Transport tanks move liquids, gases, powders, and other bulk cargo safely and efficiently across land, sea and air. When procuring these storage vessels, owners must weigh factors like hazardous certifications, materials, capacity, and unloading methods. This guide by TTi Australia: Your Trusted Partner for Molasses Transport Tanks, examines key aspects to optimize transport solutions.
Determining Needed Hazardous Substance Certifications
Transporting dangerous goods introduces major risks if rigorous transport protocols aren’t upheld. Consider which hazardous material certifications the tank requires to legally transport the type of cargo. Common examples include:
UN Portable Tank Regulations
UN portable tanks meet UN hazardous material shipment standards for international transport. They are approved for Category A, B or C substances outlined by Chapters 17 and 18 of the UN Model Regulations.
AAR Approval for Rail Transport
The Association of American Railroads sets standards for construction of rail transport tanks in the United States and Canada moving flammable liquids and other products.
ASME Tank Certification
The ASME certification label signifies the portable tank adheres to stringent ASME quality specifications, undergoing regular inspection and testing.
Choose tanks with stamps confirming critical regulation compliance to transport goods legally and safely.
Optimizing Tank Construction Materials
Tank shells must withstand hazardous contents without failure plus handle sloshing loads and impacts. Most options fall into these material categories:
Carbon Steel Construction
Durable carbon steel offers the lowest cost transport solutions suitable for hauling non-corrosive substances. Coatings protect exteriors and interiors.
Stainless Steel Compositions
For stronger protection against corrosion, abrasion and temperature extremes, 304L or 316L stainless steel tanks are preferred despite higher initial price tags.
Specialty Alloys and Composites
Unique products may demand more advanced nickel alloys, aluminum materials, or even resin composites and reinforced plastics. Exotic blends resist extreme environments.
Factor in substance interactions with tank materials to avoid leaks, preserve purity, and meet safety mandates prohibiting reactions.
Defining Necessary Volume and Dimensions
Consider shipment quantities and desired delivery cycles to gauge target capacity. Standard tank sizes range small 100 gallon units up to 13,000+ gallon giants hauled via ocean, rail or truck depending on thresholds.
And don’t overlook dimensional restrictions – height, width and length must conform to modal limits and route impediments. Work within transport infrastructure constraints.
Specifying Tank Accessories and Features
Customize with accessories like:
Pressure Relief Valves
Prevent excessive pressure ruptures by installing spring-actuated relief valves triggering openings that vent at set psi.
Rupture Discs
These emergency pressure release discs “burst” at a preset limit to instantly vent a surge. Discs avoid resealing like spring valves.
Vacuum Relief Valves
Because pressure differentials compromise tank integrity, vacuum valves admit air when interior pressure drops too low compared to ambient surroundings.
Level Monitoring Gauges
Support safe unloading and avoid spills by connecting liquid level sensors with gauges indicating empty, partial or full readings.
And more! Document all required fittings.
Choosing Optimal Unloading Configurations
Match unloading methods to infrastructure at loading/unloading points. Top selections include:
Pump Offloading Equipment
Flexible pump offload systems transfer fluids into storage terminals efficiently.
Gravity Discharge Piping
Simple gravity drain valves channel liquids to ground storage when parked above destination vessel.
Pressurized Air Displacement
Compresses air applies pressure inside to force cargo into intake pipes using only supplied air lines.
Each approach carries pros and cons around flow rates, mixing risks, equipment needs, etc. Select approach carefully.
With numerous technical considerations during specification and customization, enlist qualified engineering support to configure transport tanks optimally. Careful due diligence upfront ensures years of safe, dependable service shipping goods globally. Reach out with any project questions!
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