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Home / Industries / Bulk Chemical Loading / Nitric AcidNitric Acid (HNO3) Handling Design, Loading, and Installation.
Although no two Nitric Acid (un)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 Nitric Acid? Nitric Acid, also known as Aqua fortis and Spirit of Niter, is a highly corrosive mineral acid. Typically a colorless chemical compound, it can take on a yellow-ish tint over time due to the decomposition into oxides of nitrogen and water.
In the United States, Nitric Acid is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) (un)loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” stainless steel loading arms. Nitric Acid 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.
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View Full TextNitric acid is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-103 rubber lined, 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 aluminum sulfate or other like 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.
Your Project
Typically, as a starting point, we will need to know answers to these questions for your project
- The Railcar connection locations need flexibility – Do you know what the breadbasket connections look like?
- Are you using liquid and vapor arms/hose as two separate devices or a piggyback arm?
- Is the loading station indoors or outdoors?
- Is the loading area temperature controlled?
- How are you going to spot your railcars
Our highly trained technical sales team will undertake a detailed site survey prior to undertaking any work to check and clarify all dimensions, obstructions, access issues and other salient points. Our challenge is to provide the safest working environment – protecting operators and the equipment – while simultaneously enabling you to improve throughput and productivity.
Your Project Needs
Whether you are looking for a turn-key installation, on-site supervision or a maintenance program, SafeRack is positioned to assist you. We can do as little or as much as you need. Our project management and supervision team is the best in the business at supporting your company’s needs.
- Collaborative Design – Our loading platform specialists will work with you one on one, if you design to design the best loading solution for your specific needs
- Contract review – drawings and associated documents relating to the contract prior to site arrival
- Risk Assessment – Undertaking a site risk assessment
- Shipment Inspection – Detection of any shipping damage or abnormalities
- Material Receiving – Supervised off-loading and transport at site
- Installation Management – Supervised Installations and Coordination
- Start-up & Commissioning – On-site training for both users and maintenance personnel
Loading Arms
Generally speaking, SafeRack recommends rigid pipe loading arms where possible for the following reasons:
- Balanced throughout their movement envelope
- Designed not to hit the ground – protecting the asset and the operator
- Ergonomic – one man operation
- Fitted with manual or actuated valves.
- Fitted with optional purge/vent facilities
- Can be moved into position with ease and left hanging in the air while the operator prepares the tanker connection
- Parked neatly
Hoses require:
- Annual pressure test
- Are difficult to stow neatly when not in use
- Can be dropped
- Can be driven over
- Are very heavy to use if fitted with a valve at the tanker connection point
- Cannot be easily heated or have vent/purge valves fitted to it
- Prone to catastrophic failure
Typical Nitric Acid Loading Platform
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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.
Nitric Acid Loading
Nitric acid is typically loaded into railcars or tank trucks via boom supported stainless steel loading arms or chemical hoses with flanged end connections. 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 self-draining stainless steel loading arm with Fluorocarbon (FKM), Kalrez, or PTFE 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.z
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
SafeRack’s GX SAS gangways use Retractalok power-assist technology allowing operators to raise or lower effortlessly, light as a feather to lift, and solid as a rock. Tested in the most critical applications, this revolutionary new gangway outperforms all others. Available in multiple lengths and widths.
Learn MoreMAXRack Elevating Safety Cage
As an alternative to our two and four-rail safety cages, some customers prefer our MAXRack elevating safety cages. The ultimate fall prevention solution engineered to keep operators safe and productive. Designed for both trucks or railcars, and available in multiple cage lengths and widths. Safe, durable, and easy to use. MAXRack is built rock-solid with galvanized steel column supports and lifting arms (cages can be Aluminum, Galvanized, or Stainless Steel depending on application) Available in two power options – Pneumatic Air Drive and Electric Drive (Explosion and Non-Explosion Proof).
Learn MoreNitric Acid 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.
Nitric Acid 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 Nitric Acid Grounding
Nitric acid is not combustible in a liquid form; however ferrous nitric acid dust can become combustible during handling and processing. Industry best practice includes the grounding of all vessels before starting the (un)loading process. - Vehicle grounding and bonding — 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
Nitric Acid 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
Nitric Acid 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 chemical safety goggles. The use of a respiratory device to protect against the effects of fumes, dust and aerosol is also recommended.
Skin Protection: Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Coveralls or long sleeve shirts and pants in some operations. Wear a chemical protective, full-body encapsulating suit, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Suitable materials include: butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, Viton®, Viton®/butyl rubber, Barrier® – PE/PA/PE, Silver Shield® – PE/EVAL/PE, Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Saranex®™, Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder® CSM, Tychem® TK. The following materials should NOT be used: natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride. Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin neoprene rubber gloves (0.3 mm or less).
Respiratory Protection: Up to 5 ppm:
(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.
Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control the amount in the air. Consider using a corrosion-resistant exhaust ventilation system separate from other ventilation systems. It may be necessary to use stringent control measures such as process enclosure to prevent product release into the workplace. Use backup controls (e.g. double mechanical pump seals) to prevent the release of this material due to equipment failure. * For illustrative purposes only. Our experts will work with you and your team for a custom solution to suit your needs Customer Reviews
5 5I like the quality materials used.1. Great customer contact abilities 2. Ability to customize with small changes 3. Willingness to ship to a facility in larger components. I liked the quality materials used, and the visual impact of the equipment. From what we’ve seen so far, the functionality is also a great positive.
By Brittany Norban from Marathon Petroleum Company LP on 9/5/134 5Delivery was faster than expected.Customer service was prompt with quote. Sales was very thorough. Delivery was faster than expected. Price was right on target.
By Scott Rowe from SRS Distribution on 11/19/135 5SafeRack GangwayWe are extremely satisfied with our SafeRack gangway.
By Kevin Jensen from Illinois Cement on 5/7/214 5A supplier that can make things happen.SafeRack worked to get it out cross-country, on time, despite bad weather and shortage of employees due to it. Stayed in touch from order to delivery. A supplier that can make things happen.
By Eric from Morgan Pavement on 2/8/144 5I was very happy with the whole experience.I was very happy with the whole experience. People called back when I left a voicemail and checked to see if I got my package. Fast, considering we have no overnight delivery here because of rural area service. But I got it in a couple of days.
By Marcus Gonzales from Valero on 4/25/145 5Top quality materials of construction, fast shipping and customer service.Sales department was knowledgeable of product line & customer needs. Communication was excellent and included a follow call to verify customer satisfaction. Safety gates arrived quickly and properly packaged. We have other equipment purchased from SafeRack and product quality, customer service, budget cost and availability for replacement parts are world class.
By Stephen Kirwan from Calgon Carbon Corporation on 9/28/17MAJOR NITRIC ACID PRODUCERS WHERE WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTED
NITRIC ACID LOADING PROJECTSNitric Acid 101
Things to know about Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and is classified as an acidic, corrosive hazardous material with the DOT identification number UN 2031.
Nitric acid is a colorless, fuming, and highly corrosive liquid that is used in the production of ammonium nitrate for fertilizers, making plastics, and in the manufacturing of dyes. It’s also used for making explosives such as nitroglycerin and TNT.
Only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted to (un)load nitric acid tank cars and tank trucks. Operators should wear approved PPE equipment including impervious clothing, footwear, gloves, and goggles.
Nitric acid is dangerous to human health, and as a corrosive chemical, acute exposure can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Do not breathe dust/fumes/mist/vapors as they can be fatal if inhaled. 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 ingested do not induce vomiting, but immediately call your local poison control center. Aspiration into the lungs can cause fatal chemical pneumonitis. If ingestion has occurred, assume there is a risk of aspiration into the lungs.
Best practice includes storing in a cool, dry environment in well sealed containers, and away from any oxidizing agents. Avoid storage near extreme heat, ignition sources or open flame.
Nitric acid is corrosive to most metals including aluminium, brass, carbon and milled steel, so great care should be taken to avoid contact with these materials. However stainless steel is an acceptable material of construction.
Nitric acid is highly reactive with alkalis and reducing agents. Hazardous decomposition by-products include – Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Environmental precautions include preventing chemicals from reaching drains, sewer or open waterways.
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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