The Nitrogen Fertilizer Factory (FAFEN), located in the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex, in Bahia, acquired a loading arm from FMC Technologies (Sens – France) for loading nitric acid (HNO3) in trucks. FAFEN stores 36,000 tons a year of 60% nitric acid, a material that requires specific care for its use and handling, due to its high toxic and corrosive power when in contact with various metals.
FMC arms use a technology that makes them resistant to the action of HNO3, since they are manufactured in 304L stainless steel. The arm Swivel Joint is also made of austenitic cast stainless steel. In addition, the arms are fitted with a sealed dome to prevent the leakage of HNO3 vapors into the atmosphere. Vapors are returned to the loading tank via a flexible hose connected to the dome of the arm. The maximum load/unload capacity of the arm is 15m³/h. Product loading is done from the top of the truck and monitored by a level detection system to prevent overflowing.