6. Shipment of MDI

Although MDI is a hazardous material in terms of reactivity and toxicity, it can be transported and handled safely provided that appropriate precautions are observed.

Regulations

The shipment of MDI and MDI-containing products are subject to strict regulations within most countries in Europe and North America when exceeding 5,000 pounds of 4,4’-MDI in a single container. In addition, the international movement of these products by road, rail, or sea is subject to international agreements which provide specific requirements concerning shipment which must be observed by all parties involved.

The transportation equipment for MDI products must meet the design and construction requirements of national and international regulations. Table 5 is a partial list of transportation regulations.

Table 5. Transportation regulations.

 

Regulation	Description
DOT	United States Department of Transportation Rules Governing the Transport of Hazardous Materials (HMR)
ICAO	International Civil Aviation Organization
IMDG	International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
IMO	International Maritime Organization
TDG	Canadian Regulations Concerning the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Land

BASF uses only professional transportation companies whose personnel are competent and well trained in handling of MDI products. Accompanying all shipments of MDI products is an emergency response guide and/or a Bill of Lading.

Shipping Containers

MDI products are generally shipped in 500 - 550 pound steel drums or in bulk. Bulk deliveries are generally made in tank trucks (road tankers) and demountable tanks containing approximately 20 metric tons (approximately 44,000 pounds) or tank cars (rail tank wagons) containing up to approximately 86 metric tons (approximately 190,000 pounds). Each container should clearly display a tag, placard, and/or label warning of potential hazards.

The MDI product quality can be affected by temperature. The recommended temperature must be maintained throughout transit to maintain product quality. Refer to the specific product information for the temperature requirements of individual products in the BASF Product Leaflets or Technical Bulletins.

For further information concerning distribution refer to:

1. Technical Data Sheets of MDI products Lupranate®.
   
2. See References: Guidelines for the Safe Loading, Transport & Unloading of MDI & TDI in Bulk (ISOPA, February 2006). MDI Transportation Guidelines (CPI, 2002). 
3. Specific regulations for Europe, America/U.S.A., and Asia.

MDI containers must remain closed until use in order to prevent moisture contamination. Only trained individuals wearing appropriate PPE are allowed to open containers of MDI products. When an MDI container is opened, make-up dry air or nitrogen should be provided.

BASF has the responsibility to ensure that all MDI shipments leaving BASF facilities are properly prepared to comply with all the appropriate regulatory transportation requirements. Depending on the method of transportation, the rail carriers, truck lines, or airlines are responsible for the safe shipment of MDI products from the shipping point to the final destination. Emergency situations, such as accidents or leaking containers, must be reported immediately to appropriate regulatory authorities and to BASF (see Section 8).

Unloading Operations

The operation of unloading (or loading) any tank truck, iso tank container, tank car, or small container of MDI is potentially hazardous operation. Unloading facilities must be designed and located giving due regard to the potential hazards of MDI products.

Written operating procedures covering all aspects of the unloading operation of MDI products must be prepared and available to all involved parties. All necessary PPE and emergency equipment must be available for the unloading operations. Personnel must be trained in the procedures and correct use of all protective clothing and emergency equipment (see Section 5).

Bulk Unloading

Unloading of MDI products from bulk containers should be performed with a self-priming, seal-less pump and a vapor return line connected between the storage tank and the bulk delivery container. The seal-less design eliminates potential seal failure. Due to the MMDI freezing point, MMDI transfer lines must be heated. Dry air or nitrogen must be available to purge the unloading lines and vapor return line after unloading is completed. The storage tank must be equipped with a high-level device which will stop the unloading automatically if the maximum tank level is reached.

If dry air or nitrogen pressure is used to transfer MDI products from a bulk container to the storage tank, the pressure must be regulated below the maximum safe operating pressure of the bulk container. The storage tank vent must be sized accordingly. After disconnecting hoses, all exposed fittings and hoses must be protected with caps or plugs.

The dimensions and physical arrangement of bulk containers vary. Contact your local BASF representative for unloading (and loading) instructions on specific container types. Procedures are available for MC-307 tank trucks and 20,000-gallon rail cars.

Drum Handling

The handling of MDI drums is a potentially hazardous operation. Operators must use the proper PPE during handling. Transportation of drums should be completed by lifting to avoid damage caused by sliding or rolling. Only equipment designed for drum handling should be used. Drums should be handled and unloaded carefully to prevent damage. Improperly equipped fork trucks may result in punctured or damaged drums. Forklift trucks equipped with "parrot beaks" or drum clamps are ideal. Each shipment should be closely examined for damaged or leaking drums. If leaking drums are found or damage occurs during movement, refer to Section 8 for procedures on proper handling of leaks or spills.

Liquid MDI products which have solidified through cooling should be liquefied by careful heating as soon as possible. For correct heating methods and temperatures, see the appropriate Technical Data Sheet.

Drums can be emptied using a standard immersion pump or gravity discharged. Air displaced from the receiving tank should be discharged to the vapor exhaust system. A silica gel filter should be connected to the open drum vent (small bung) to prevent drums from collapsing while being emptied. The filter will also prevent moisture contamination from occurring. The opening of MDI drums should be minimized to reduce the risk of moisture contamination.

Water contamination of drums must be avoided. Contamination with water can result in pressure build-up in closed containers by the generation of CO2 gas from the water-MDI reaction. Drums showing evidence of pressure buildup must be vented immediately. If the drum is not vented, violent rupture may result.

Refer to Section 7 for storage of MDI drums and Section 9 for recommendations on the neutralization and disposal of empty MDI drums.

Sample Shipments

In order to ensure that small packages are safe for transport, customers should contact BASF for information concerning the regulations and restrictions that apply. This is especially true when the customer does not normally ship small samples of hazardous materials and may not have the proper packaging material. BASF will not accept unsolicited samples of MDI products.