30/07/2025
THE NEW 1201T TOP-LOADING ARM LINED WITH PTFE
In the chemical sector, handling aggressive substances such as hydrochloric acid requires highly specialised and customised solutions. In response to a complex request, Silea Liquid Transfer designed and manufactured a dedicated configuration of 1201T top-loading arm, featuring an internal TeflonTM (PTFE) lining, to safely unload 33% diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl) from rail tank cars with a single top access point for both loading and unloading.
A technical challenge: top unloading of a corrosive acid
Unlike the more common practice of unloading from the bottom of the tank, in this case, a top-access unloading operation was required - a condition that poses several challenges:
- Greater operational complexity in reaching the bottom of the tank.
- Need for a very long terminal pipe, difficult to handle and extract.
- Direct exposure to toxic vapours released during the transfer phase.
Custom design: technology and safety supporting the operator
To overcome these challenges, the Silea technical team developed a fully custom-made solution that combines appropriate materials, ergonomics and automation:
• Pneumatic vertical movement - allows wide working angles while reducing operator effort and improving insertion precision into the tank.
• Internal PTFE lining - both the arm body and the swivels are fully lined with TeflonTM to ensure maximum corrosion resistance.
• Fully PTFE terminal - constructed entirely from this material, making it lighter and suitable for direct immersion in acid.
• High-density polyethylene cone - placed on the terminal to prevent the release of toxic vapours, made from a lightweight material compatible with acid.
Tailored innovation for the chemical industry
This special configuration of the 1201T loading arm is a perfect example of how Silea can customise its products to meet the specific needs of the chemical industry - ensuring high standards of operational safety, long-term durability even in contact with highly corrosive substances, and ease of use thanks to ergonomic and automated solutions.
