Innovative solution to overcome winter solidification in Bulk Liquid Logistics

For over 12 years, STC has been a reliable logistics partner for this company, managing the transportation of critical chemicals such as TDI, a compound vital to the production of coatings, sealants, and adhesives. This partnership, built on trust and a deep understanding of operational needs, spans various regions of China. However, a new challenge emerged when the customer faced an issue at its plant in northern China.

During winter, temperatures dropped dramatically, causing TDI to solidify, which posed a significant hurdle in unloading the material efficiently. The solidification of TDI not only slowed down operations but also threatened to compromise the integrity of the product. The customer urgently needed a solution to maintain smooth and efficient operations during the colder months.

Shirley Zhang, Sales Manager at STC North China, took the lead in addressing the issue. With her in-depth understanding of both the logistics and chemical industries, Zhang worked closely with the customer to develop a tailored solution. Rather than relying on conventional methods, Shirley Zhang's approach focused on finding an innovative yet practical solution that would ensure the integrity of the product and improve efficiency.

After carefully considering the problem and conducting thorough tests, Zhang and her team proposed the installation of a specialised steam heating device on the bottom valve of the tanks used to transport TDI. This clever modification prevented the chemical from solidifying during transit and enabled faster, more efficient unloading, shaving one to two hours off the process per shipment. The solution not only solved the problem but also significantly boosted operational efficiency.

The customer was highly impressed with this innovative fix, and Shirley Zhang's quick, decisive action did not go unnoticed. Her leadership in addressing the logistical issue was acknowledged when STC received the prestigious Outstanding Service Award during the customer's awards ceremony.

This story highlights how innovation and proactive problem-solving can make a significant impact in bulk liquid logistics. Shirley Zhang's leadership and STC's dedication to finding customised solutions not only helped their customer navigate a challenging situation but also reinforced the importance of close collaboration in achieving sustainable success. The partnership continues to thrive, with this success story serving as a prime example of how innovative solutions can lead to operational excellence.