ISO tank containers comply with the International Standard Organization (ISO) standards. They are suitable to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of ISO Tank Container Types. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
ISO containers are made with stainless steel and housed inside a protective layer. The type of protective frame used depends on the tank’s contents. The ISO tank container features a manhole at the top for easy access and one valve each at the top and bottom.
In situations where there is unexpected liquid leakage due to an accident, containment berms or secondary storage tanks are helpful. Ironclad Environmental Solution’s tanks provide a safe temporary storage solution while you get your ISO tank repaired.
ISO certification is a globally recognized standard applicable to all business operations to ensure continued high standards. This means standardization of size, strength, and durability with regular inspections for compliance for the ISO containers. ISO containers should also include a Container Safety Certificate (CSC).
Molasses
Milk and other dairy products
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Liquefied sugars
Hydrogen peroxide
Sulfuric acid / Nitric acid
Chemicals / Solvents
Liquid food products
Heating oil / Vegetable oils
Gasoline / Diesel / Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Liquid resins
According to the ISO standards, a steel frame surrounds the tank container. The standard 20-ft frame encloses a tank that holds 21,000 liters (5,547 gallons) of liquid. The frame dimensions are:
Length – 20 ft.
Width – 8 ft.
Height – 8.6 ft.
Other sizes available in ISO tanks are:
15,000 liters (3,963 gal)
17,500 liters (4,623 gal)
23,000 liters (6,076 gal)
24,000 liters (6,340 gal)
25,000 liters (6,605 gal)
General Specifications
Maximum gross weight: 36,000 kg (79,366 lbs.)
Working pressure: 4 bar (58 psi)
Test pressure: 6 bar (87 psi)
Allowable vacuum: .41 bar (12 in Hg)
Stacking weight: 9 high of 24,000 kg (ISO)
Tank Linings
ISO tanks use a protective lining for additional protection against corrosive liquids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. The ship holds, rail cars, and over-the-road tank trailers use the same linings for protection.
The 15,000-25,000 liter containers are a preferred choice for shipping a variety of goods because of the following factors:
High efficiency and safety.
Ease of transportation.
Standard size.
Enclosed in a mechanically stable frame with connections to lock them securely.
ISO tanks are easy to stack, just like a shipping container.
Reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting liquids in bulk. ISO tank containers have up to 30% lower shipping cost vs. over-the-road tankers.
The tanks can be designed to match the safety criteria of specific liquids.
ISO tanks are unlikely to leak and do not require additional packaging material.
It is possible to maintain a specific temperature for sensitive cargo.
The stainless steel body with added lining is highly resistant to corrosion. It can withstand temperature and pressure variations.
ISO tanks are a sustainable transportation solution with up to
50% less carbon footprint
. They have a 15-20 year lifespan, which means you can use them more than other options.
Container Lifespan
If you pump solids into a container as high-pressure liquid, it may re-solidify in transit. You may have to do steam heating for the cargo to melt and drain out at the receiving end. You may also have to use air pressure to drain viscous material. This is not good for the overall life of the product. It can cause extraordinary stress on the shell, which can cause cracks and leaks.
Maintaining the Temperature
Temperature-controlled ISO tanks have inbuilt heating and cooling equipment that needs regular electrical supply from the ship or truck. This means that the electricity supply has to be reliable for the tank’s contents to remain safe.
Breaking/Chipping of the Protective Coating
Accidents and individuals working with heavy tools can cause minor scratches on the tank’s body. This can cause the protective coating to wear off gradually and expose the metal to the atmosphere or other corrosive materials. While workers can repair some protective coatings on the field, others may need complete sandblasting and recoating.
Accidents during loading, unloading, and transits, and changes in the temperature and pressure of the ISO tank can cause stress to the shell. There could be breaking or chipping of protective coating, which can expose the metal to corrosive liquids. ISO tanks require an inspection at least once in two years and a re-coat if needed.
Many of the challenges associated with an ISO Tank Container can be mitigated by other types of specialty equipment such as steel frac tanks, poly tanks, or stainless steel tanker trailers, depending on the application. Contact our team to learn more about our containment solutions and waste transportation services. We will be happy to help answer your questions and provide ideal solutions from our portfolio of products.
What is the need for a standard ISO container?
The design of ISO tank containers allows convenient, safe, environment-friendly and cost-effective transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids. With up to 30% less transport cost and up to 50% lower carbon footprint, containers are preferred compared to over-the-road transport.
What are the dimensions of an ISO container?
A standard ISO container is a horizontal cylindrical pressure vessel encased inside a 20′ x 8′ x 8.6′ steel framework.
How do you clean an ISO tank?
It is essential to completely remove any residual solid or liquid cargo and odor of contents and cleaning substance from the ISO tank containers.
Tanks should be cleaned at a certified cleaning terminal only. Food grade tank containers are cleaned at a separate facility.
Declare the previous cargo (hazardous or non-hazardous) to the facility superintendent.
Remove all discharge valves, pressure release valves, and other components for cleaning and inspection.
Normal steaming, low-caustic detergent-based cleaning, and pressure washing are the most preferred cleaning methods.
Circulation of 15-20% nitric acid before pressure washing with fresh water really helps.
A survey by an independent and qualified surveyor.
Clean with hot water spinners or steam sterilization.
Dry the container and seal the lids and valves.
Issue the cleanliness certificate.
Tank containers are used to ship and store hazardous and non-hazardous materials such as liquids, powders, and gasses. ISO tanks are made out of stainless steel, with insulation, as well as a protective layer of aluminum or polyurethane. This makes them a safe and secure option for transporting a wide variety of materials.
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ISO tanks are equipped to transport the following:
If you’re a shipper, make sure you invest in a tank container that’s classified by the International Maritime Dangerous Good Code (IMO). This classification helps to identify and separate dangerous goods from other kinds of cargo. Check out this blog to learn all about IMO types for tank containers.
Safety and efficiency are synonymous with ISO tank containers. Apart from the fact that tanks can ship a considerable amount of bulk effortlessly, they’re also extremely durable. A tank container is designed to have a long life span, typically around 20 to 35 years. So you can use tank containers over and over again, giving you great value for money in the long run!
Wondering where you can find ISO tanks? Book a demo today to learn all about how you can buy, sell, and lease the exact container types you need on Container xChange. Simply click on the banner below to get started today.
ISO certification: A stamp of approval for ISO tankSo what is an ISO certification?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) upholds a set of industrial and commercial standards for various products and services. This ensures consistency in both quality and reliability.
When a tank container is manufactured, it must comply with the size, durability, and strength as per the ISO standards. Each tank goes through strict inspection process, and only then is it certified. A container safety certificate (CSC) is also issued by the manufacturer.
Types of ISO tank containersBefore you go ahead and buy or lease tanks, you should know that there are specific tanks for specific types of cargo. The chart below shows the different tanks and what they can transport and store safely.
Container type Ideal usageT1 ISO tank container
Wine and light liquids
T4 ISO tank container
Non-hazardous edible and non-edible oils
T11 ISO tank container
Non-hazardous chemicals
T14 ISO tank container
Hazardous chemicals and acids like HCI and zinc chloride
T50 ISO tank container
Gasses such as LPG and ammonia
T75 ISO tank container
Cryogenic gasses
Rubber-lined ISO tank container
Acid-based chemicals
Food-grade tank
Only loaded with food grade products
Reefer tank
Ideal for food and chemicals
Gas tank
Suitable for the transport of gasses
Silo
Suitable for transport of grains and powders
SWAP container tank
Transport of cargo between 26,000 and 35,000 metric tons, 25,600 and 31,500 long tons and 28,700 and 35,000 short tons
SWAP body tank
This container type is bigger than its frame, ideal for lightweight cargo and storage use
Make sure you choose the correct tank container type for your shipping needs.
Dimensions of ISO tank containersA tank container made according to ISO standards will always be fit for intermodal transportation. These containers also come in 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft varieties. But when it comes to tank containers, you need to prioritize capacity. Here’s a table with the measurements and capacities.
Capacity Gross Weight Tare Weight Payload Max. Cargo Temp. Test Pressure Working Pressure21,000l
36,000kg
3,650kg
32,350kg
120°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
24,000l
36,000kg
3,900kg
32,100kg
120°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
25,000l
36,000kg
3,730kg
32,270kg
130°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
26,000l
36,000kg
4,060kg
31,940kg
130°C
6.00 BAR
4.00 BAR
It’s important to note that a tank container should never be overfilled or underfilled.
ISO tanks should be at least 80% full at all times. This will avoid a surge during transit.
Similarly, always make sure that your tanks are less than 95% full. This allows for thermal expansion.
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