TANK CONTAINER ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES
Advantages of Using Tanks
- 50% more efficient than using smaller drums. ISO tanks have a lower cost per litre compared to transportation by drum
- easy to transport
- easy and quick load and unload payloads through roof hatches and valves.
- Low inventory cost: ISO tanks are immediately loaded at the payload’s point of manufacture which means that standby time is reduced compared to transportation by drums.
The ISO tank containers are used for the transportation and storage of all types of liquids, ranging from portable (food grade) liquids, non hazardous, and hazardous liquids, including corrosives, flammables, toxics, and explosives. The tank container voids the risk in transferring liquids from one vessel to another, and creates for an extremely safe, secure and cost effective mode of transportation. Once the tank container has discharged, it is taken to a recognized cleaning station and cleaned. Tank containers have a fairly uniform external appearance, the construction materials, linings, however fittings and specific accessories can vary.
Tanks are usually classified according to the specification of the tank exterior, fittings and accessories. It is this classification which determines what type of product maybe carried. The function of the tank frame is to support and protect the tank in addition to providing an efficient and effective method for stacking when in transit or storage. When handled in a proper manner, the frame is designed to cope with the stresses of a fully loaded tank.
Features of An ISO Tank Container:
Safety Relief Valve: These safety relief valves are used to release excess pressure or vacuum pressure build up.
Frames: ISO tank container frames provide two benefits. Firstly they protect the tank from being damaged, which in turn protects the payload. The second benefit is that adds structural integrity to the ISO tank and allows for easy and efficient stacking for transportation.
Air Inlet Valve: This device is used a pressure valve for when the tank is being loaded and unloaded with its payload. These valves can usually be found on the roof of the container.
Earth/Ground Lug: This lug allows the ISO tank to be grounded during loading and unloading when electricity is running through the unit. This prevents the container from becoming ‘live’ and causing electrocution to any users nearby.
CSC Plates: CSC plates act like a registration document. These plates contain the container serial number, year of manufacture and weight capacity of the unit.
Bottom Valve: ISO tank containers are usually fitted with three bottom valves for unloading purposes. These tank units are pressure tested each time before a payload is loaded into the unit.
Flame Traps: This feature comes into effect when a flammable payload is being transported and catches alight. These flame traps allow for flames to be expelled but prevents the flames from entering the tank and causing a flashback. This is a great safety feature for transporting or storing flammable liquids.
Cladding: The cladding surrounding the inner tank of the unit protects the payload from water. This cladding is usually made from aluminium or glass reinforced plastic.
Document Holder: This feature allows allows for documents such as the tank’s cleaning certificate and the certificate of analysis.
Heating System: ISO tank containers can be fitted with internal heating system to keep their payloads at a specific temperature.
Roof Hatch: This hatch allows for a technician to enter the container to conduct a inspection of the internal features of the iso tank.
Temperature Gauge: This gauge allows for the internal temperature of the iso tank to be monitored.
Walkway: External walkways allow for easy and safe access to the top of the ISO tank.
Ladder: Ladder provide for easy access to the roof and walkway of the ISO tank.
Tank Safety
ISO tanks can usually be loaded in 90mins where as drums take several hours. These tank containers are very sturdy as the tanks themselves are made from 4.5mm steel. Furthermore, pressure load tests are performed every time a container is unloaded. ISO tanks also reduce the likelihood of contamination due to the fact that they are cleaned in special washing bays made exclusively for washing and cleaning ISO tanks.