Understanding ISO Tank Types for Optimal Cargo Transport
ISO tanks are stainless steel containers engineered to efficiently transport bulk liquids, gases, and powders. Governed by standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), these tanks guarantee safety across different transportation methods.
This tank ships various bulk products, ranging from powders to liquids. Made of stainless steel, it has a lifespan of more than 15 years, making it very environmentally friendly.
In some industries, ISO tanks are essential for a company's business. They can save a lot because they could hold around 40% more product per 20 feet of shipping slot if we compare them to drums in a single shipment. This means they will cut the cost of another container and transport, making them cost-effective.
They also come in various types. The most common ones are T11 types for food-grade products, non-hazardous chemicals, and some hazardous chemicals. Every type is designed to fulfill specific operational needs and regulatory criteria, guaranteeing safe and effective material handling.
Types of ISO Tanks
A. Standard Tank
The standard ISO tanks are usually 20 to 40 feet long and made from stainless steel. They have capacities between 14,000 and 26,000 liters, offering significant volumes for transporting large quantities of liquid. These tanks' exact size and capacity can vary based on several factors, including the type of liquid being transported, the specific conditions needed to handle that liquid safely, and compliance with relevant regulatory standards. Some of them are food-grade and hazardous chemicals compatible.
B. Reefer Tank
Reefer ISO tanks are specialized containers designed for transporting perishable products that require a controlled temperature environment to maintain their quality and safety using refrigerator units. This is especially important for dairy products, juices, and medications that can spoil or lose efficacy if not kept at the proper temperature. The refrigerated units in a reefer ISO tank ensure that these products remain fresh and compelling by continuously cooling the tank's interior, preserving their integrity during long-distance shipping.
C. Gas Tank
LNG ISO tanks, which stand for liquefied natural gas ISO tanks, are specialized containers designed to transport cryogenic liquids. Cryogenic liquids are gases that have been cooled to extremely low temperatures, causing them to condense into a liquid state. These gases include hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. To safely and effectively store and transport these cryogenic liquids, LNG ISO tanks utilize T75 ISO tanks.
The T75 designation refers to a specific design standard that ensures these tanks can withstand the low temperatures and high pressures associated with liquefied natural gases. This design features advanced insulation and structural elements to maintain the low temperatures needed to keep these gases in liquid form during transport.
To simplify it, these types of ISO tanks are based on their purposes.
T1 ISO Tanks: To carry liquid that doesn't need special treatment, such as food-grade products or non-hazardous chemicals.
T4 ISO Tanks: Fits for edible and non-edible oil.
T11 ISO Tanks: Designed to store and transport food-grade products, non-hazardous cargo, and some hazardous.
T14 ISO Tanks: Used for transporting specifically hazardous liquids and acids.
T50 ISO Tanks: Designed to store and transport compressed gases.
T75 ISO Tanks: Designed for the transportation of cryogenic liquids.
To know which tank you should use, you should identify your cargo. Find out some of the factors here:
What kind of goods are you transporting, and what is their physical state?
What kind of substance is it? (liquid, gas, or powder)
Are there any dangerous properties?
Any temperature-controlled needs?
Additionally, assess the cargo's volume and weight, as this information is essential for selecting an ISO tank that meets the necessary capacity and weight specifications.
Maybe 10 years from now there will be an ISO tank that can withstand everything and has a longer life expectancy using a better material. Longer life expectancy means ISO tanks will be increasingly environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Modern technologies like AI could be a new way to monitor the ISO tank before, during, and after shipping to help the cargo stay pristine
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