3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Personnel who perform tank car unloading operations must comply with company operating procedures, and be thoroughly familiar with the product transfer system. In this module you will learn to identify: 1.Equipment used to transfer liquid by pressure differential 2.Emergency equipment procedures Examining Bulk Plant Railcar Unloading Systems

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Be familiar with plant piping, valves, and controls, and be sure that pumps are supplied propane liquid while compressors are supplied propane vapor whenever they are operated. Check to be sure that flow control valves are in the proper opened or closed positions on supply and receiving containers, and in piping and transfer hose circuits before starting the transfer pump or compressor.

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 1 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Figure 1. Liquid Transfer Pump Figure 2. Vapor Compressor Liquid Transfer Pumps and Vapor Compressors Transfer pumps are designed to handle liquid propane, while compressors are designed to handle vapor. They will be damaged if propane in the wrong physical state is supplied to them.

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Flow Controlling Valves and Piping If after these efforts any questions remain, or you are unable to trace the flow of liquid and vapor for the unloading operation, ask the plant manager or supervisor for help. Figure 3. Plant Piping (Color code according to local regulations )

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 & 3 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Hose Hose couplings Hose clamps and fittings Connections at bulkhead fittings Coupling sealing ring or gasket on the cargo tank or male bulkhead coupling (as applicable) Transfer Hoses and Railcar Risers

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 2 & 3 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Transfer hoses should be in good condition and must not be used if they have any of the following defects: Damage to the hose cover that exposes the reinforcement Wire braid reinforcement that has been kinked or flattened so as to permanently deform the wire braid Soft spots when not under pressure, bulging under pressure, or a loose outer covering Damaged, slipping, or excessively worn hose couplings Loose or missing bolts or fastenings on bolted hose coupling assemblies Transfer Hoses and Railcar Risers

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 3 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Figure 4a. ACME Coupling Thread Profiles Figure 4b. Excessive ACME Thread Wear on Coupling Figure 4a illustrates how new ACME threads are machined, and how they become worn over time. When threads look like tapered pipe threads used on gas and water piping fittings, the coupling should be placed

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Identifying Equipment Used to Transfer Liquid by Pressure Differential Figure 5. Tank Car Unloading Riser

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 4 Identifying Emergency Equipment and Procedures Check the location and condition of plant fire extinguishers. Learn the procedures for notifying plant personnel of any emergency. Operating personnel should be familiar with the bulk plant’s emergency shutdown system, including : Shutdown locations. the devices they control. how to work the shutdown system, and. evacuation routes from the transfer area.

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Identifying Emergency Equipment and Procedures Figure 6. Tank Car Riser with Emergency Shutoff Valves

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 5 Identifying Emergency Equipment and Procedures Figure 7. Cross-Sectional View of Railcar ESV

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPage 6 Identifying Emergency Equipment and Procedures In case of an emergency, know your company’s policies and standard operating procedures. Note: Railcar risers, remote emergency shut down stations, transfer hoses and couplings, schedule 80 pipe nipples, emergency shutdown valves (ESVs), and pneumatic lines that actuate ESVs should be inspected to ensure that they are in good working condition. ESVs must never be disabled.

3.6.3 Student Book © 2004 Propane Education & Research CouncilPages 7 & 8 Time to See If You Got the Key Points of This Module… Complete the Review on page 7. See if you are ready for the Certification Exam by checking off the performance criteria on page 8.