All you need to know about ISO tank containers and their primary applications

All you need to know about ISO tank containers and their primary applications

The global ISO Tank Container market was valued at US$790 million in 2018. Growing at a CAGR of 9%, this figure is projected to touch US$1580 million by the close of 2025.

Manufacturing is mainly concentrated in China and South Africa.

ISO Tank Containers meet rigid operational standards with regular inspections and test certification renewals.

ISO Tank Containers are designed to transport liquid, powders and gases in the form of bulk cargo. These containers are cylindrical pressure vessels, and the standard ones are mounted within a strong rectangular steel framework of 20’ x 8’ x 8.5’ dimensions. These measurements are regulated by ISO standards and make them adaptable to intermodal transportation. ISO Tank Containers must also conform to other regulations such as the strength and quality of the material.

Made from high-grade stainless steel, these vessels are surrounded by distinct protective layers based on the requirements of the nature of the material transported. The tanks are equipped with a manhole and at least one valve at the top with another valve at the bottom. Connecting hoses are used to load and unload material through the valves using a pump. Tank containers must be filled to a minimum of 80% of the capacity to avert dangerous surging of liquid and gases during transit. Yet, the contents must also not exceed 95% of the tank capacity to accommodate possible thermal expansions.

ISO Tank Containers achieve a high degree of versatility by their ability to store and transport a variety of liquids and gases ranging from Molasses to Milk and Dairy products, Chemicals and Solvents, Liquid Food Products, Vegetable Oil, Gasoline, Diesel, LPG, Liquid Resins, and so forth.

What are the chief attributes of ISO Tank Containers?

  • Safety in the transportation of bulk liquids achieving cost-effectiveness and reliability.
  • Fulfillment of the specific benchmarks set for the transportation of different substances.
  • Leak-proof – No need for extra packaging.
  • Endure extreme pressure and external shocks.
  • Maintain a pre-determined temperature for sensitive cargo.

Tank containers have a service life of 20 years or more. Their operational life can be extended with a refurbishment that will prove viable when the price of new tanks is high. When disposed of for commercial or technical reasons, they can be converted into storage space. When the tanks get damaged beyond economic repair, they can be sold as scrap metal for recycling. This proves advantageous when the price of scrap stainless steel goes high.

ISO Tank Containers are available in different types such as Fuel Tanks, Storehouse Tanks, Reefer Tanks, Food-grade tanks, Swap-body Tanks (ideal for transporting lightweight cargo), Baffle Tanks, Lined Tanks and Heated Tanks.

Carriers who operate ISO Tank Containers face several challenges in their day-to-day tasks, particularly in the areas of intermodal transportation. The use of proven software solutions to manage daily functions will lead to optimum utilization of a carrier’s resources. They can derive full benefits by employing modern software tools with key features that include Vendor Contracts, Tariff and Rating, Product Request and Approvals, Schedule and Slot Management, Tank Certificates Management, Job Order Management, Export and Import Documentation, Inventory Management, Operations, Alerts Management, Account Receivables and Account Payables.

Tank Container Depot Operators also face mounting challenges in their daily operations because they must attain good productivity while maintaining excellent operational efficiency. Well-established software solutions in Tank Container Depot Operations incorporate Gate moves, M&R, Tank Inventory Tracking, Leak Test Reports, Cleaning Certificates and Activity-wise Customer Billing with features to generate business-critical management reports.

iInterchange Systems / www.iinterchange.com presents software solutions on SaaS www.iboxsuite.com and “On-Premises” model. Their industry experience, technical expertise and focus on customers’ needs make them the right people to collaborate for the software needs of Tank Container Carriers with iTankOps solution.

Tank Container Depot Operators also benefit equally with iTankDepo that addresses their day-to-day critical tasks with enhanced operational efficiency. iInterchange offers iTankOps and iTankDepo by licensing and on the “Cloud” via subscription model.