(a) Applicability. Each tank retrofit under these specifications must conform to the general requirements of Sec. 179.200 and the prescriptive standards in Sec. 179.202-13, or the performance standard requirements of Sec. 179.202-12.
(b) Approval to operate at 286,000 gross rail load (GRL). A tank car may be loaded to a gross weight on rail of up to 286,000 pounds (129,727 kg) upon approval by the Associate Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). See Sec. 179.13.
(c) Thickness of plates. The wall thickness after forming of the tank shell and heads must be, at a minimum, 7/16 of an inch, and constructed with steel authorized by the HMR at the time of construction.
(d) Tank head puncture resistance system. The DOT-117R specification tank car must have a tank head puncture resistance system in conformance with Sec. 179.16(c). The full height head shields must have a minimum thickness of \1/2\ inch.
(e) Thermal protection system. The DOT-117R specification tank car must have a thermal protection system. The thermal protection system must conform to Sec. 179.18 and include a reclosing pressure relief device in accordance with Sec. 173.31 of this subchapter.
(f) Jackets. The entire thermal protection system must be covered with a metal jacket of a thickness not less than 11 gauge A1011 steel or equivalent; and flashed around all openings so as to be weather tight. The exterior surface of a carbon steel tank and the inside surface of a carbon steel jacket must be given a protective coating.
(g) Bottom outlets. If the tank car is equipped with a bottom outlet, the handle must be removed prior to train movement or be designed with protection safety system(s) to prevent unintended actuation during train accident scenarios.
(h) Top fittings protection. Existing tank car tanks may continue to rely on the equipment installed at the time of manufacture.
(i) ECP brakes. (1) By January 1, 2021, each rail carrier operating a high-hazard flammable unit train as defined in Sec. 171.8, comprised of at least one tank car loaded with a Packing Group I material must ensure the train meets the ECP braking capability requirements as prescribed in Sec. 174.310 of this subchapter.
(1) By January 1, 2021, each rail carrier operating a high-hazard flammable unit train as defined in Sec. 171.8, comprised of at least one tank car loaded with a Packing Group I material must ensure the train meets the ECP braking capability requirements as prescribed in Sec. 174.310 of this subchapter.
(2) By May 1, 2023, each rail carrier operating a high-hazard flammable unit train as defined in Sec. 171.8, not described in paragraph (i)(1) of this section must ensure the train meets the ECP braking capability requirements as prescribed in Sec. 174.310 of this subchapter.
(3) Alternate brake systems may be submitted for approval through the processes and procedures outlined in 49 CFR part 232, subpart F. [80 FR 26749, May 8, 2015] Secs. 179.203--179.202-22 [Reserved]