Project Spotlight – VCM Railcar Loading
S&S Technical was asked to develop a fully integrated VCM (vinyl chloride monomer) railcar loading system for a Louisiana based chemical manufacturer.
The project required more than just a “loading rack” so the typical suppliers who could only provide part of the puzzle were not a fit. The S&S Technical VerssaLoad was a clear answer to solve many of the project’s needs. S&S worked with the end users EPC to develop a package that could be fully manufactured and tested offsite, with all equipment necessary to safely transfer and meter the VCM into railcars, built into the railcar access platform structure. By taking this approach, it eliminated the need to buy a loading rack from a gangway supplier or local fabricator with nothing provided to actually load the railcar, eliminated the need for back and forth on the rack structure design with a load rack supplier looking at loads/layout for piping and other associated equipment that has to be installed on the rack, eliminated a large work force from various disciplines that would have to be brought in to run pipe, electrical, controls into the bare load rack steel work that would have to be project managed, all while having to work in a small area with limited access in an active car loading area.
VerssaLoad VCM Railcar Loading Rack Package Walk Around Video
With the VerssaLoad solution, all design elements of the job are done by a single source in house. Everything required to load the car is built in a modular package where it can be shipped to the site, unloaded with minimal number of lifts, placed on its foundations and only requires simple flanged connection tie-ins to the sites process and utilities piping and a single main rack power tie-in point.
This particular package shown in the video and photos is nearing completion and being readied for a witnessed FAT. It includes an S&S Technical designed railcar access platform with canopy, Safe Harbor access gangway with safety cage for fall protection, Unipro valve closure system to shut down the railcars manual valves remotely in the event of an emergency, Micromotion coriolis meter, safety shower, operator enclosure, process piping/automated valves, steam, N2 and potable water lines, LED lighting, controls, electrical panels, hose reel. All equipment provided was to the customers AML, piping & welding specs and included a Louisiana PE Stamp for the rack structure, nozzle load calculations, FAT per the end user requirements, documents per the requirements of the VDR and final data book.
Come find out if the VerssaLoad fully integrated railcar and truck loading system makes sense for your next project and take advantage of the S&S Technical team who understand that loading and unloading railcars and trucks, requires knowledge and capabilities beyond just getting on top of the car or truck.