Although no two Carbon Dioxide Loading solutions will be identical, the product itself determines much of the critical design criteria that will ensure that optimum safety and productivity can work together in harmony.

What is Carbon Dioxide? Carbon Dioxide is an odorless, colorless, incombustible gas resulting from the oxidation of carbon. CO2 naturally occurs in the environment as animals and humans exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product. Over centuries, human activities have accelerated carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal, oil and natural gas.  CO2 is primarily used as a commercial refrigerant, used in fire extinguishers, for blasting coal, and for foaming in rubber and plastics.

In the United States, Carbon Dioxide is a “tight-fill” (closed-loop) loading operation and is loaded into rail cars via chemical hoses or 3” stainless steel loading arms. Carbon Dioxide, 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.

Carbon Dioxide is typically shipped in DOT-105. A pressurized, non-insulated railcars with 400 psi loading and discharge valves.  The rail 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.