Non-standard Specification Tank Containers for Special Chemicals, Liquid Waste Tank and IMO5 / T50 Gas Tank

Where an estimated 90% of all hazardous bulk chemicals,  may be transported in multi-purpose tank containers, UN Portable tank type T11, the balance are likely cargoes whose properties and characteristics require specialized tank containers with unit types T14 –T22. This is because of variety of factors. From the cargo density which can be expected to be above 1.0kg/litre to chemical composition and their primary and secondary hazards that finally determines its UN Portable unit type under IMDG. Broadly we are able to divide these cargoes into four classes that sees the most high hazard cargoes transported in UN Portable tank unit types T14-T22.

Hydrogen Peroxide Tank – 10 inch Bursting Disc

1. Class 4 Flammable solids                  
2. Class 5 – Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides.
3. Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances
4. Class 8 Corrosive substances

The specification of such tank containers, invariably includes facilities and special features different from those found on standard specification tank containers.  Take hydrogen peroxide under class 5.1. The specification of such tank containers of UN Portable tank type, T14, which means discharge is affected via the top, will include special pressure relief devices including 250mm diameter bursting disc and a breather with porous disc.

Hydrogen Peroxide Tank – Manlid Compartment

“Made to measure’’ Special purpose signature tank containers.

Made to measure specification tank containers are those that suit special conditions mostly related to the cargo, its density, corrosive properties, toxicity or perhaps a high heat melting point? In other instances it could be the area of operation. Example: phthalic anhydride, it is a class 8 cargo UN 2214. Besides a density of 1.53kg/litre what stands out besides this is its melting point of 132˚C. We refer to these cargoes as high heat cargoes. Here the answer is a small capacity not exceeding 20,000litre of a design that is able to tolerate dilation of vessel in excess of 5.0mm. Furthermore the specification has to include super insulation, effective steam heating area of not less than 10meter square and steam traced bottom valves. Other cargoes that represent similar challenges are molten Sulphur and Caprolactam.

Double Wall-secondary containment Iso tank containers that meet UL 142-ULC142

An example where area of operation typically requires a ‘’made to measure design” approach are tank containers purpose designed with build double wall-otherwise referred to as secondary containment designed and build according UL142 and ULC142 that cover horizontal atmospheric type steel tanks for the storage aboveground of flammable and combustible liquids. These tanks are mostly deployed for stationary installations as covered by the Flammable and Combustible liquids code of the National Fire protection association, NFPA.