The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has approved Kelso’s new bottom outlet valve (BOV) design for commercial field trial testing.
Bottom outlet valves are utilised on rail tank cars for the primary purpose of unloading the contents of the tank. The BOV must be a low-profile design as it is positioned at the lowest point of the tank so that a full discharge of the tank can be achieved. They are widely used in the transport of hazardous commodities such as crude oil, ethanol, chemicals, petrochemicals and minerals such as molten sulphur as well as many non-hazardous commodity applications.
The new innovative BOV design prevents valve operating stem leaks and features the use of non-corrosive ceramic materials and a seal-protecting wiper. The BOV meets the new DOT-117 tank car specifications to be implemented on 1 October 2015 and the new M1002 Tank Car Standards requiring a removable handle. Numerous railway stakeholders have agreed to provide the required field trial testing. Testing will commence shortly and may take up to two years to complete. Once final approvals are received from the AAR the BOV represents new revenue streams that will contribute to the growth of the company.
