On the Right Track: the Benefits of Transitioning from Conventional Acid-Resistant Baked Phenolic Technology within the Rail Market

Abstract When it comes to moving large quantities of sulfuric acid over land, rail tank cars keep the supply chain on track, moving acid from production sites to storage depots located in the heart of the market areas for further distribution by either rail tank car or by ISO tankers. For decades, heat cured phenolic linings have been the industries standard ticket for lining acid transportation assets, especially when high cargo purity is required for the end destination. However, these linings often derail efficiency’s presenting several limitations for applicators, owners and leasing companies due to increased costs of application/cure schedules and poor Health and Safety profiles. This paper investigates the benefits and challenges in transitioning towards innovative solvent free acid-resistant lining technology for the transportation of sulfuric acid by rail. A suite of accelerated laboratory immersion test methods was captured in this study in parallel with post inspection checks to evaluate and benchmark lining performance. Visual inspections, adhesion and the recent development of laboratory test methods to quantify the impact a lining has on cargo purity has laid the foundations allowing us to move away from traditional baked phenolics, providing a platform to benchmark and evaluate next-generation solutions.