Although no two Ferric Chloride 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. 

Ferric chloride, also referred to as Iron (III) Solution or Ferric Trichloride is a colorless, or brownish to yellowish crystalline solid dissolved in water,  It is corrosive to metals and human tissue. The primary use of ferric chloride is to remove impurities in water and for wastewater treatment. It can also be used as an etching agent for engraving circuit boards, as well as, in the manufacture of other chemicals. 

In the United States, Ferric Chloride is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded or unloaded into rail cars via rubber chemical hoses or 3” PTFE lined loading arms. Ferric Chloride, 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.

Ferric Chloride is typically shipped in 10,000 gallon DOT-103 insulated or non-insulated rubber lined 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.