Project Profile

Project Description

With railcars stretching into the distance, the Martin Midstream Rail Terminal has the capability to unload 100 refinery propylene (RGP) rail cars per day.  As the terminal unloads the cars, it sends the product into storage or directly into pipelines supplying the nearby propane/propylene facility, which is part of the worldís largest natural gas liquid fractionation complex, featuring approximately 100 million barrels of liquid storage capacity.
With such a busy, industrial operation underway, the rail terminal undergoes many dings and dents from tools and equipment, not to mention personnel traffic.  Hot-dip galvanized steel combats this in two ways:  first, the galvanizing process develops a metallurgical bond between the steel and zinc that creates an abrasion resistant coating ideally suited to prevent small nicks and scratches from compromising the structure.  The durable zinc coating can also withstand the corrosive Baytown humidity and nearby brine storage water.
 
Because galvanized steel is maintenance-free, unlike other corrosion protection systems, no energy or materials will be wasted on costly upkeep.  The petro-chemical industry is very conscious of environmental regulations and welcomes products like galvanized steel that magnify their efforts to demonstrate the desire to become environmentally responsible.
Three-hundred and fifty thousand pounds of structural steel, stairs, ladders, handrail, and grating were galvanized in 100% natural, recyclable zinc.  The longer stairs and rails had to be spliced to provide the highest quality dip, and the tubular rails were left open on the end to provide drainage ñ this attention to design means the pieces are now able to be protected by the strength and durability of a quality zinc coating.  Durability, low maintenance, and cost effectiveness made this project a success, one Martin Midstream plans to repeat in the future.