Covered Hoppers
General Description
The covered hopper has a permanent roof. To facilitate the customer's loading requirements, access to the interior is provided through a variety of openings (hatches and troughs with sealed covers. The interiors are shaped into hoppers (bays) with discharge outlets or gates which allow unloading from the bottom either by gravity, pneumatic (suction) or airslide functions. These cars are designed to handle dry bulk commodities which require maximum protection against the elements.
Commodity Types Shipped in Covered Hoppers
Bulk commodities such as grains, corn, soybeans, flour, salt, sugar, clay, phosphates, cement, fertilizers, plastics, sand, roofing granules, lime, and alumina
Size
Various lengths and cubic foot capacity with various numbers of hatches, bays, and outlet gates. Please see our Range of Covered Hopper Sizes page for details.
Car Varieties
Pneumatic and Airslide
The unloading of commodities is facilitated by the pneumatic and airslide designs. Pneumatic technology uses air flow systems to assist in the discharge of car contents. Cars with mechanical technology utilizing fabric linings - a traditional airslide car - are being retired. Used by sugar and flour shippers.
Covered Hopper with Round Hatch (Lid)
Permits improved loading of dusty or contamination-prone commodities. The hatches measure up to 30 inches in diameter with center or off-center loading capacity.
A 42-ft. covered hopper with 3,000 cubic ft. capacity, 3 round hatches at center, 2 bays and 2 outlet gates.
A 54-ft. covered hopper with 3,700 cubic ft. capacity, 6 round hatches at center, 3 bays and 3 outlet gates.
Covered Hopper with Trough Hatch
Permits larger access space for loading of dry bulk commodities. Hatch lids may include a versatile hatch in hatch design (a design that provides an option for round hatch loading in a trough hatch car). Used mainly by grain shippers.
A 60-ft. covered hopper with 5,125 cubic ft. capacity, trough hatch, 3 bays and 3 outlet gates.
Loading and Unloading
Contact our Damage Prevention Engineers for planning assistance with loading or unloading.