ISO Tank Containers

ISO Tank Container

 An ISO Tank is a steel "pill shaped" container (A
cylindrical pressure vessel) within a standard ISO
(International Standards Organization) frame.
 20' x 8' x 8'6" is the most standard size.
 This tank container is used to haul up to 6,600 gal or
25,000L of bulk liquid.
 It has improved safety, reduced costs & benefits of
convenience & efficiency associated with a multi-modal
transport system.
 Tank containers are built to the same standard
dimensions as other ISO containers, but are cylindrical
vessels mounted in a rectangular steel framework.
 Specifications of a ISO Tank Container (Not to Scale) This is a Rough Drawing – Many Variations Possible

Manhole Gaskets Walkway Front End

Air Inlet Connection Top Rail
Spare Connection
Man Hole Clamp
Man Lid
Corner
Casting
Spill Box

Rear End
Electric Heating
Pressure Relive Valve

Cladding

Hot Water Heating/

Glycol Heating

Steam Inlet Bottom Rail

Steam Outlet
Stainless Steel
Data Plate Tank Shell
Butterfly Valve Handle
Insulation

Foot Valve Handle Conner Post Cladding

Butterfly Valve Dust Cap Twist Lock

Cross-section of tank wall
3” BSP Bottom Outlet Connection Connection
ISO Tank Specifications
 Hazardous Cargo
 A standard ISO UN Portable Tank Container is suitable
for the carriage of the majority of hazardous liquid
products
 The products permitted to be carried are listed in the UN
portable tank table
 ISO UN Portable Tank containers are constructed to a
very high standard and can withstand extreme incidents
 Each tank is rigorously tested and approved by a
classification society during construction
 The regulations which are applicable to building tank
containers ensures that the standards are maintained
irrespective of the country of manufacture
 Benefits
 Benefits of a multi-modal transport system: road/rail/sea
 Door-to-door transportation reducing product handling and eliminating multi-transfer
processes
 Reduction in the amount of handling resulting in minimal risk of product contamination
and product loss
 Convenient storage option at destination and easily portable
 The ready use of conventional container handling equipment already in place
 Manufactured to the highest standards, under strict supervision and testing by Lloyds
Register and Bureau Veritas, tanks hold the best safety record.
 Secure - Protected by an ISO frame, stainless-steel tanks are built of material equivalent
to a steel thickness of 6.35mm, ensuring that they are the most secure mode of transport.
 Efficient - A tank's design enables ease of cleaning and maintenance. Carrying the
maximum cargo weight within the ISO module on sea, rail and road, tank containers are a
cost efficient option.
 Environmentally Friendly - Tank containers have a low carbon footprint and are
continually reused, thereby producing a low impact on the environment.
 Tanks save time and labour costs, making door-to-door transport a smooth operation.
 Loaded and discharged using normal in-plant liquid transfer systems, tanks are lifted
using standard ISO equipment.
 The switch between road, rail and sea or storage at destination is thus safe,
straightforward and economical. no need of transferring the cargo
 The reasons to choose a Tank
 Reliable Factory to Factory Operation
 Simple efficient Straightforward Transfer
between road, rail and sea
 Risk of loss or Contamination eliminated
 The filling transporting, shipping and
discharging of a tank container makes the
greatest economic sense to you and our
environment
 Safe, Efficient and Cost Effective
Flexibility of Tank Containers

Filling of Tanks at Factory Transport to Port By Truck

Last Mile to Customer by Road

Shipping by Sea

Inland by Rail
Easy Handling and Transportation
Tanks vs Drums
 Load Techniques
 Gravity loading through manhole.
The cargo flows freely from an overhead storage tank through the
manhole into the tank container.
 'Closed system' gravity loading through top or bottom
outlets.
The cargo flows into the tank container under gravity, the
vapours are vented back to the storage tank via the airline
connection.
 Pumped loading through manhole.
The cargo is pumped from the storage tank through
the manhole into the tank container.
 Closed system' pumped loading through top or bottom outlet.
The cargo is pumped from the storage tank through the manhole
into the tank container.
 Pressure loading through top or bottom outlet.
The cargo is loaded by top pressure in the storage tank. For
sensitive or hazardous cargo, vapours are vented via the air-line
connection to a vent tank or back to the storage tank.
 Discharge Techniques
 Gravity discharge.
The cargo flows freely through the bottom outlet to low-level storage tanks.
Ensure adequate venting to prevent damage caused by vacuum.

 Pressure discharge.
The cargo is discharged through the top or bottom outlets by top pressure
in the tank container.
Products carried under an inert gas blanket are normally discharged
using nitrogen or another inert gas as the pressure medium.
The maximum working pressure of the tank must under no
circumstances be exceeded.

 Pumped discharge.
The suction side of a suitable pump may be connected to the top or
the bottom outlets or to a hose via the manhole to pump the cargo to
higher level storage tanks. Air or gas must be allowed into the tank
container to replace the cargo being discharged.
Depending on the nature of the cargo this can be achieved by opening the
manlid or air-line connection, or by connection to an inert gas supply. When
using a high capacity pump it is recommended that a vacuum safety valve
is incorporated in the suction line to protect the tank from vacuum collapse.
The ISO Tank Container
 Tank Cylinder
 The tank cylinder (or shell, or barrel) is usually constructed from stainless
steel, carbon steel or aluminum (which has a high corrosion resistance)
and has a load/discharge opening (manlid) on the top and normally one
discharge facility opening at the bottom.
 Tank containers commonly range in capacity from 12,000 litres up to
26,000 litres.
 Space (ullage) is required to allow for cargo expansion and 95% to 98% is
the common maximum load.
 A minimum fill level (usually 80%) is required to reduce instability due to
surge minimum. Regulations detail the minimum and maximum fill
according to the cargo.
 Capacity must suit the weight of the cargo and the quantity required to be
transported.
 One or two safety relief valves are designed to control or limit the pressure
in the tank shell which can build up by a process upset, instrument or
equipment failure, or fire.
 A triple bottom outlet closure consisting of a remote-controlled foot valve,
butterfly or ball valve and a cap is installed to avoid leakage of product.
 Tank Frame
 The tank body or shell is welded within a frame which is used to support
and protect it from damage during handling, transportation or the
eventuality of an accident or rollover.
 The design of tank frames are such that the in the event of a catastrophic
failure of the frame as a result of the container being knocked off a stack or
the tank container being involved in a roll-over accident, the pressure
vessel will remain intact
 The frame is designed to specific dimensions and tolerances according to
International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements and meets strict
stacking, longitudinal and lateral inertia standards.
 The standard dimensions are 6,048 mm (20') x 2,438mm (8') x 2,591mm
(8' 6").
 These Dimensions are the same as that of a normal ISO container which
allows the tank to be easily mobility and handling using various multimodal
forms of transport like a normal container
 The frame requires impact testing and meets the criteria of the Association
of American Railroads (AAR) and Transport Canada (TC).
Standard Parts of the Tank Container
 A watertight document holder is attached along the side of the tank container.
 A data plate is installed on all tank containers with specific identification information.
 Manhole/Manlid: The 500mm (20-inch) stainless steel manlid with an incorporated
gasket covers the centrally located loading manhole on the top of the tank container.
Each manlid is secured with 8 swingbolt assemblies.
 Gaskets: PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is the standard gasket material used
because of its tolerance to a wide range of temperatures and is resistant to most
chemicals. An alternative is SWR (Sweet White Rubber) used for food-grade quality
cargoes. Other gasket materials are available upon customers' requests.
 Top Outlet: The top outlet is located on the top, towards the rear of the tank and
unless requested to be fitted, it is normally blanked off. When required, a 3-inch
plate valve or butterfly valve, a 3-inch BS table lange and a blanking plate.
 Bottom Outlet: The bottom outlet consists of a triple-closure system consisting of
(1) an internal foot valve operated by a remotely located external handle,
(2) a 3-inch butterfly or ball valve with a
(3) 3-inch bsp screwed outlet cap.
Bottom outlets are prohibited when carrying certain types of hazardous materials.
The remote closure arm is located on the side of the tank, allowing the discharge
valve to be closed from a safe location in the event of spillage or fire.
Standard Parts of the Tank Container
 Safety Relief Valve: One or two combined pressure vacuum relief valves are
installed on each tank container to protect the vessel from excessive over-
pressurization and or vacuum.
 Airline Valve: The airline valve is used for pressurizing the tank during discharge or
testing and for vapor recovery. It terminates in a 1-1/2"BSP male threaded
connection and screw cap.
 Insulation/Cladding:The insulation is a minimum 50mm thick and is covered with
either a 2mm thick glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or 1.8mm aluminum. All joints are
sealed to prevent moisture from building up underneath the cladding.
 Heating – Steam: Steam heating is the most efficient means of heating the tank
cargo and is standard on most tank containers. The typical heating area is 8 square
meters. The steam channels, continuous loops of pipe work, usually on the outside
of the lower third of the tank, terminate at the rear of the tank and are closed by
threaded dust caps. The outlet should be fitted with a steam condensate trap. Care
should be taken to ensure the maximum working pressure of the system (as
indicated on the data plate) should not be exceeded.
 Heating – Electric: This external shell heating system consists of a network of
elements in contact with the shell over the bottom third of the tank container. Used
for maintaining the temperature of heat sensitive products, this system operates on
either 200-280V 3-phase or 340-480V 3-phase. Electric heating is designed to
maintain the product at a specific temperature, not to reheat the product.
 Components
 1.5 inch Airline Valve: Fitted in the spill box on
the top side of the tank. Used for venting the
tank at loading / discharge, enclosed vapour
return and air pressure supply. Can be screwed
or flanged or a 2 inch flanged butterfly.
 Components
3-INCH FLANGED BUTTERFLY VALVE: An internal
spring valve used for bottom valve (second closure). To
ensure the tank remains sealed in the event of an
accident, this part is designed to fail in such a way as to
leave the internal part of the valve closed and attached
to the tank body. It can be combined with a cap (third
closure for the regulations) to prevent drips.
 Components
3-INCH FOOTVALVE: Used for loading and
discharge it is the first closure required by
regulation. To ensure the tank remains sealed in
the event of an accident, this part is designed to
fail in such a way as to leave the internal part of
the valve closed and attached to the tank body.
 Components
3-INCH BLACKO FULL BORE BALL VALVE:
Located in the top rear compartment and used
for loading and discharge. Top loading /
discharge is commonly used to avoid
unnecessary maintenance and cleaning of the
syphon pipe.
 Components
 FLANGED RELIEF VALVE : Prevents excess
pressure in the tank. Usually supplied as
pressure only, but is also available as a
pressure / vacuum combination. The regulations
require a setting at 10% above the MAWP
(maximum allowed working pressure).
 Components
500MM ULTRA LOW PROFILE MANLID
ASSEMBLY: Usually fitted in the top centre
compartment, within the spill box. Typically fitted
with 6 - 8 swing bolts, it has the benefit of being
of easy access for loading and cleaning.
 Components
BOLTED MANLID : Usually fitted in the top centre
compartment within the spill box, it is flanged
and bolted and typically fitted with 18-20 bolts.
This type of manlid is ideal for high pressures
and its added security is perfect for dedicated
cargo.
 Essentials of Tank Safety
 Make certain the tank is the correct type and has been approved for the product to be carried.
The cargo loaded must not adversely affect the integrity of the stainless steel tank shell, fittings,
gaskets, etc.
 Make certain that the interior and exterior have been properly cleaned, well maintained, statutory
inspections kept current and tested in accordance with all regulations.
 Make certain the maximum gross weight (MGW) remains within regulations in various countries.
The ullage (free space) must also comply with international regulations.
 Tank containers must be filled to levels permitted by the appropriate regulations It is very
dangerous to transport tank containers which are not filled to the correct levels
 To maintain the safety and integrity of the tank container it is essential that they are lifted,
handled, transported and secured using only ISO approved equipment

 All hazardous tanks must comply with the regulations for prototype, initial and periodic testing
 Make certain the tank has all correct markings and placarding and the product is clearly and
correctly identified with necessary hazard warnings attached in their correct locations on the tank
container.
 Make certain you are aware of the specific characteristics of the product to be transported. The
manufacturer of the product should be contacted for an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
which offers advice and information concerning the appropriate handling/safety standards, for
example - transport information, protective clothing requirements such as eye protection,
breathing apparatus, body protection, safety helmet, etc.
 Periodic tests and inspection take place every 5 years with intermediate inspections every 2.5
years
 These tests are witnessed by a classification society and the tank must pass to maintain the
hazardous classification
 CSC Inspections must take place at the appropriate intervals
 Testing
 The shell and ancillary components of tank containers must be inspected
and tested at five-year intervals with an intermediate 2.5 year inspection.
 Periodic testing is required for all tanks used to transport hazardous
cargoes and for tanks that have undergone welded repairs to the shell.
Depending on the country's regulations, tanks used for storage applications
within a plant are not governed by transportation regulations and therefore
testing may not be necessary until such time the tank is used to transport
product.
 The 2.5-Year test includes an internal inspection of the tank container
vessel, an external inspection of the ISO frame, a leakage test of the shell
and all service equipment including all valves and fittings.
 The 5-Year test includes a hydrostatic pressure test, an internal and
external visual inspection, a leakage test and a test of the satisfactory
operation of all service equipment including all valves and fittings.
 After the test is performed and witnessed by an authorized classification
society, a certificate is issued and includes current data pertaining to that
specific tank container as shown on this sample test report.