Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

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ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30 2.2 Tank Swap Bodies 2.2.1 Length Under European (CEN) standards the majority of tank swap bodies (often referred to as swap tanks) have a length of 7.15m, 7.45m, 7.85m or 13.6m. The CEN standard EN 1432 for swap tanks also includes four other lengths: 6.05m (20ft), 7.15m, 9.125m (30ft) and 12.192m (40ft). However these standards do not appear to be used too often as many manufacturers produce different lengths of swap tanks to suit particular cargoes depending on road regulations (length and mass). The most common length is 7.15m which has approximately 80% of the market. 2.2.2 Width 2.5m and 2.55m wide. 2.2.3 Height 2.670m (EN 1432) and 2.591m. 2.2.4 Volume 30,000 to 36,000 litres. 2.2.5 Stacking Some designs can be stacked but this is an optional feature in EN 1432. Where they can be stacked they are tested for a superimposed mass of two identical, laden tanks. Note: see section 12.2 for more information about stacking of loaded containers. 2.2.6 Transport Originally designed for road, rail and RO-RO / short sea and often not stacked. Swap tanks with top lift capability can be stacked on deck on deep sea vessels. 2.3 Domestic Loading Units Tank swap bodies have reduced stacking capability when compared with ISO designs. This precludes stacking of these units in the lower tiers of an on-deck stow. The extra width of the design, prevents stacking within most deep sea cells or adjacent to other containers on deck 2.3.1 Domestic loading units can be built to suit the requirements of the local customer and can therefore have any dimensions which comply with local road and rail regulations. 2.3.2 These units are not shipped internationally and would be transported by road or rail only. 3 Tank Designs 3.1 ISO Tank Containers 3.1.1 There are three main structural types of tank container used in the international transport of bulk liquids and liquefied gases - beam, frame and collar. All designs have been manufactured since the 1970s. 3.1.2 All designs can be top lifted, must be stackable and the pressure vessel / barrel as well as all valves and other service equipment must remain within the ISO envelope, i.e. no part can protrude past the outer faces of the corner fittings. 3.1.3 Frame Tanks 3.1.3.1 This design consists of two end frames separated by two main beams at low level forming a support frame. Since there is more material in the support frame than with other designs the tare is relatively high. Often the lower beams are “castellated” a method of lightening the main beams by cutting Page 2 ©ICHCA International Limited

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30 holes to reduce the tare and therefore to increase the payload. Top rails are often light weight, play little part in the overall structural strength and often there to support the walkway. Top rails in these cases are not usually attached to the pressure vessel. In some designs these rails can be attached using mechanical fasteners (nuts and bolts) but are more often welded in place. 3.1.3.2 The pressure vessel is supported from the main beams generally on saddle supports which are in the form of bolted clamps or welded interface supports. 3.1.3.3 The two pictures above show a 20,000 litre (Picture 2) and a 25,000 litre design (Picture 1). Both are insulated. Both pictures show a the cut away castellated light weight main beam. It is also possible to see that the beam is elevated above the level of the corner fitting in Picture 2 whereas Picture 1 shows the beam is lower with the bottom face of the beam about 16 mm above the lower face of the bottom corner fitting. Picture 1 also shows a top rail significantly lower than its top corner fittings. 3.1.4 Beam Tanks 3.1.4.1 A beam tank is supported by a series of bearers attached to the end frames which interface with the pressure vessel at various locations on the periphery of the barrel. The interface consists of plates that are welded to the pressure vessel and the bearers to ensure load sharing and a “barrier” between carbon steel and stainless steel components. 3.1.4.2 The example shown in Picture 3 is a typical beam tank with no top or bottom side rails. The tank is attached using four beams that connect at the four corner fittings of each end frame. The walkway is supported using brackets attached to the pressure vessel. Picture 2 Picture 1 3.1.4.3 Picture 4 shows a different design where the attachment of the pressure vessel is made using fabricated brackets attached to the corner posts and the end frame corner braces. Top side rails are fitted to the top corner fittings. 3.1.4.4 The tank container is also un-insulated. Picture 4 Picture 3 Page 3 ©ICHCA International Limited

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