Aniline

Aniline is a combustible oily and colorless liquid that when exposed to the atmosphere oxidizes and quickly picks up impurities which can give the solution a red-brown tint. Aniline has a boiling point of 360 degree F. (184 degree C) The material is stable under ambient temperature and pressure. However, the danger of explosion exists when exposed to oxygen, nitric acid, and oxidisers. Aniline also attacks rubber, plastic, and certain coatings. Keep away from heat and sparks.

What is Aniline ?

Aniline, sometimes referred to as phenylamine or aminobenzene is a colorless, oily liquid that’s typically derived from nitrobenzene reduction and used primarily in the synthesis of dyes and drugs. As an aromatic in the petrochemical family, aniline consists of a phenyl group attached to an amino group, an ideal aromatic amine. It’s also the precursor to many industrial chemicals including polyurethane. The largest application of aniline is in the preparation of MDI (methylene diphenyl diisoyanates). Other uses include rubber processing chemicals, herbicides, dyes, and pigments.

In the United States, Aniline is typically a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” carbon steel loading arms. Aniline, if not handled properly can cause serious injuries and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Additionally, because operators are on top of the vehicles during the loading process, robust, well-designed fall prevention is essential to ensure increased throughput, without compromising operator safety.

Aniline is typically shipped in 26,000 gallon DOT-111 insulated or non-insulated tank cars with safety valves that meet the DOT specification for the transportation of aniline and other like commodities.

The rails cars themselves are ~ 9′ outside diameter with an overall length of ~45’ to 50′, with a 6’ x 6’ center opening or off-set crash box openings.

Tank truck (un)loading procedures are similar to railcar applications with the trailers meeting established DOT requirements for hauling aniline or other like commodities.  Approved DOT trailers include MC 307 or low pressure chemical ISO containers.

Trailers and ISO’s are typically bottom unloaded. An extension pipe with two valves is flanged to the top of the trailer. 

All trailers must be equipped with pressure relief valves, and trailers with bottom outlets must be equipped with remote controlled stop valves.

TiCl4 is regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and is classified as a hazardous material (combustible and toxic, with the DOT identification number UN 1547.

Aniline is an organic base used to make dyes, drugs, explosives, plastics, and photographic and rubber chemicals. 

In the event of ignition use andry chemical, CO2, or foam as extinguishing agents. Aniline vapor is heavier than air and may travel a distance to cause a fire or explosion far from the source

Aniline is a toxic compound and exposure via inhalation, ingestion, eye or skin contact has a negative effect on the body’s central nervous system and oxygen in the blood. Breathing in can irritate the lungs causing coughing and shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency.  Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Long-term effects can occur at some time after exposure and can last for months or years. OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) at 5ppm.

Aniline exposure has also been linked to genetic birth defects and some types of cancers. It’s also highly toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. 

Only properly trained and equipped personnel should be permitted to unload tank trucks. Operators should wear an approved respiratory protective device, and impervious clothing, footwear, gloves, and goggles.