The Ultimate Guide to Choosing ISO horizontal container intermodal tank

Containers are one of the first components that come to mind when we think of shipping processes. In truth, intermodal containers are so common that it is easy to overlook how essential their role is to international trade. Different types of intermodal containers exist, including dry freight, open top, insulated, refrigerated, and of course, tanks.

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Following their introduction, they have remained a critical aspect of the logistics industry and have also seen different designs to suit modern freight. As such, various efforts have been made to improve the quality of these containers, leading to the development of ISO tank containers. This article offers an ultimate guide to ISO tank container shipping.

What is an ISO Tank Container

ISO tank containers or ISOtainers are special containers designed to meet ISO standards for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in bulk. By following the standards of the International Organization for Standardization, these tanks offer the best in both safety and efficiency.

The ISO tank container is typically fashioned from steel or aluminum and adapted to different modes of transportation. Aside from liquids, these intermodal containers also safely transport powders and liquefied gases.

Based on ISO standards, there are two types of ISO containers; the 20-foot and 40-foot tank, both of which are utilized in shipping. Another feature that differentiates the ISO tank container from other types is its airtight nature.

How They Work

The idea of intermodal containers began in England; however, most ISO tank containers are manufactured in China and Germany. China, in particular, produces more than 85% of the world&#;s ISO containers. This strategy ensures cost-effectiveness as a massive volume of liquid freight shipped in ISO tanks is produced in China. Hence, developing these containers close to the source only makes sense.

Typically, ISO tanks that transport highly corrosive materials can last for at least two years, especially those made from steel. Although, the design of these tanks is now altered to suit different types of liquid freight, which potentially brings about a shorter useful life.

Some standard features of ISO tank containers include the size, mechanical frame, connection mediums, and locking mechanisms. These features are consistent across all ISO tanks to ensure they can be handled easily and securely transferred from one location to another. They are also designed with a volume of about 4,000 gallons, making it easy to quickly move thousands of gallons of liquid.

Below are the numerous types of liquid that can be transported in ISO tank containers

• Molasses
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Liquefied sugars
• Milk and other dairy products
• Sulphuric acid and Nitric acid
• Corrosive chemicals and solvents
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Vegetable oils
• Petroleum products, including diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas
• Liquid resins
• Liquid food products

ISO Tanks vs. Flexitanks

Like ISO tanks, flexitanks are also practical components in transporting bulk liquids. However, bulk liquid transportation is a vast aspect of shipping. Hence, considering factors such as the type and origin of the liquid and the freight&#;s final destination can determine which component would be more efficient and economical.

Both ISO tanks and flexitanks have specific dissimilarities that make them ideal for particular processes. Flexitanks offer a more cost-effective option for non-hazardous liquids depending on the origin and destination of the cargo. A general process in shipping is tank repositioning, which refers to moving an empty container from an area with surplus containers to one with a deficit. Tank repositioning usually incurs high costs, especially when it&#;s moved back to its origin. Based on this price increase, shippers prefer using flexitanks rather than ISO tank containers for transporting non-regulated liquids

Benefits of ISO Tank Container

While they might not be cost-effective in some scenarios, there are also numerous reasons why ISO tank containers are preferred for bulk liquid transportation. Here are some of the benefits of ISO tanks 

Cost-Effective

In a one-way shipping business, ISO tanks could be an expensive option. However, they are the most cost-effective option when it comes to a two-way trade at the origin and destination. Their consistent design standard makes it easy to move them from vessels to trucks or rail lines using essential handling equipment. This significantly reduces charges for handling and storage by as much as 30%

Safety

The standard set by ISO ensures the tank remains safe and provides an assured containment of liquid freight. Liquid cargo can be transported safely in an ISO tank container regardless of how hazardous they are. They are also designed to maintain a particular degree to suit temperature-sensitive cargo.

Efficiency

ISO tank containers are specially designed to eliminate the possibility of spillage, save fuel and limit carbon dioxide emissions into the environment. They also last longer and can be used repeatedly with few inspections. Furthermore, they are fashioned from steel or aluminum, making them capable of withstanding fluctuations in temperature and pressure.

Challenges Faced With ISO Tank Shipping

ISO tank containers transport different liquids with different chemical compositions and temperatures. As a result, these liquids act differently in certain conditions. Take high-temperature liquids, for example; these fluids are at some point bound to solidify in the tank if the temperature is not maintained.

This is a common occurrence, and ISO tanks are built so that they can be heated to melt the fluid inside before draining the tank. Alternatively, the solidified fluid can be forced out of the tank using pressurized air. Yet, while all these are efficient methods in discharging high-temperature fluids, they significantly strain the tank, leading to cracks and leaks.

ISO tank containers can also be damaged when their coatings are broken during repair or maintenance procedures. Once the protective layer is compromised, the exposed surface becomes more susceptible to cracks. However, compromised protective layers can be repaired to restore the tank&#;s integrity.

Ship Your Liquids In Bulk Through Total Connection

Total Connection provides top-quality services for transporting bulk liquids in the United States. We carry out each shipping process through a network of shipping lines, motor carriers, rail lines, and storage facilities. We offer a team of experienced logistics specialists to examine your requirements and recommend the perfect solution for your needs.

Engage us today for your ISO tank container shipping needs by filling up the brief form below.

There are various intermodal tank types available in the market and each for a specific purpose. If you&#;re unsure which type fits your needs the best, this is your guide right here. 

Do you know, the use of intermodal tank containers (for bulk transportation of liquids, gases, and powders) is the fastest-growing mode of shipment? These ISO-certified tank containers can carry both hazardous and non-hazardous goods efficiently and with all safety &#; making them a popular choice among shippers.

ISO tank specifications

ISO tank containers, specifically carry different liquids such as explosives, chemicals, flammable, and food. These tanks provide a safe and secure way of transporting liquids and are cost-effective as well. They also remove the hassle of transferring the product from one container to another.

The most common type of ISO tank container is the 20 ft size. It can carry up to 26,000 liters of liquid. Below is the general specification of a standard intermodal ISO tank container:

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Different intermodal tank types

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMO) classifies tank containers into IMO Type 1, IMO Type 2, and IMO Type 5. All three categories can transport hazardous products of varying &#;dangerous&#; levels. This helps in understanding which or what liquids or gases can be transported in a particular tank container.  

IMO Type 1

Tank containers allow transportation of hazardous materials such as explosives, highly flammable toxins, and corrosive substances. You can use this type of tank for shipping liquids with a flashpoint of less than 0-degree Celsius (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit). In an IMO Type 1 tank, the discharge outlet can be both on the top and the bottom.

IMO Type 2

You can use IMO Type 2 tanks for low hazardous chemical liquids such as diesel, herbicides, insecticides, cooking oil, or alcoholic beverages. The flashpoint must be 0 to below 61 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit to 142 degrees Fahrenheit). The discharge outlet is generally at the bottom of the tank.

IMO Type 5

To transport non-refrigerated liquified/flammable gases such as propane, butane, tank containers are the ideal choice for transportation. They&#;re referred to as gas tanks. Type 5 tanks have a mounting arrangement to suspend the tank on the container. It helps restrict movement or friction between the tank and the frame. Due to the highly hazardous materials, it carries, Type 5 tanks come with special operating instructions.

Note: Apart from the above three IMO tank types, there is also an IMO type 7 tank container designed and approved to carry cryogenic or refrigerated liquid such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and so on.

The IMO type was the original system of classification but this was replaced by the &#;T&#; code system in .

This is helpful because it includes more specific details such as test pressure, shell thickness, pressure relief set up, and outlet arrangement (both top and bottom). The &#;T&#; code identifies tank containers from T1 to T22. And also defines the type of cargo each container can transport.

The &#;T&#; code system classification

Note: The ISO tank containers adhere strictly to the international codes for safety while carrying any kind of liquid by land or sea.

The system classifications &#; IMO and the &#;T&#; code help shippers understand what goods to ship and in which category of the tank. The benefit of intermodal tank types are seen throughout the movement and handling of the cargo till the end.

ISO Tank container handling

The cylindrical vessel usually sits on a 20ft ISO frame. They are designed in a way that they can be stacked on top of one another during transportation. This makes the whole process cost-effective with more shipping capacity.

You can load and unload a tank container from both the top and the bottom (depending on the type). In a standard tank container, there is a vent and a valve on the top and bottom; a hose connected to the valve helps with the loading and unloading process.  

Tank containers are designed keeping in mind the kind of products they ship &#; thus safety is always the priority. Every time you unload a container, it undergoes many tests. They&#;re also inspected before the next cargo is loaded.

A few things to keep in mind about intermodal tank type:

• You shouldn&#;t use chemical-grade tank containers to transport food-grade cargo (even after thorough cleaning).

• Each tank container go through thorough cleaning and inspection after cargo is unloaded and before the next shipment.

• Every tank should be 80% full (to avoid surge) and less than 95% full (for thermal expansion).  

You design ISO intermodal tank containers to be safer and ensure seamless shipment of hazardous and non-hazardous cargos. It also reduces the impact on the environment during transportation.

If you are looking for tank containers or want to buy or lease them, Container xChange provides a neutral marketplace where you can find, buy or lease tanks from around the globe.  

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