Although no two Tall Oil 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. 

Tall Oil, a by-product from the pulping of pine trees, is a clear amber to yellowish liquid with a low rosin content and a distinct odor. While not flammable or combustible TOFA can produce irritating vapors and gasses, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when this chemical is involved in a fire. Tall Oil is used as an intermediate chemical to produce Amides, Amines, Soaps, Alkyd Resins and Plasticizers.

In the United States, Tall Oil is a splash loaded (open dome) operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” carbon or stainless steel loading arms. TOFA, if not handled properly can cause serious injuries; therefore  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.

Tall Oil is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-111 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 TOFA or other commodities.