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Acid transfer is not on

6th February 1982
Page 12
Page 12, 6th February 1982 — Acid transfer is not on
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EVERY vehicle of the Berk Spencer Acids Ltd fleet would have to be replaced in the event of lorry weight restrictions in the Greater London area, said Donald Field, its distribution manager.

The inquiry heard how the company receives and delivers acids to customers in South East England, with over 60 per cent of deliveries going to places within the M25 boundary.

Its manufacturing plant is at Canning Rad, Stratford, in East London. The three acids it uses, Mr Field explained, are sulphuric, hydrochloric and nitric, and are delivered to the company from various sources.

Hot liquid sulphur is transported by specialised32-ton tankers, he said. Solid sulphur is imported by sea to the River Lee near Bow, and the deliveries come in loads of 3,500 tons.

The hydrochloric acid comes either from a neighbouring base or by road from public utilities, Mr Field continued. The nitric acid also comes by road.

The company has 20 vehicles, with 30 tanks, he said. Haulage contractors are sometimes used, but only when the company is having transport difficulties, or has packages to deliver.

"Distribution takes place on a 'milk round' basis. "Sixty per cent of the customers require small loads, so compartmented tankers are used for these trips."

Almost 65 per cent of its customers are in the Greater London area, with the rest situated in the South. This high share of the market is because it is the only manufacturer in the South East, he explained.

Any ban would affect the company severely, Mr Field said. Acid cannot be transferred from one lorry to another smaller one as there is a high risk of spillage.

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People: Donald Field
Locations: London

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