Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is a natural product derived from the fermentation and distillation of agricultural raw materials such as sugar cane molasses, beetroot, and cereals.

Thanks to its versatility and wide range of properties, it is one of the most commonly used substances across various industries. From food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics and chemicals, ethyl alcohol is found in many everyday products—each containing different concentrations and alcohol levels.

Storing large volumes of ethyl alcohol requires specialized infrastructure that ensures operator safety, protects the environment, and complies with national and international regulations on hazardous substances. The unique physical and chemical properties of ethanol significantly influence how it must be stored and handled:

• Hygroscopicity
  Ethanol readily absorbs moisture from the air, which can compromise its purity and chemical stability, potentially encouraging microbial growth. To minimize exposure, airtight tanks and nitrogen inerting systems are recommended.
• Flammability (Flash Point)
  With a flash point around 13°C, ethanol is highly flammable—more so than fuels like petrol (flash point < -40°C) and diesel (>55°C). This makes safety precautions essential, including proper ventilation and keeping the product away from heat sources or sparks.
• Auto-ignition Temperature and Volatility
  Ethanol’s auto-ignition temperature is relatively high at approximately 363°C, exceeding that of petrol (around 280°C) and diesel (210–300°C). However, rising temperatures increase its volatility, leading to greater formation of flammable vapors.
• Corrosiveness
  Ethanol can corrode untreated materials, so tanks, seals, and pipes are best made from stainless steel or high-density polyethylene to ensure durability and safety.

Given these properties, handling ethyl alcohol — especially during loading and unloading from tankers, rail tankers and barges — poses significant risks that demand careful attention and strict safety measures.

Loginet develops automated solutions to manage and control the loading and unloading of ethyl alcohol in warehouses and refineries, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Our solutions optimise ethyl alcohol handling through:

• Control and Safety — Automated checks verify proper connections to prevention systems before operations begin. This includes the grounding system, which prevents the build-up of electrostatic charges caused by friction inside pipes and tanks. Additionally, the anti-overflow system halts liquid flow when tanks reach their maximum capacity, preventing dangerous spills.
• Real-Time Monitoring — Continuous supervision at every stage ensures operating conditions stay within safety limits and comply with regulations, monitoring critical parameters in real time.
• Automation and Integration — Our systems integrate seamlessly with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, making each process step fully traceable, documented, and easier to manage. They also support integration with DCS (Distributed Control Systems), enabling real-time control of field devices such as valves, pumps, and remote level gauges, to guarantee safe and efficient operations.

Contact us to discover how you can enhance the safety and efficiency of your ethyl alcohol storage facility. Our solutions are designed to support companies on the path to Industry 5.0—where cutting-edge technology and human-centered approaches come together for smarter, more sustainable, and personalized management.