What is an ISO Tank?

An ISO Tank is a tank container which is built to the ISO standard (International Organisation for Standardisation). ISO tanks are designed to carry liquids in bulk, both hazardous and non-hazardous. The tank is made of stainless steel and is surrounded by various types of protective layers. Different skins can be used with an ISO tank depending on the type of bulk cargo it is carrying.

It has a manhole on the top along with at least one valve and another valve on the bottom. They are shaped like a cylinder. Tanks are classified according to the specification of the tank shell and fittings. It is the classification which determines what type of product maybe carried. Although tank containers have a fairly uniform external appearance, the construction materials, linings, and fittings vary.
 
 

Advantages of an ISO Tank

ISO tanks are designed to meet specific criteria according to the substance they will be carrying. They are very reliable and can withstand extreme pressure and damage. They are highly unlikely to leak, do not require additional packaging materials for the cargo, can maintain a specific temperature for temperature sensitive cargo and they can be transported by road, rail or boat.
 
SAFE
Stainless steel surrounded by an insulation and protective layer
  SAFE
 
RELIABLE  
RELIABLE
Built to the ISO standard (International Organisation for Standardisation)
 
VERSATILE
Both hazardous and non-hazardous products can be transported in tank containers
  VERSATILE
 
FLEXIBLE  
FLEXIBLE
Can be loaded and unloaded from the top and the bottom
 

Why ISO Tank?

Because ISO tanks are built according to the ISO standard, it is preferred medium of transport for bulk liquid products.

ISO tanks is reusable, recyclable & can be remanufactured, thus it is very environmentally friendly.
 
No repair / inspection necessary
No contamination of product if the tank is cleaned according to SOP
Retain value
100%
ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY
 

The Advantages of ISO Tank

 
COST
COST
 
  • Save on purchase of new/reconditioned drums/IBC
  • Save on palletization
  • Reduce labor & handling cost to customers
  • Reduced overall landing cost to end customers
  • Tank containers are excellent for mid-term storage
 
STORAGE
STORAGE
CAPACITY
CAPACITY
 
  • Significant capacity per shipment advantage over either drums or IBCs
  • Tank vs Drums: 6,960 liters (42%) higher capacity per shipment
    (saves 1 of every 3 shipments)
  • Tanks vs IBCs: 3,880 liters (20%) higher capacity per shipment
    (save 1 of every 5 shipments)
  • Drums and IBCs can subject to frequent damage during handling or shipment
  • Residue in drums & IBCs can add up to substantial amounts very quickly
 
LOSS OF PRODUCT
LOSS OF
PRODUCT
CONTAMINATION
CONTAMINATION
 
  • Stainless steel tanks cleaned, and certified as clean prior to each load
  • Drums/IBCs not cleanable
  • Load/off-load is quick and fast
  • Reduced need for manpower
 
HANDLING
HANDLING
SAFETY
SAFETY
 
  • Reduced risk of injuries from product spillage and/or vapors
  • Tanks specifically designed to contain hazardous products
  • Pressure/vacuum relief valves
  • Insulation
  • Thick shell
 

The ISO Tank
Potential Pitfalls

 
lack of tank handling expertise can
lead to damages, loss of product,
contamination & accidents
 
 
  shipper-owned iso tank containers with
hazardous chemicals first to be shut out
(in full ship scenario)
 
loading tank container over 95%
can lead to leakage
 
 
  shipper and consignees
resistance to change
 

Parts of ISO Tank

 
Safety Relief Valve
Safety Relief Valve
A pressure (or sometimes a combination pressure/vacuum) relief valve is fitted to every tank to protect the tank against excessive over pressure or vacuum.
Flame Traps
Flame Traps
A metal gauze that is fitted over the SRV(s) when carrying flammable products. It permits to be expelled but prevents flashback.
Frames
Frames
ISO dimensioned frames are typically fabricated from high tensile carbon stell and comply with ISO dimensions.
Cladding
Cladding
The outer surface around the shell that protects the insulation from water. Usually made from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) or aluminum.
Data/CSC Plates
Data/CSC Plates
Shows many details of the tank container including current test data, the manufacturer and the permitted weight/capacity.
Document Holder
Document Holder
A sealed tube fitted to the frame of the tank for carriage of pertinent documents like COA (certificate of analysis), cleaning certificate, etc.
Earth/Ground Lug
Earth/Ground Lug
A connection for grounding or earthing the tank during loading/unloading. Dissipates static electricity.
Heating System
Heating System
E-WAY tanks are fitted with efficient steam heating systems making the tanks useful for heat sensitive products.
Manlid
Manlid
Located on the top of the tank and is used to enter the tank for internal inspection (please be cognizant of confined space entry regulations).
Walkway
Walkway
Ladder and top walkways, for an easy and safe access to the top of ISO Tank.
Temperature Gauge
Temperature Gauge
Is fitted to the rear of the tank giving and indicative reading of the temperature of the product.
Tank Number
Tank Number
Every container is identified by its unique 4 alpha and 6 numerical number. The check digit (7th number) is derived from a formula using the tank number.
Bottom Valve Arrangement
Bottom Valve Arrangement
Typically tank containers have 3 closures for maximum protection of product leakage. All E-WAY tanks are pressure tested before loading to ensure no leaks and all valves are operational.
Air Inlet Valve
Air Inlet Valve
Fitted to the top of tank and used as a pressure device during unloading and recovery device during loading.