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Interpretation Response #13-0155 ([Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc.] [Mr. Mark Connolly])

Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.

Interpretation Response Details

Response Publish Date:

Company Name: Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc.

Individual Name: Mr. Mark Connolly

Location State: IL Country: US

View the Interpretation Document

Response text:

September 18, 2013

Mr. Mark Connolly
Manager-Transportation Regulations and Security
Akzo Nobel Chemicals, Inc.
525 W. Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60607-3823

Ref. No. 13-0155

Dear Mr. Connolly:

This is in response to your letter requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR 171-180) applicable to the transportation of substances that may be corrosive to tank cars as identified in Appendix D of Part 180.  Specifically, you ask whether your responses to the following two scenarios are correct:

Scenario 1:  Sodium hydrosulfide solution (45%)
    " Sodium hydrosulfide is listed by name in Appendix D of Part 178
    " Our corrosion testing results on steel indicate a rate of 0.001811 inches per year for Sodium hydrosulfide solution (45%)
    Akzo Nobel interpretation:  Because the corrosion rate on steel of  Sodium hydrosulfide solution (45%) is less than 2.5 mpy (0.0025 inches per year), the HMR do not require quality assurance or recordkeeping programs and periodic test and inspection marking as a result of Scenario 1.

Scenario 2:  Sodium hydrosulfide solution (60%)
    " Sodium hydrosulfide is listed by name in Appendix D of Part 178
    " Our corrosion testing results on steel indicate a rate greater than 2.5 mpy (0.0025 inches per year) for Sodium hydrosulfide solution (60%)
    Akzo Nobel interpretation:  Because the corrosion rate on steel of  Sodium hydrosulfide solution (60%) is greater than 2.5 mpy (0.0025 inches per year), the HMR do require quality assurance or recordkeeping programs and periodic test and inspection marking as a result of Scenario 2.

It is the opinion of this Office that the above responses to Scenarios 1 and 2 are correct.  I trust this information is helpful.  Please contact us if you require further assistance.

Sincerely,

T. Glenn Foster
Chief, Regulatory Review and Reinvention Branch
Standards and Rulemaking Division

Subpart 178. Appendix D

Regulation Sections