Although no two Chloroform  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 Chloroform? Chloroform, also referred to as Methyl Trichloride, Formyl Trichloride, Methane Trichloride or Tri Chloroform is a colorless, clear liquid with a mildly sweet odor that quickly evaporates into a gas. Chloroform is primarily used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacturing of refrigerants, dyes, plastics, and resins.

In the United States, Chloroform is typically a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via 3” carbon steel loading arms or chemical hoses. Chloroform, 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.

Chloroform is typically shipped in 10,000 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 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 chloroform or other similar commodities.  Approved DOT trailers include MC 307 or low pressure chemical ISO containers. Trailers and ISO’s are typically bottom unloaded. An extension pipe with two valves is flanged to the top of the trailer. All trailers must be equipped with pressure relief valves, and trailers with bottom outlets must be equipped with remote controlled stop valves.