Different types of Tank Containers | LOTUS Containers

 

Tanker containers play an important role in the shipment of liquid cargoes. Without them, the transportation of liquid, semi-solid & gaseous materials would have not been possible. They are built to the ISO standards, making them suitable for intermodal transportation. 

They are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel giving them enough strength making them compatible for the transportation of both hazardous and non-hazardous products. 

 

Have you ever wondered why tanks are made cylindrical and not cubical like other shipping containers? 

 

Cylindrical containers do not have any side or corner, but cuboid containers do have. When carrying fluid in a cube or cuboid shape container under pressure, the stress acting at its corners is higher than the stress acting on its sides. Since stress concentrates more on the corners, it would lead to the breakage of the container and spillage of the product. To avoid this scenario, the tank started to be built in cylindrical shape because there is very little or no chance for cracks and breakage in the case of a cylindrical container in comparison to a cuboid container. 

 

Types of tank containers

 

1.Baffle Tanks: These are designed to give maximum flexibility to carry cargoes of varying densities without having to use different capacities of tanks. These are mostly suitable for products with a high specific gravity that is filled below 80% (which is considered as minimal filling level). They provide stability to the contents during the transition. They can also be fitted with a heating and cooling system depending on the cargo requirement. 

 

2.Lined Tanks: Lined tanks are designed for the shipment of both general and highly corrosive cargoes. They are properly lined from inside and have an additional safety system such as an attached overfill protection system, product level detection device, and GPS. The lining offers corrosion resistance and maintains toughness. The lining could be of anything like PTEE, rubber, and phenolic resin with a range of valves attached together. 

 

3.Heated Tanks: There are certain products that need to be kept warm or heated during the entire transition. While some products are extremely sensitive in response to the external temperature that even a small temperature fluctuation can lead to explosions. Therefore, to facilitate the shipment of such product, they are made with attached steam, water, and electrical heating system.

 

 4.Cool Tanks: Just like heated tanks are used for the shipment of warm cargoes cool tanks find its application for products that need to maintain their low temperature during the entire transition. Containers are cooled by circulating either brine or synthetic oil around external coils. These containers are approved by international statutory authorities for the safe transportation of the medical product, fruit juice, milk, and other liquids. 

 

5.Gas Tank: As the name itself suggest, gas tanks are specifically used for the transportation of different types of gases like refrigerants, anhydrous ammonia, LPG, propane, butane, etc. These can be used both for the shipment and storage of gases.

 

Conclusion

There are various tank container operators worldwide; they can vary on the types of products and services they offer. The bigger container supplier typically offers a wide range of services, while smaller ones may deal in specific products and services.