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Texas Petrochemicals (TPC) recently installed OPW Engineered Systems’ Drylok™ Dry Disconnect Coupler system on its fleet of 600 butadiene tank cars.

The couplers are designed to reduce volatile organic compound emissions, and improve workers’ safety and efficiency while loading and unloading cars containing hazardous, corrosive and volatile liquids.

Prior to implementing the Drylok system, TPC employees loaded and unloaded butadiene cars using pipe fittings, hammers and pipe wrenches. Now, workers connect a loading arm to the car with the turn of a handle. The system has reduced average connection times from 35 minutes to about 30 seconds, according to OPW.

The couplers have been approved by the Association of American Railroads, and meet or exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emission standards and Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s worker safety requirements.