Metal Goods Manufacturing Company inc.

The MGM Slip Tube Gauge Story

(In our continuing effort to clarify any misunderstandings or misperceptions regarding railroad tank car gauging devices and the future prevention/elimination of Non Accidental Releases (NAR)s, MGM extends the offer for our readers to add their comments to the following story as it relates to slip tube, magnetic, electronic and/or other style level gauging devices. Please use the MGM Contact Form to express your views and suggestions)

For over 60 years, MGM has manufactured slip tube gauges to provide an accurate fuel level reading when loading liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks. During this era, these precision instruments were considered to be the most accurate way to gauge LPG tanks (aboveground storage, railroad and barge vessels). Accurate liquid level gauging was accomplished by setting the slip tube gauge to the desired loading level and then watching the commodity discharge out of the control valve on top of the gauge rod. When the commodity being discharged changed from a vapor to a liquid, the preset loading level had been achieved.

As technology changed over the years, and with today's growing concerns about a cleaner environment, MGM continues to work closely with industry customers and regulatory agencies to move towards closed loading of these commodities to prevent and eliminate product discharge to the atmosphere! While there are literally tens of thousands of slip tube gauges still installed on tanks, barges and rail cars worldwide today, MGM chose to design & manufacture the widely accepted magnetic style gauging device (MGM Model 275 Magnetic Gauging Device) for the railroad tank car industry starting in 1990. MGM also continues to forge ahead with the development of new level gauging product technology for the future.

FACTS:

More than 60 years ago, slip tube style gauges were intentionally designed and accepted by industry to discharge commodity as a visual indicator of product level in a closed tank. When properly operated & maintained, these devices should not leak when stored in their closed position! While it is unlikely that you would experience any functional problems with your slip tube gauge, please contact MGM Tank Car Co. immediately for assistance and recommendations should you desire! We will be more than happy to help you in any way. In addition, should you wish to replace your slip tube gauge with a magnetic or other style level gauge, contact MGM Tank Car Company for a quote on our Slip Tube Exchange Program (S.T.E.P.) offer (as seen below).

Slip Tube Exchange Program (S.T.E.P.)

Receive a credit REBATE when you exchange your old slip tube gauges for new environmentally-friendly magnetic style guages.*

MGM Slip Tube Gauges have been around for over 60 years and many of them are still in service on LPG tank cars today! But let's face it, 'times are changing', and so is our tank car industry. Since slip tube gauges were intentionally designed to discharge a small portion of the commodity being loaded into tanks, current environmental concerns mandated industry's review of their continued use.

Potential AAR regulations regarding the continued qualification of railroad tank cars will definitely impact the long term use of slip tube gauges in the future.

In response to the above, MGM Tank Car Co. has continued to work with our customers and tank car regulatory agencies to protect the environment and plan for the future! While slip tube gauge replacement parts will remain available from MGM for the long term, installation of new slip tube gauging device assemblies on tank cars may be restricted.

As a result of these efforts, MGM Tank Car Co. is pleased to announce our unique and customer friendly Slip Tube Exchange Program (S.T.E.P.) that makes it easier than ever before to update your tank car fleet with quality & accurate MGM gauging devices!

Now you can replace your old MGM slip tube style gauging device with a new MGM magnetic style gauging device & receive a credit REBATE* for your company. In addition, you now receive a LIFETIME guarantee (against defects in materials and workmanship) for any new MGM gauging device you purchase!

Don't have any MGM slip tube gauges? Just need a new tank car level gauge?

Contact MGM Tank Car Co. for information on our magnetic style level gauges or if you prefer, ask us about our new remote readout, electronic style gauging device technology!

Either way, feel free to contact MGM Tank Car Co. for the very latest changes in MGM people & technology. You'll be glad you did, and so will your company!

*Credit rebate depends on the quantity & condition of the old slip tube gauges returned to MGM.

MODEL 330 NEEDLE VALVE FOR TANK CAR APPLICATIONS

AAR Approval No.: E019020

Application

MGM model 330 Needle Valves are suitable for most Tank Car Applications. They are constructed entirely out of stainless steel for durability and compatibility with most commodities. They feature a replaceable teflon stem tip and o-ring packing. Replacement is easily accomplished by unthreading the bonnet from the body with any type of wrench. The standard o-ring packing material is Buna-N, but is available in other materials suitable for the intended commodity.

Features

• All stainless steel construction
• Built for service up to 1500 psig and 350 deg. F
• Easily replaceable teflon stem tip and O-Ring packing
• 3/4"-NPT female threaded inlet connection
• 1/4"-NPT female threaded outlet
• 1/4" Pipe Plug with chain is also available. Contact MGM for details.

Standard Materials

• Body . . . . . . . . . . .303/SS Hex
• Bonnet. . . . . . . . .304/SS
• Stem . .. . . . . . . . .304/SS
• Stem Tip . . . . . . . .Teflon
• Handle . . . . . . . . . 304/SS
• Set Screw . . . . . . 18-8/SS
• O-Ring . . . . . . . . . Buna-N

Model 360 SAMPLE LINE EXCESS FLOW CHECK VALVE (1 1/4") FOR TANK CAR APPLICATIONS

AAR Approval No.: E029012

Application

MGM Tank Car model 360 Excess Flow Check Valve (1 1/4") is AAR approved for use on railroad tank cars. Primary use is on a pressurized tank car coverplate assembly to close and prevent the loss of product from the car should a valve above the flange fitting (e.g., the sample line needle valve) be sheared off during a rollover or other accident.

Materials of construction include Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel or other exotic metals (please specify).

MGM Tank Car model 360 Excess Flow Check Valves are floating ball style with a removable seat.

Features

• Materials of construction to endure severe corrosive services
• Seat is field replaceable
• Choice of materials, length and mounting arrangements
• Closing flow rate is 13 GPM water

Standard Materials

• Ball...................316/SS
• Pins...................316/SS
• Body...................316/SS
• Seat...................316/SS

Caps, Plugs & Accessories

PLUGS -1", 2", 3" (Models 381, 382, & 383) CAPS - (Model 390) & ACCESSORIES FOR TANK CAR APPLICATIONS

Application

MGM model 381, 382 & 383 (1", 2" & 3" NPT) plugs are approved for use in most railroad tank car applications. Primary uses include secondary closures for most 1", 2" & 3" angle valves & bottom outlet valves supplied to the tank car industry.

MGM plugs conform to national industry standards and may be applied to compatible quality thread arrangements of other manufacturers' components.

Materials of construction include Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel (304, 316, 416, & Nitronic 60) as well as a plated versions for the same.

MGM plugs come with or without chain (please specify material & length requirements).

Features

• Conforms to NPT standards
• Choice of materials, chain length and plating/coatings.

Standard Materials

• Carbon Steel
• Stainless Steel (304, 316, 416, Nitronic 60)
• Zinc, Cadmium & electroless nickel plating/Chromate coatings available upon request