United Wagon Company (UWC) is one of the largest wagon manufacturers in Russia. The company has developed a new improved tanker for transportation of concentrated Nitric Acid. These tankers have a higher load carrying capacity and longer life. These tankers also have a servicing period which is four times the period for existing tankers. The UWC will be supplying a batch of 14 wagons to EuroChem group, which is a major player in the fertiliser sector.
The UWC has announced their new tankers, Type 15-6901 which are designed to carry concentrated Nitric Acid. Concentrated Nitrci Acid is a highly corrosive and dangerous liquid. The tankers deigned by the company are supported on two 25-tonne axle load bogies and can carry 75 tonne weight. These tanks are made from AD0-grade Aluminium which has better physical characteristics and a performance rating which is 405 higher than the existing rolling stock. Thes tanks are made using the friction stir welding technique which is considered better than fusion welding. The friction stir welding significantly reduces the likelihood of joint defects. Compared to fusion welding, it minimizes harmful environmental impacts. When compared to the original state of the material, friction weld technique increases the joint’s strength and flexibility indicators by 10%.
The tankers have a volume of 54.78 m3 and can carry 33% more cargo compared to the existing rolling stock. The type 15-6901 tankers are installed with an airtight tank and discharge system. The discharge valves are installed with safety membranes to prevent spillage of the acid. The Type 15-6901 tankers have a modern discharge valve lined with an acid-resistant polymer. This system ensures that the freight is safely isolated from the tank car’s operating personnel and the environment. UWC offers its customers and option to install radar based level sensors for a contact free and accurate measurement of the tank fill levels.
The Type 15-6901 tankers have a service life of 40 years as compared to 20 years life of the existing rolling stock. Further, these tankers need to be sent back to yard for maintenance after 1 million km or 8 years. This interval is 4 times the 210,000 Km or two years maintenance interval of the existing tankers.
The Transport Journal 