Recommendations for safe unloading

of metal alkyls
Flexible hoses

PRODUCT

N2

AkzoNobel supplies a wide range of metal alkyls to the olefin polymerization and other industries. The
metal alkyls are transported in carbon steel portable tanks in a variety of sizes. Safe transfer of product
from these portable tanks to the storage or blending tank requires the use of a specially designed
unloading station. The connection of the portable tank to the piping system of the storage tank can be
realized using either flexible hoses or steel loading arms with rotary joints. In a series of technical
bulletins, AkzoNobel describes essential aspects of such an unloading station in detail [1]. This bulletin
provides information on the selection of the proper type of flexible hoses, and on their use in metal alkyl
service. Loading arms with rotary joints are described in a separate bulletin [1].

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Introduction
Metal alkyls are highly reactive compounds. Many commercially available metal alkyls react explosively
with water and are pyrophoric, i.e. they ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Despite these inherent
hazards, metal alkyls can be handled safely when appropriate procedures are followed [2].
The safe transfer of metal alkyls from a portable tank to a storage or blending tank is highly dependent on
a proper design of the unloading station. When transferring the metal alkyl, a connection between the
portable tank and the facility needs to be made. In practice the position of the portable tank will vary
slightly each time a new tank is placed in the unloading station. A flexible connection from the fixed
pipelines of the unloading station is required, because tension on flanges, valves and piping must be
avoided. For making the connection the use of corrugated stainless steel flexible hoses or specially
designed loading arms with rotary joints is recommended. Flexible hoses are described in this bulletin.

Flexible hoses in metal alkyl service

AkzoNobel has over 35 years of experience in production of metal alkyls. Our production plants are using
flexible hoses extensively in daily operations. They provide a safe, convenient and cost effective way of
making flexible connections for metal alkyl transfers. Several important aspects for a proper choice of the
flexible hose and auxiliary equipment are given below.
Construction materials of the hose
Corrugated stainless steel is the generally recommended hose material for metal alkyl applications. Type
AISI 304 and 321 have proven to give good performance. For halide containing metal alkyls (e.g. DEAC,
EASC or EADC) AISI 316 L is preferred. Stainless steel overbraiding around the hose increases the
pressure rating and protects against external damage.
PTFE (Teflon) innercores/liners can also be used, and they offer advantages particularly for smaller
diameters (1/2 - 3/4 in. or 15 - 20 mm). The bend radius is smaller than that of corrugated steel hoses
and this will offer greater flexibility. Teflon hoses must also have steel overbraiding, and teflon must be
impregnated with graphite to avoid pinhole failure due to static discharge through the liner.
Since failure of Teflon-lined hoses is possible if a fire occurs, automatic or remote emergency shut-off
control should be provided [1].
Pressure rating
The pressure rating should be chosen in accordance with the design pressure of the adjacent equipment
(typical design pressure 30 bar or higher).

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Fittings
Flexible hose suppliers can offer numerous types of fittings upon request.
Two different fittings at each hose end are also possible, such that the flexible can be used as an adapter
from the portable tank to the unloading system as required.
Use of swivel fittings or floating flanges prevents torsion of the hose, and thus simplifies easy use.
Figure 1.

Hose fitting with floating flange

floating flange

single stainless steel braiding

corrugated stainless steel hose

Length of the hose

The length of the hose should be carefully chosen, to avoid U-loops (too long hose) or strain (too short).
U-loops will trap the metal alkyl, and are difficult to purge, which is dangerous upon disconnection.
Hose manufacturers can supply hoses of any required length.
Valving
It is recommended that the end of the flexible hose used for product discharge is equipped with a valve.
Thus upon disconnection accidental release of metal alkyl is prevented and slow entrance of air which
will cause oxidation is avoided. The use of blind flanges on both product and vent hose is recommended.
Balancing
Stainless steel hoses equipped with (automatic) valves can be rather heavy. An adequate balancing
system, for example with counter weights, can ease the manipulation of the hose significantly and
contributes to a safe operation.

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Unloading procedure
A detailed unloading procedure is given in the dedicated AkzoNobel technical bulletins Unloading
procedure for metal alkyls in C-type portable tanks and Unloading procedure for metal alkyls in ISO
portable tanks [1].
As mentioned in these bulletins, a good purge with dry nitrogen after each product transfer is important
for safety reasons. This will however also increase the lifetime of the flexible hose. It is recommended to
replace blind flanges on the hoses to avoid entrance of air.

Test procedure
To guarantee maximum safe use of the flexible hoses AkzoNobel recommends checking the condition of
the flexible hose on a regular basis but at least once per year. The test will indicate each small defect of
the hose.
A short description of the test procedure used by AkzoNobel is given below:
Before removing the flexible hose from the installation the hose should be purged and rinsed properly
with nitrogen and a hydrocarbon solvent. Good personal protective clothing [1] is a must during this
operation.
Pressurize the hose with nitrogen at 10 barg. Maintain this pressure for 15 minutes and verify the
pressure; a pressure drop is not allowed.
Check the tightness of the fittings by testing with soap solution.
If no leakage is observed depressurize the hose and continue with a hydraulic test.
Pressure up with a hydrocarbon using a hydraulic pump to 25 barg.
(Test pressure can vary depending on hose specification)
Observe for any loss of pressure for at least 15 minutes.
If the hose meets the requirements, mark the hose with a test-date tag and put it in use again.

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Conclusion
Flexible hoses are a convenient means of making temporary connections involving transfers of metal
alkyls, for example during unloading.
AkzoNobel advises to follow the recommendations given in this bulletin regarding the choice and use of
flexible hoses.
For more information on this subject or a dedicated advice, please contact your AkzoNobel
representative.

References
1. AkzoNobel technical bulletins available on safe unloading of metal alkyls:
Design of a metal alkyl unloading station
Fail-safe shutdown system
Flexible hoses
Sealant tank
Unloading arms
Operator protection during handling of metal alkyls
Unloading procedure for metal alkyls in C-type portable tanks
Unloading procedure for metal alkyls in ISO portable tanks.
2. Brochure Metal Alkyls from AkzoNobel available on www.akzonobel.com/polymer.

All information concerning this product and/or suggestions for handling and use contained herein are offered in good faith and are believed to be reliable. AkzoNobel Polymer
Chemicals, however, makes no warranty as to accuracy and/or sufficiency of such information and/or suggestions, as to the product's merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose, or that any suggested use will not infringe any patent. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as granting or extending any license under any patent.
Buyer must determine for himself, by preliminary tests or otherwise, the suitability of this product for his purposes. The information contained herein supersedes all previously
issued bulletins on the subject matter covered. The user may forward, distribute, and/or photocopy this document only if unaltered and complete, including all of its headers and
footers, and should refrain from any unauthorized use. You may not copy this document to a website.
Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals B.V.
Amersfoort, The Netherlands
Tel. +31 33 467 6767
Fax +31 33 467 6151
polymerchemicals.nl@akzonobel.com

Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals LLC

Chicago, U.S.A.
Tel. +1 312 544 7000
1 800 828 7929 (Toll free US only)
Fax + 1 312 544 7188
polymerchemicals.na@akzonobel.com

Akzo Nobel (Asia) Co., Ltd.

Shanghai, PR China
Tel. +86 21 6279 3399
Fax +86 21 6247 1129
polymerchemicals.ap@akzonobel.com

www.akzonobel.com/polymer
2006-2008 AkzoNobel Polymer Chemicals

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