The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

TOAZ orders hopper cars for fertilizers

(Posted on 20/03/20)

United Wagon Company, the largest producer of freight cars in Russia , and Togliattiazot (TOAZ), one of Russia’s largest producers of chemicals ranking among the top three producers of ammonia in Russia and the top ten worldwide, have signed a contract on the supply of 200 Tikhvin-produced hopper cars for the transportation of mineral fertilizers. The new generation cars will be shipped to the customer by the end of May this year.

This is the chemical enterprise’s first acquisition of new generation cars, with the deal centred on the model 19-9549-03 hopper car. The car has optimal specifications for carrying a wide range of mineral fertilizers. Its increased body volume of 120 m3 allows for the efficient transportation of goods with various bulk densities, including those with a low bulk density such as carbamide. The increased 25 t axle load of the model 18-9855 bogie means the car can be loaded to its full capacity of 76 t (an extra 6 t compared with its most common market competitors).

The hopper car’s body design includes a special dual-component coating, which offers reliable protection for the car from the corrosive effects of transported freight. The hatches are mounted onto adapters, which facilitates their replacement, when necessary.

The hopper car for mineral fertilizers has a maintenance interval of eight years (or up to 1 million km).

Dmitry Mezheedov, CEO at Togliattiazot, noted: “TOAZ has always placed a great degree of importance on the uninterrupted and timely delivery of products to our clients, both in Russia and representing dozens of countries across five continents. A well-developed infrastructure and highly efficient fleet for freight transportation are therefore just as important for us as cutting-edge production capacities. We are confident that the purchase of cars with improved operational performance from UWC will enhance the logistical capabilities of Togliattiazot.”