Safe Handling of Tank Containers - ITCO

ICHCA International Safety Panel Briefing Pamphlet No 30
shown in Picture 7. The second aperture in the
post is required so that the unit can be lifted
using a side lifter.
3.2.2.3 The second identifying characteristic is the
stepped back top fitting. As the top fittings are
generally the same as those found on ISO tank
containers, the positioning must be identical to
that of the 20ft / 40ft ISO container; the fitting is
set back from the post face to accomplish this.
3.2.2.4 A typical example of a swap tank
is shown in Picture 8. The
pressure vessel is attached to
the “end” frames and there is a
protective bottom rail / end frame
to ensure that the risk of direct
contact with the pressure vessel
is minimised.
3.2.2.5 The unit is insulated.
3.2.2.6 The example shown in Picture 9
is a 12.192m long powder tank
with top lift capabilities. Note the
presence of the two apertures in
the side posts and corner fittings
indicating that the container is
wider than ISO. This design is
similar to that of the ISO collar
tank.
3.2.2.7 The swap tank should never be lifted from the side when loaded.
3.2.3 Non Stackable
3.2.3.1 There are swap tanks which are not stackable or capable for lifting using
traditional spreaders. The design of these earlier models was similar to the
frame tank with the pressure vessel being supported from the bottom side
beams. Some non stackable swap tanks are still built today to meet the
particular needs of the industry, particularly intra-European.
Picture 10 shows an example of a
modern non stackable demountable
swap tank. The notable features are
the two grapple lift points (highlighted
in yellow and arrowed). The second
feature is the legs which are shown in
the erected (down) position. Legs of
this design enable the swap tank to be
demounted from the transport truck /
trailer and left for loading, unloading or
storage.
Picture 7
Picture 8
Picture 9
Picture 10
Page 5 ©ICHCA International Limited