Transportation of chemicals in tankers
Transportation of chemical solvent is a big challenge,especially the ones holding explosive properties.But this would become a breeze if there is abrupt following of procedures. Be it delivering to suppliers within the city or crossing borders, irrespective of the distance covered harboring safety is the responsibility of the consignor and consignee.Companies rely on multiple modes of transport for supplying chemicals; of them all,transportation by road in tankers need the highest level of attention. Safety pointers to be followed are umpteen but lets take a closer look at the mandatory tanker fittings & safety accessories which are a bear minimum.
COMPONENTS OF TRUCK TANKER MANHOLE (TT)
- Air vent hole – Breathing of the tanker is needed in order to load as well as to unload the tanker so that the liquid takes the place of air.
- Dip Pipe – To measure the level of liquid in the tanker.
- Emergency vent – As the name suggests, in case of emergency this vent can be used to relieve pressure thus avoiding breach or explosion.
- Seal – This is a very effective leakage stopping accessory which also wades off theft
- Filling pipe – The liquid enters the tanker through this pipe and must be of adequate size i.e standardized.
The must have components of the Manhole are:-
FUSIBLE LINK
The fusible link is imperative to every tanker carrying combustible chemicals. The fusible link is a device made of two strips of metals fused together with an alloy which melts upon reaching a specific temperature and eventually allows the two metal pieces to separate.
In case of breaking out of fire the fusible link presents itself into safety role and shuts off the chemical in the tanker. Thus keeping a check on further damage.
ELECTRICAL FITTINGS
Battery Cut off switch – Cutting off electrical power is the next line of safety. Vehicles when at rest during transit can have the battery switched off to avoid mishaps.
Installing battery covers is a small initiative but is a good step towards practicing safety.
INSULATING WIRES
providing complete insulation for all the open wiring in the tanker truck is quiet an easy job which will enhance safety levels.
SPARK ARRESTORS
The fumes coming out of the taker truck’s silencer may contain unburnt carbon that emerge as sparks.These at the right time may act as potential ignition sources and pose a threat to safety. To avoid such instances spark arrestors should be installed.
FIRE SCREEN
Fire screen made of steel sheets should be fitted so as to serve as a barrier from any ignition source reaching the fuel tank. This serves as precaution for small mishaps turning into life threatening situation.
EARTHING STRIPS
Earthing strips must be welded to the tanker so as to provide proper rooting for dangerous currents to flow and avoid accidents due to electric shock.
OTHER MANDATES
In addition to the above mentioned specifications there needs to be two fire extinguishers 10 kg & 1 Kg respectively at easy reach,a complete First Aid kit to give immediate medical attention and steel bumpers be fitted at the rear end of the tanker truck.
Best safety practices drastically cut down incidents , when ignored the repercussions leave a lasting impact on the company, however big or small they may be. This impact will deliver the importance of safety being the forefront of any chemical handling activity. We at Pon Pure Chemicals have been handling chemicals for the past 37 years adhering strictly to prescribed safety norms. Experience trouble free chemical deliveries now and always under the supervision of our qualified industry experts.
