Customer involved
We worked with SI GROUP, a global leader in the innovative technology of performance additives, process solutions, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and chemical intermediates, operating on three continents with facilities in nine countries.
Problem to solve
Customer needed to transfer ortho-xylene, an aromatic hydrocarbon, less dense than water. This substance can be fatal: its vapor could cause headache and dizziness, while its liquid irritates eyes and skin. If taken into lungs, causes severe coughing, distress, and rapidly developing pulmonary edema. If ingested, causes nausea, vomiting, cramps, headache, and coma.
Tecnical solution
It is fundamental to consider the hazardousness of the product to be transferred, to guarantee the safety of the operator.
To do this, we designed, manufactured, and tested a special double parallel loading arm with pneumatic pistons for vertical movements. They are actuated by a pendant remote controller.
The arm is marked as ATEX product since the substance is flammable. In this case there is not a hose for vapor recovery, but we used another arm that is safer than a hose.
In addition, this special doble parallel arm is steam jacketed and with 40 mm rockwool insulation / cladding to avoid the heat exchange to guarantee safety of the area.
The terminal drop pipe is equipped with a deflector that avoids the accumulation of electrostatic charges.
The loading/unloading activity is monitored by a control panel, installed on the arm.
Conclusions
The results are excellent, and the station works properly. We managed to satisfy all the customer needs.
