Abstract: A skid protective casting and adapter for a tank car for retrofitting a new outlet bottom valve on a tank car. The skid protective casting includes two separate sections having sloped bottom surfaces. The skid protective casting is welded in a manner that post weld heat treatement is not required in connection with the retrofitting procedures. The new outlet valve is affixed to the existing valve saddle with an adapter plate for economical and effective mounting.

Abstract: A railway tank car having a wafer-type valve arrangement is provided with a nozzle member. The nozzle member has a mounting portion mounted on the valve arrangement. The mounting portion has an inlet opening therein which is large enough to receive a portion of the wafer valve when the valve is opened. A taper portion is formed integral with the mounting portion, and an outlet portion is formed integral with the taper portion. The outlet portion is smaller than the inlet opening and has securing means thereon for attachment to standard-sized connectors for unloading liquid or semi-liquid cargo. A breakage groove is provided in the nozzle member to protect the valve arrangement from impacts. A steam heating member with steam inlet and outlet means may be placed over the smaller outlet portion and secured to the nozzle member for heating cargo passing therethrough. The taper portion has an indentation therein to facilitate heating of cargo in the nozzle member.

Abstract: A protective flange is provided for the protection of a protrusion or valve on the surface of a tank car. The flange has an inner arcuate wall and an outer deflection portion for receiving impacts. The inner wall is annular and spaced from the protrusion to provide for mounting over the protrusion without cutting into the tank car. The outer portion includes longitudinally extending slope portions and vertical side walls welded to the tank car surface. The flange is tapered to deflect impacts received at the sides of the flange. The outer deflection portion and the inner wall define a closed space surrounding the protrusion or valve. Steam connections may be made to the flange to introduce steam into the closed space for heating the valve.

Abstract: A valve mounting flange connected over the outlet of a railway car tank includes a body having a tapered skirt which protects a release valve and other associated mechanisms against breakage which could result in rupture of the tank shell.