Sometimes, the materials that keep industry moving call for extreme care, and this is the case with phenol. One terminal technician, that handles phenol on a regular basis at SI Group, describes the product as “highly viscous, toxic and causes severe burns.” To keep SI Group’s phenol operations running safely and smoothly, the company needed equipment that could ensure safe handling.
As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of phenolic resins, alkylphenolic resins and alkylated phenols, SI Group has facilities on six continents and works with clients across more than 90 countries. For its railcar unloading operation in Freeport, TX, the company was looking to minimize the risk of product releases through connections to protect its terminal technicians.
Highly reliable and capable of total phenol containment, the Drylok Coupler from OPW Engineered Systems was the product that SI Group required. Drylok meets or exceeds all emission and worker-safety requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency, OSHA and other regulatory bodies.
Since 2007, the Freeport, TX plant, has utilized Drylok couplers to optimize flow rates, improve uptime, and reduce phenol release through the following features and benefits:
- Low number of internal components that could obstruct flow
- Safety interlocks preventing accidental uncoupling
- Standard O-ring seals to facilitate replacement
The added level of security provided by Drylok has contributed to greater plant efficiency and has protected technicians against the harmful effects of phenol exposure, including central nervous and heart disruptions that could result in dysrhythmia, seizures and even a coma.
Engineering What’s Next in Safe Liquid Handling
OPW Engineered Systems offers the most comprehensive line of dry disconnects. These products reduce hazards across loading and unloading applications to keep businesses moving and personnel safe from spillage of liquids. For each product that is corrosive, toxic or caustic, there is a compatible solution from OPW.
To learn more about the full line of OPW’s terminal solutions, please visit opw-es.com or contact OPW Engineered Systems.