Bulk storage and handling

of acids and anhydrides

Contents
Bulk storage and handling of acids
and anhydrides 3

Introduction 3

Storage equipment 4
Tank construction materials 5
Piping 6
Pumps 6
Valves 6
Gaskets 6
Vents 6
Tank fill line 6
Bulk unloading 7
Tank car unloading 7
Suggested unloading guidelines for tank cars 9
Tank trailer unloading 10
Suggested unloading guidelines for tank trailers 10
Safety precautions 11
Information 11
Protective clothing 11

Technical assistance 11
Bulk storage and handling of
acids and anhydrides
Introduction
This publication provides information on storage and Federal, state, and local regulations regarding handling
handling of Eastman acids and anhydrides. The drawings and storage of chemicals may vary widely. The Federal
and discussions are for information only and should Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
be used solely as a guide in developing procedures and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Fire
facilities for handling Eastman acids and anhydrides listed Protection Association (NFPA), and a users insurance
below. Customers must determine for themselves the company also impose safety standards. In addition, the
appropriate procedures and facilities for their operations. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prescribes
rules and regulations for unloading hazardous materials
Acids Anhydrides from tank cars and tank trailers (see 49 CFR 100-199).
Acetic Acetic Knowledge of these and other appropriate federal
Propionic Propionic and state laws and regulations as well as consultation
n-Butyric n-Butyric with the proper authority should provide guidance for
Isobutyric Isobutyric developing adequate handling procedures and constructing
appropriate storage and drumming facilities.
2-Ethylhexanoic
Nothing contained herein constitutes a representation
The information in this publication, along with the data
or warranty concerning the products, the attributes of
and information contained in Eastmans Material Safety
the products, or the manner in which the products are to
Data Sheets (MSDS), needs to be reviewed and understood
be safely or properly used, handled, stored, transported,
to help ensure safe storage and handling of Eastman acids
or shipped. You are hereby notified to seek independent
and anhydrides. It is the customers responsibility to direct
advice on all such matters.
and control the unloading of any chemical or material into
or from bulk storage and handling facilities. Title to all All information, products, methods, apparatus, or
chemicals or materials, unless otherwise specified, shall services are provided as is without warranty of any
vest in a customer at Eastmans shipping point. kind. Eastman hereby expressly disclaims any and all
warranties regarding the products, methods, apparatus,
services, and practices associated therewith, whether
express or implied, including without limitation, any
implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose, title, and noninfringement. You
assume the entire risk of relying on this information.
In no event shall Eastman be responsible for damages
of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of
or reliance on this information. By providing this
information, Eastman neither can nor intends to control
the method or manner by which you use, handle, store,
or transport Eastman products.

3
Storage equipment
Tank construction materials and facilities for tank car Bonding and grounding are important to inhibit the
and tank trailer handling of these materials are described accumulation of static electricity and provide for its
and illustrated on the following pages. The drawings and safe discharge. Bonding and grounding are required
discussions are for information only and should be used for all equipment, piping, tank cars, tank trailers, and
solely as a guide in storing and handling these Eastman interconnections. Regarding bonding and grounding
products. Customers/users must determine for themselves considerations, refer to the following and other appropriate
the appropriate storage and handling facilities for their standards:
operations in the country involved.
API RP 2003Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out
For the location, fabrication, installation, inspection, and of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents
testing of acid and anhydride storage tanks, the designer NFPA 77Recommended Practice on Static Electricity
should refer to appropriate standards including the
following: Potential electrical ignition hazards should be controlled
through proper selection and installation of electrical
ANSI/NB-23National Board Inspection Code equipment. The storage, handling, and unloading areas
ASME Boiler Pressure Code, Section VIII, Division 1 should be classified in accordance with the information
API Standard 510Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: available in the following standards and any other
Maintenance, Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration applicable standards for your area or country.

API Standard 570Piping Inspection Code: Inspection, NFPA 70National Electrical Code
Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of In-Service Piping NFPA 497Recommended Practice for the Classification
Systems of Flammable Liquids, Gases or Vapors and of
API Standard 620Design and Construction of Large, Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical
Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks Installations in Chemical Process Areas
API Standard 650Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage Proper selection and installation of electrical equipment
API Standard 653Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, should be based on NFPA 70 in accordance with the area
and Reconstruction electrical classification. Potential nonelectrical ignition
API Standard 2000Venting Atmospheric and Low- hazards should be controlled through safe work processes
Pressure Storage Tanks: Nonrefrigerated and and procedures.
Refrigerated
For maintenance of storage tanks and relief devices, it is
29 CFR 1910.106Flammable and Combustible Liquids recommended that the customer/user establish regular
NFPA 30Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code schedules for inspection of tanks, relief devices, and piping.

4
Tank construction materials For outdoor storage of glacial (anhydrous) acetic acid
Storage tanks should be constructed of 316L stainless (freezing point 16.6C [61.9F]), a heating system and tank
steel. To reduce corrosion of the tank bottom exterior, insulation should be provided. The recommended heating
a coating should be applied between the tank and system consists of low-temperature electric heating pads
foundation. installed between the tank exterior and the insulation that
will maintain the temperature at a desirable level. Heating
A vertical atmospheric storage tank is shown in Figure 1. a point of the tank or pipe wall to a high temperature may
The storage tank area should be enclosed by containment result in accelerated corrosion at the point of heating.
facilities capable of containing the contents of the tank For example, if the tank or pipe wall was contacted
and the maximum expected rainfall for an appropriate with a steam tracer (tubing) at 100 psig (about 168C),
design storm event. The enclosed area should be drained accelerated corrosion could result. Using sandwich tracing,
through a trap to a safe location that is protective of 100-psig steam could be utilized for heat tracing without
human health and the environment and is in compliance substantially elevating the wall temperature. If storage
with applicable laws and regulations. A vertical tank tanks for other Eastman acids or anhydrides are subject
provides a more economical use of land than does a to extreme cold (near or below the freezing point of the
horizontal tank. contents), they should be equipped with heating systems
to facilitate transfer.

Figure 1
Storage tank

Note: A leak detection system with provisions for secondary containment is recommended.

5
Normal handling temperatures are below the flash Valves
points of these acids and anhydrides. However, if these Stainless steel, type 316L, flanged ball or sleeve type plug
solvents will be handled at or above their flash points, it is valves with seats, sleeves, seals, gaskets, and packing
recommended they be treated as if they were flammable made of Teflon1 plastic (or equivalent PTFE2) should be
solvents. To inhibit the accumulation of static charges, the considered for use in acid and anhydride transfer lines.
storage tank, pumps, transfer lines, and offloading vehicle
should be adequately grounded. Gaskets
Gaskets made of filled, restructured Teflon (or equivalent
Storage facilities should be constructed so that water
PTFE), or corrugated metal (316 stainless steel) faced with
cannot be accidentally introduced into anhydride
expanded PTFE should be considered for use with Eastman
storage tanks. Anhydrides react with water and
acids and anhydrides. For sheet gaskets made of filled,
generate heat. In a confined space, considerable
restructured Teflon (or equivalent PTFE), a gasket thickness
pressure caused by this reaction can result in an
of 1.59 mm (116 in.) is recommended for typical valve and
explosion that can rupture a storage tank.
piping applications.
Piping
Vents
Stainless steel pipe, type 316L, should be used for transfer
If environmental laws and regulations of federal, state,
lines.
and local agencies permit, tank vents may be open to
Transfer lines should be welded and have no screwed the atmosphere. The vents should be angled at 45 from
fittings. Pipe connections should be flanged with 150-lb vertical and cut off vertically to prevent rain from entering.
forged steel lap-jointed flanges. Lines should have as few The vents should be at least 1 inch larger in diameter than
flanged connections as possible. the tank fill line and in accordance with the appropriate
sections of 29 CFR 1910.106, API Standard 2000, and NFPA
For outdoor storage of glacial acetic acid, a heat tracing 30. A coarse-mesh stainless steel wire screen should be
system should be provided for the piping and pumps. placed over vent openings to prevent entry of foreign
As described in the Tank construction materials section objects. Per 29 CFR 1910.106, if the storage tank is located
on page 5, the tracing system should not heat the wall inside a building, the vents should extend outside the
to elevated temperatures. Other Eastman acids or building. It is recommended that storage tanks be provided
anhydrides subjected to extreme cold may also require with a blanket of inert gas or nitrogen and equipped with
heat tracing. a pressure/vacuum conservation vent piped away to a
Pumps safe location that is protective of human health and the
environment and is in compliance with applicable laws and
Centrifugal pumps should be considered for acid and
regulations.
anhydride transfer. A self-priming centrifugal or a positive-
displacement pump should be used when unloading Tank fill line
tank cars from the top. Centrifugal pumps should have The fill line should enter the tank through the roof and
mechanical seals. For Eastman installation, all parts of the extend downward to within 2 to 3 inches of the bottom of
pumps wetted by the liquid should be made of type 316 the tank to inhibit the accumulation of static charges. The
stainless steel. tank should also be blanketed with nitrogen.

1
Product of DuPont
2
Polytetrafluoroethylene

6
Bulk unloading
The following pages outline procedures for unloading tank vapor. It is also recommended that a nitrogen or inert gas
cars and tank trailers. These procedures are for information blanket be used during loading or unloading of materials at
only. In addition, consult and observe the comprehensive or above their flash point.
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations or other
On shipments of acids with high freezing points, heating
applicable regulations. It is the customers responsibility
coils are provided in tank cars [51 mm (2 in.)] and tank
to be aware of and comply with all applicable laws and
trailers (25 mm [1 in.]) for use with low-pressure steam
regulations governing the unloading of tank cars and tank
or hot water to thaw acid that may have frozen in transit.
trailers. The unloading procedures should address the
During heating, the car should be monitored to prevent
appropriate protective clothing that should be used and
overflowing from expansion. Before the acid is unloaded,
when the operator should wear it.
the tank car or trailer should be carefully checked to ensure
Eastman acids and anhydrides are shipped in aluminum material is completely thawed.
or stainless steel tank cars and stainless steel tank trailers.
Tank car unloading
The usual tank car sizes are 10,000 and 20,000 gallons.
Tank trailer sizes vary upward from 4,000 gallons. The Unloading operations must be performed only by reliable
unloading area should be provided with an emergency persons properly instructed in unloading hazardous
containment and drainage system to direct at minimum, materials as per 49 CFR 174.67. The recommended
the contents of the off-loading vehicle, in the case of a method of unloading tank cars is from the top. It is
spill, to a safe location that is protective of human health easier to shut off the flow in case of a transfer line leak or
and the environment and is in compliance with applicable rupture. Figures 24 show several unloading arrangements
laws and regulations. Also, a vapor return line can be used for tank cars that minimize the chance of an accidental
to comply with EPA venting requirements. A properly discharge. In Figures 2 and 3, the unloading lines are
designed system utilizing vapor return can be used to connected to the fixed well line in the tank car. For top
reduce vapor generation and increase recovery of product unloading, an approach platform is suggested.

Figure 2
Tank car top unloadingfixed piping with swivel joints

7
Figure 3
Tank car top unloadingflexible hose with flanged elbow

Figure 4
Tank car top unloadingremovable well pipe with swivel jointsa

The unloading method shown involves lowering a well pipe through the open manhole of the car.
a

8
Suggested unloading guidelines for tank cars 9. Start pump and immediately check transfer line for
leaks. If pressure unloading, begin pressuring tank car
1. Read storage tank liquid level gauge and record
with nitrogen. Be sure relief valves on tank car and
reading. Convert inventory to gallons and make
storage tank are properly rated for nitrogen supply
certain that tank will accept the contents of tank car.
pressure.
2. Spot tank car at unloading station and set hand brake.
10. Check liquid level gauge on storage tank to ensure
Apply chocks to wheels to help prevent travel of car
liquid is being transferred.
in either direction. Position a stop sign on each side of
car along rails and, if necessary, attach derailing device 11. When tank car is empty, stop pump. If applicable,
to rails or lock switch to the spur track involved. Each stop nitrogen purge. Close unloading and vent valves
end of car that can be accessed by a locomotive must on tank car. If applicable, bleed pressure off nitrogen
have a stop sign. purge line and disconnect nitrogen purge.

3. Attach a ground wire to bulwark or cradle of tank car 12. Connect nitrogen to unloading line and blow product
and to mailbox or manway (not the manway lid). from unloading line into storage tank. (Residue
in unloading line should not be released onto the
4. Read and record tank car number, numbers on the
ground.)
metal tape seals located at various openings on
car, and product identification tags on manhole 13. Before disconnecting flexible hose from tank car well
and bottom outlet. If these do not agree with line, blow disconnect clear of product with nitrogen
information in shipping papers, check with shipper and bleed off pressure. Then disconnect flexible hose
before unloading. Mixing an acid or anhydride with an or raise well pipe. Close up car and secure tank car for
incompatible material can be hazardous and costly. transportation per 49 CFR 173.31.d. Remove chocks,
warning signs, derails, and switch locks.
5. If tank car contents must be sampled, open manway
and dip sample. 14. Read storage tank liquid level gauge and record
reading.
6. Depending on the type of unloading facilities, connect
flexible stainless steel hose to outlet valve on car or
open manway and lower well pipe through manhole.

7. If pressure unloading or using nitrogen purge, connect

nitrogen supply to tank car vent valve; otherwise make
certain car is vented. Open smaller ball vent valve
next to top unloading line. If applicable, start nitrogen
purge/flow.

8. Open all valves in transfer line between tank car and

storage tank.

9
Figure 5
Tank trailer unloadingstationary pump

Tank trailer unloading Suggested unloading guidelines for

A cargo tank carrying a DOT regulated material must be tank trailers
attended by a qualified person at all times during unloading Read storage tank liquid level gauge and record reading.
as per 49 CFR 177.834(2) or applicable regulations in your Convert inventory to gallons and make certain that tank
country. will accept contents of tank trailer.

Tank trailer unloading connections are shown in 1. Position tank trailer at unloading station and set hand
Figure 5. (Note: Many tank trailers unload from the rear.) brake. Apply chocks to wheels to help inhibit travel in
It is the customers responsibility to specify the either direction. Position a stop sign at the end of the
configuration of the tank container to meet their needs. truck and the trailer.
Consider the total unloading environment because the
2. Attach ground wire to tank trailer rear axle or
engine of the truck adds an additional ignition source.
structure of landing gear and manway (not the crash
In a flammable environment, the pump on the tractor
box or manway lid).
should not be used to transfer liquid from the trailer to the
storage tank. Tractor pumps also cannot be guaranteed to 3. Read and record tank trailer number, numbers on seals
be contaminant free. located on various openings on trailer, and product
identification tags on manhole and bottom outlet. If
these do not agree with information in the shipping
papers, check with shipper before unloading. Mixing an
acid or anhydride with an incompatible material can
be hazardous and costly.

10
 4. If tank trailer contents must be sampled, open manway
Safety precautions
and dip sample.

5. Connect flexible chemical stainless steel hose to tank Information

trailer outlet and to quick-connect fitting on inlet of Material safety data sheets (MSDS) providing toxicity
customers pump (Figure 5). information, physical and chemical data, and spill and
emergency response information have been provided for
6. Make certain flexible hose connections are connected the individual Eastman acids and anhydrides. The user
and secured properly. If pressure unloading or using should review these publications before undertaking to
nitrogen purge, connect nitrogen to tank trailer vent handle, store, or use any of these materials. For copies,
valve and start purge, otherwise open vent valve write or call your Eastman representative.
or manway to atmosphere. Open valves in the line
between trailer and storage tank. Protective clothing
7. Open trailer manual outlet valve and trailer hydraulic Protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, face shields,
(internal) outlet valve. boots, and apronsappropriate for the chemical being
handledshould be readily available and should be worn
8. Start pump and immediately check transfer line for by persons involved in the handling operation. Consult the
leaks. If pressure unloading, begin pressurizing tank MSDS for recommended practices.
trailer with nitrogen. Be sure relief valves on tank car
and storage tank are properly rated for nitrogen supply
pressure.
Technical assistance
9. Check storage tank liquid level gauge to ensure liquid is
being transferred. If you have questions concerning bulk storage or
handling of acids and anhydrides, contact your Eastman
10. When tank trailer is empty, close pump suction outlet representative.
valve and stop pump. If applicable, stop nitrogen purge.
Close vent valves. If applicable, bleed pressure off
trailer nitrogen supply line and disconnect nitrogen
purge.

11. Connect nitrogen to unloading line and clear flex hose

quick disconnect of product by blowing product from
unloading line back into trailer. Immediately close
trailer hydraulic (internal) outlet valve and then close
trailer manual outlet valve.

12. With valves in transfer line closed, bleed off pressure

and disconnect flexible hose. (Residue in transfer line
should not be released onto the ground.)

13. Close and verify all container valves are closed and
caps properly secured per 49 CFR 174.67.

14. Remove chocks and stop signs from trailer wheels.

15. Read storage tank liquid level gauge and record

reading.

11
Eastman Chemical Company
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Telephone:
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Shanghai 200041, P.R. China
Material Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions
Telephone: (86) 21 6120-8700
that should be observed when handling and storing Eastman
Fax: (86) 21 5213-5255
products are available online or by request. You should obtain
and review the available material safety information before
Eastman Chemical Japan Ltd.
handling any of these products. If any materials mentioned
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2-11-16 Minami Aoyama
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should be observed.
Telephone: (81) 3-3475-9510
Fax: (81) 3-3475-9515 Neither Eastman Chemical Company nor its marketing affiliates
shall be responsible for the use of this information or of any
Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. product, method, or apparatus mentioned, and you must make
#05-04 Winsland House your own determination of its suitability and completeness for
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products. No warranty is made of the merchantability
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Fax: (65) 6732-4930 any of the sellers conditions of sale.

2013, 1995 Eastman Chemical Company. Eastman is a

www.eastman.com trademark of Eastman Chemical Company.

A-107G 2/13