Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of assembling a tank car comprises assembling a top platform. Assembling the top platform comprises coupling a first running board to a first handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the first running board; coupling a second running board to a second handrail assembly such that it at least partially encloses the second running board; and coupling the first handrail assembly to the second handrail assembly via at least one closure plate to form a passageway for a rail operator to pass between the first handrail assembly and the second handrail assembly. The method further comprises coupling the top platform to the tank. Particular embodiments include leveling the top platform on the top of the tank.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a tank car comprises a tank; a top platform coupled to a top of the tank comprising a walking surface; a walkway platform extending longitudinally between an end of the tank and the top platform comprising a walking surface disposed above a line tangent to the top of the tank; and a closure plate coupled to an end of the walkway platform proximate to the top platform. The closure plate extends below the walkway platform to cover access to a space between the walking surface of the walkway platform and the top of the tank. In particular embodiments, the top platform comprises a first and second handrail assembly and a space between the handrail assemblies for accessing the walkway platform. The closure plate covers access to the space between the handrail assemblies and below the walkway platform.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a tank car comprises a tank shell with reinforcing bars extending longitudinally along a bottom of the tank shell. The tank car also comprises clips coupled to the reinforcing bars. A jacket standoff wraps around at least part of a lateral circumference of the tank shell. Each end of the jacket standoff is coupled to one of the clips. According to some embodiments, a clip for attaching a jacket standoff to a tank car comprises a first portion for coupling to a mounting surface of a tank shell; a middle portion shaped to generally conform to a contour of a side of the mounting surface; and a second portion, opposite the first portion, comprising a recessed portion to accept an end of the jacket standoff and positioned such that the second portion is located proximate to the tank shell but not attached to the tank shell.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of flashing a jacketed rail car comprises covering an opening in a tank jacket of a rail car with a first flashing piece. The opening permits a fitting to protrude through the jacket. The fitting comprises a base portion of a first perimeter and a top flanged portion of a second perimeter. The first flashing piece comprises a slot. The method further comprises bonding the first flashing piece to the jacket and to the base portion of the fitting, and bonding a vertical support piece to the tank shell. The vertical support piece extends through the slot in the first flashing piece. The method further comprises bonding the vertical support piece to the top flanged portion of the fitting; covering the slot with a second flashing piece; and bonding the second flashing piece to the first flashing piece and the vertical support piece.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an industrial plant module for industrial plant construction includes (1) determining a number of single level layers required to fabricate a multi-story industrial plant module, including at least two story layers; (2) constructing the single level layers at substantially ground level and in a multi-step sequence, including installing equipment on at least one story layer, and where each story layer is open at its top; and (3) fabricating the multi-story industrial module by stacking the single level layers and fastening the single level layers together.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an industrial plant module for industrial plant construction includes (1) determining a number of single level layers required to fabricate a multi-story industrial plant module, including at least two story layers; (2) constructing the single level layers at substantially ground level and in a multi-step sequence, including installing equipment on at least one story layer, and where each story layer is open at its top; and (3) fabricating the multi-story industrial module by stacking the single level layers and fastening the single level layers together.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing composition is disclosed consisting essentially of a mixture of (i) desiccated expanded perlite (aluminum silicate) and (ii) mono- and di-ammonium phosphates. The phosphate fraction of the composition preferably includes urea, ammonium chloride, glycerine and mono-ethylene glycol.

Abstract: A weld and process for making same and usable in the arc-welding of cupro-nickel (ASME P.34) parts particularly pipe ends using a flux-coated stick electrode, characterized in that an "open V" butt weld is employed with a root face having a mean width greater than 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) and not greater than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) and a root gap from 2 to 3 mm. The process is further characterized in that the welding is carried out solely from the open side of the V without employing additional inert gas shielding, backing material or subsequent welding at the reverse face.