30 Chemicals The redesigned IBC for ammonia solutions
operate. The expiry date for MLAs can vary, but they normally last for five years unless they are extended due to the advent of new regulations. MLAs provided the industry with some breathing space in order to tackle the precise requirements of the ADR regulations. The ADR regulations contained three key requirements in relation to the carriage of ammonia solution: (1) It specified three types of Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) that could be used to carry ammonia solution (Types 31H1, 31H2, 31HZ1). (2) The IBC must be fitted with a device to allow venting during carriage and the venting device had to be sited in the vapour space under maximum filling conditions. (3) The IBC(s) must be carried on an open vehicle (this includes curtain-sided vehicle). Carriage through the Channel Tunnel was specifically excluded. These requirements are valid until 31 January 2022 for carriage of ammonia solution in territories that continue to remain contracted to the ADR agreement.
Problem solving for ammonia solutions A
The central challenge within these provisions was the creation of a venting device that would conform to ADR’s requirements. The first step was to review a range of IBC models to establish if any conformed or could be adapted to meet the ADR’s provisions. It quickly became apparent that a simple solution of this kind was not available. The main stumbling block was the vapour pressure restriction imposed by the ADR.
n EU Directive covering the carriage of dangerous goods
Ammonia solution in the higher concentration is used for a number of specialist
created a significant UK problem for the supply of ammonia solution. Temporary fixes will come to an end in February
applications. It is a key chemical component in the recycling of catalytic converters, the approval process for many pharmaceutical
Other problems involved the size and construction of IBCs. Supply chain companies required an IBC capacity of 1,000
2022. Chief Executive, Peter Newport, explains how the Chemical Business Association (CBA) and its member companies tackled the issue.
products, in the disposal of military ammunition, and in dealing with slurry in the oil and gas sector.
litres. In addition, the use of plastic to form the containers was limited to five years and it was not economically viable to construct a more robust plastic container.
The UK adopted the revised provisions of the When the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) regulations almost halved the percentage concentration of Ammonia solution that could be legally carried by road, from 35% to 19%, several specialist sectors of the chemical supply chain faced serious issues.
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ADR in 2000 but agreed to allow deliveries at the higher concentration to continue through the use of Multi-Lateral Agreements (MLAs). MLAs offered an interim solution that ensured supplies could continue. They are authored by one party and have to be counter-signed by at least one other party in order to
It became clear that a new design for an IBC would have to be developed. CBA therefore contacted Thielmann, a German company recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of stainless steel containers and offering tailor-made in-house solutions to meet a range of design requirements.
