will continue to it being replaced by safer choices.

Good luck,
Latexman

To a ChE, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.

 

[georgeverghese]

Given the health issues pointed out, check the local HSE regulations on handling requirements and also how air- bisphenol vapors produced during loading into rail cars are to be disposed

 

[chicopee]

Much to my chagrin I answered your double post under the Local Exhaust Ventilation which in itself is inadvisable.