A long-term customer, who operates within the chemical manufacturing industry, approached us because they needed to modernise and improve control over their tanker unloading processes. Their existing systems operated by either using the “blowing method” or relying on pumps mounted on the tankers and weren’t particularly reliable, consistent, or safe, especially when it comes to handling aggressive chemicals such as 96% Sulphuric Acid and 50% Hydrogen Peroxide.

The Challenges in Tanker Unloading

The customer was facing several challenges daily in their unloading applications, which included:

• A lack of control and visibility over the unloading process due to their reliance on external tanker-mounted equipment.
• Safety risks and potential leakage when handling corrosive substances using non-standardised equipment.
• Inconsistent unloading times and procedures depending on tanker configurations.
• A need to standardise site equipment to reduce maintenance complexity and parts inventory.
• Desire to explore more technically robust and future-proof solutions across the site.

A Collaborative Approach

The first thing we did was carry out a site visit.  It was important to assess the customer’s unloading setup for ourselves. Our technical team carried out a detailed review to gather all essential data for accurate pump specification, including:

• Pipework diameters and lengths
• Required tank discharge heads
• Typical unloading durations
• Tanker positioning and flow path
• Chemical properties and concentrations

Discussions with the site team helped us understand both current operations and long-term improvement plans. Recognising the hazards involved with 96% Sulphuric Acid and 50% Hydrogen Peroxide, we recommended seal-less magnetic drive pumps paired with real-time power monitoring.

The Tanker Unloading Solution

Our experienced engineers proposed the installation of:

• Two ETN60 ETFE-lined magnetic drive pumps-engineered specifically for highly corrosive chemical handling.
• Integrated power monitors to give the client live data so they can detect anomalies such as dry-running or blocked lines in real time.

Manufactured at our global manufacturing site in Italy, every pump is tested before it leaves the factory to make sure it meets our high-quality engineering standards. On top of this, we introduced the customer to our ‘Emergency Stock’ Program, which offers a 3-day build time for mission-critical pumps, reducing downtime if replacements are ever needed.

Installing and Running the Pumps

The pumps were installed and have now been operating trouble-free for quite a few months so far.  The key results included:

• Greater operational control – Power monitors have given the team on site the ability to supervise and manage unloading procedures.
• Improved safety and containment – The seal-less design of our mag drive pumps eliminates the risk of mechanical seal failure, which is critical for high-risk chemical environments.
• Operational consistency – With standardised pump systems, maintenance, and spare parts management is simpler.

The Right Choice for Tanker Unloading

This project showcases our commitment to collaboration, engineering excellence, and tailoring fluid-handling solutions to meet the needs of the customer. Through a combination of technical expertise, responsive support, and after-care, our long-standing customer now has a safer, more efficient, and standardised chemical handling process.

Interested in improving your chemical transfer processes?

Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help you improve safety, control, and efficiency at your site.

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