Tank containers are used to ship and store hazardous and non-hazardous materials such as liquids, powders, and gasses. ISO tanks are made out of stainless steel, with insulation, as well as a protective layer of aluminum or polyurethane. This makes them a safe and secure option for transporting a wide variety of materials.
ISO tanks are equipped to transport the following:
If you’re a shipper, make sure you invest in a tank container that’s classified by the International Maritime Dangerous Good Code (IMO). This classification helps to identify and separate dangerous goods from other kinds of cargo. Check out this blog to learn all about IMO types for tank containers.
Safety and efficiency are synonymous with ISO tank containers. Apart from the fact that tanks can ship a considerable amount of bulk effortlessly, they’re also extremely durable. A tank container is designed to have a long life span, typically around 20 to 35 years. So you can use tank containers over and over again, giving you great value for money in the long run!
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ISO certification: A stamp of approval for ISO tankSo what is an ISO certification?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) upholds a set of industrial and commercial standards for various products and services. This ensures consistency in both quality and reliability.
When a tank container is manufactured, it must comply with the size, durability, and strength as per the ISO standards. Each tank goes through strict inspection process, and only then is it certified. A container safety certificate (CSC) is also issued by the manufacturer.
Types of ISO tank containersBefore you go ahead and buy or lease tanks, you should know that there are specific tanks for specific types of cargo. The chart below shows the different tanks and what they can transport and store safely.
Container type Ideal usageWine and light liquids
T4 ISO tank container
Non-hazardous edible and non-edible oils
T11 ISO tank container
Non-hazardous chemicals
T14 ISO tank container
Hazardous chemicals and acids like HCI and zinc chloride
T50 ISO tank container
Gasses such as LPG and ammonia
T75 ISO tank container
Cryogenic gasses
Rubber-lined ISO tank container
Acid-based chemicals
Food-grade tank
Only loaded with food grade products
Reefer tank
Ideal for food and chemicals
Gas tank
Suitable for the transport of gasses
Silo
Suitable for transport of grains and powders
SWAP container tank
Transport of cargo between 26,000 and 35,000 metric tons, 25,600 and 31,500 long tons and 28,700 and 35,000 short tons
SWAP body tank
This container type is bigger than its frame, ideal for lightweight cargo and storage use
Make sure you choose the correct tank container type for your shipping needs.
Dimensions of ISO tank containersA tank container made according to ISO standards will always be fit for intermodal transportation. These containers also come in 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft varieties. But when it comes to tank containers, you need to prioritize capacity. Here’s a table with the measurements and capacities.
Capacity Gross Weight Tare Weight Payload Max. Cargo Temp. Test Pressure Working Pressure21,000l
36,000kg
3,650kg
32,350kg
120°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
24,000l
36,000kg
3,900kg
32,100kg
120°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
25,000l
36,000kg
3,730kg
32,270kg
130°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
26,000l
36,000kg
4,060kg
31,940kg
130°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
It’s important to note that a tank container should never be overfilled or underfilled.
ISO tanks should be at least 80% full at all times. This will avoid a surge during transit.
Similarly, always make sure that your tanks are less than 95% full. This allows for thermal expansion.