Rail Tank Car Steam Cleaning Equipment

Rail tanker cars are able to transport a variety of products, but operators must thoroughly clean them between uses. Tanker companies rely on industrial rail tank car cleaning equipment to complete this process. Cold water flushing is one option; however, using steam to clean rail cars is generally quicker and more effective than other methods.

At Sioux Corporation, we manufacture turnkey rail tank car cleaning equipment such as our Steam-Flo® steam generator for the rail industry. Our products are efficient and durable, providing years of dependable service.

The Sioux Steam-Flo® steam generator is a low-pressure steam system that works with or without chemical cleaning agents to remove leftover products and residue from rail cars. We offer a turn-key mobile unit that includes an electric generator, trailer (either open or insulated enclosed), and water tank. It is self-contained and portable, making it an ideal solution for removing the following types of substances:

• Chemicals
• Fat
• Food products
• Oil
• Other liquid cargo

Our rail tank car steam generator produces steam at temperatures between 212 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit. This works to heat tank contents to approximately 200 degrees, making them easier to remove through drains with only minimal added water.

Sioux steam generators are easy to operate via three on-board switches. Additionally, because they generate steam below 15 psi, users do not typically require a boiler operator license.

Steam cleaning offers multiple advantages:

• • Removal of fumes: As steam expands, it displaces fumes from within the tank. Operators can test cars for safe conditions once they cool. 
  • Sanitized tanks: Steam raises the temperature of metal rail cars and, in doing so, sanitizes them. Sanitization occurs at 180 degrees or lower, depending on what product was inside before cleaning. 
  • Lower water consumption: Steam emulsifies contents inside rail cars, making it easier to remove them without flushing the tanks. This cuts down on water usage and labor involved in rail tank car cleaning. 

At Sioux Corporation, we have been designing and manufacturing high-quality industrial cleaning equipment for more than 80 years. Multiple industry associations have certified our equipment, and it meets the requirements of the American Gas Association, ASME, Canadian Electric Code, Canadian Gas Association, National Electric Code, and National Board of Boiler & Pressure Inspectors, among others. Contact us to learn more about how our rail tank car cleaning equipment can help improve your operations.