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I work in the fertiliser industry down in New Zealand and we have stared tranporting some of our manufactured fertiliser by rail. We also transport sulfuric acid around the country but this is mainly by road at present, the company is talking about moving it by rail in the future. How is the sulfur, fertiliser and sulfuric acid (98% strength) moved in the U.S.A. The fertliser and sulfur is moved in open coal hoppers out here.
------------------ 10-4 JIMBO
rresor Member # 128
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Fertilizer and sulfur are both moved in covered hopper cars. These are cars with roof hatches for loading, and discharge gates for emptying. Typical capacity is 100 (U.S.) tons. Covered hoppers are also used to transport a number of commodities including grain, flour, and plastic pellets. Some car owners have built cleaning facilities so the cars can be used for different commodities and still comply with food regulations.
Acid is moved in jumbo tank cars (100 tons again), with head shields and special "shelf" (AAR Type F) couplers to minimize the danger of punctures if the cars become separated in a derailment. Movement of this type of commodity by rail is safer than by road. Specialized equipment, however, is required.
One possibility in New Zealand might be "sea tanks" in container frames for carrying the acid.
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