Tanker containers, also known as tank containers, are specialized shipping containers designed for the transportation of liquids and gases. These containers are manufactured to international standards to ensure quality, safety, and environmental protection. Each tanker container is marked with a UN number and T code, indicating the hazardous chemical it is approved to transport. Tanker containers are available in a variety of tank types and sizes, and can be manufactured with or without ISO measures. The use of tanker containers allows for the safe and efficient transportation of a wide range of liquid and gas products.
What is the use of Tank Containers?
Tanker containers, are specialized shipping containers designed for the transportation of liquids and gases. These containers are made of stainless steel, with a protective layer of aluminium and polyurethane to ensure durability and protect the cargo. The capacity of a tank container can vary, with smaller containers capable of holding 27,000 liters and larger containers capable of holding up to 40,000 liters. Tank containers are commonly used to transport a wide range of liquid and gas products, including both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. The use of tanker containers allows for the safe and efficient transportation of these products.
Classification
All hazardous materials are assigned an identification number, known as a "UN number," and a "packing group" to help identify the specific hazards associated with the material. This information is used to determine the type of tank container that is required for the safe transportation of the material, according to the regulations set forth in the IMDG Code, ADR, RID, and other relevant guidelines. The UN number and packing group are typically marked on the tank container, along with other important information about the cargo it is carrying. This helps to ensure that the appropriate precautions are taken to protect both the cargo and the people handling it during transport.
| T- Code | Minimum Test Pressure (bar) | Minimum Shell Thickness | Pressure Relief Provisions Required | Bottom Outlet Provisions |
| T1 | 1.50 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 2 shut-off valves (internal + external) |
| T2 | 1.50 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T3 | 2.65 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 2 shut-off devices |
| T4 | 2.65 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T5 | 2.65 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T6 | 4. | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 2 shut-off valves (internal + external) |
| T7 | 4 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T8 | 4 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | Prohibited |
| T9 | 4 | 6 mm | Normal | Prohibited |
| T10 | 4 | 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T11 | 6 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T12 | 6 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T13 | 6 | 6 mm | Normal | Prohibited |
| T14 | 6 | 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T15 | 10 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T16 | 10 | Minimum 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T17 | 10 | 6 mm | Normal | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T18 | 10 | 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | 3 shut-off valves (internal + external + blind flange / screw cap) |
| T19 | 10 | 6 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T20 | 10 | 8 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T21 | 10 | 10 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T22 | 10 | 10 mm | Normal + Bursting disc | Prohibited |
| T23 | Varies | Varies | (organic peroxides; self-reactive substances) | Varies |
| These types are for specific products with additional requirements. | ||||
| T50 | Varies by gas | Varies by gas | (liquefied compressed gases) | Varies by gas |
| T75 | Varies by gas | Varies by gas | (refrigerated liquefied gases) | Varies by gas |
In the transport business we have 3 sorts of tank containers:
- non-dangerous liquids in the ISO type group TN with the ISO codes: S0 - S2 (e.g. 22S0)
- dangerous liquids in ISO type group TD with ISO codes : S3 - S6 (e.g. 42S3)
- Gases in ISO type group TG with ISO codes S7 - S9 (e.g. 45T7)