ISO Tank Types and their Uses

SO Tanks come in various types, each designed for specific cargo, including liquids, gases, cryogenic substances, and even powders. Here’s a breakdown of the different ISO Tank types and their uses:

1. Standard Liquid Tank (T11)

📌 Usage: Non-hazardous & mild hazardous liquids
📌 Cargo: Chemicals, food-grade liquids (e.g., edible oils, juices, syrups), industrial liquids
📌 Capacity: 17,500 - 26,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Most common type of ISO Tank
• Made of stainless steel with protective insulation
• May have heating or cooling systems

2. Chemical & Corrosive Liquid Tank (T14, T20)

📌 Usage: Transport of hazardous and corrosive liquids
📌 Cargo: Acids (sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid), alkalis (caustic soda), toxic chemicals
📌 Capacity: 14,000 - 26,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Enhanced chemical-resistant linings (PTFE, rubber, or glass)
• Higher pressure tolerance
• Special safety valves and protective coatings

3. High-Pressure Gas Tank (T50)

📌 Usage: Transport of liquefied gases under high pressure
📌 Cargo: LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), ammonia, propane, butane
📌 Capacity: 20,000 - 24,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Built to withstand high pressure (17-34 bar)
• Equipped with special safety relief valves
• Heavy-duty steel construction

4. Cryogenic Tank (T75)

📌 Usage: Transport of low-temperature liquefied gases
📌 Cargo: LNG (liquefied natural gas), liquid oxygen (LO2), liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid argon (LAr), CO₂
📌 Capacity: 17,000 - 24,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Double-walled vacuum insulation to maintain extremely low temperatures (-196°C for LN2)
• Equipped with pressure relief valves and specialized cryogenic fittings

5. Bitumen/Asphalt Tank

📌 Usage: Transport of hot bitumen and asphalt
📌 Cargo: Road construction materials (asphalt, tar, bitumen)
📌 Capacity: 24,000 - 26,000 liters
📌 Features:

• High-temperature resistance (up to 200°C)
• Built-in heating systems (steam or electric)
• Thick thermal insulation to maintain temperature

6. Powder/Granular Tank

📌 Usage: Transport of dry bulk cargo
📌 Cargo: Cement, flour, sugar, plastic granules, powders
📌 Capacity: 22,000 - 26,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Pneumatic discharge system for easy unloading
• Multiple compartments for different materials
• Reinforced structure to handle powder compaction

7. Multi-Compartment Tank

📌 Usage: Transport of multiple liquid products in one tank
📌 Cargo: Different food-grade liquids, chemicals, fuels
📌 Capacity: 7,000 - 10,000 liters per compartment
📌 Features:

• 2-3 separate compartments in one tank
• Independent loading/unloading valves
• Prevents contamination between liquids

8. Swap Body Tank

📌 Usage: Mainly used for European rail and road transport
📌 Cargo: Chemicals, food-grade liquids
📌 Capacity: 30,000 - 35,000 liters
📌 Features:

• Larger than standard ISO Tanks
• Designed for intermodal transport (trucks & trains)
• May lack standard corner castings, making it unsuitable for deep-sea shipping

Choosing the Right ISO Tank

Conclusion

Choosing the right ISO Tank depends on:
✔️ Type of cargo (hazardous vs. non-hazardous, liquid vs. gas vs. solid)
✔️ Temperature requirements (standard, heated, or cryogenic)
✔️ Pressure conditions (normal pressure vs. high-pressure gas tanks)
✔️ Transport mode (ocean, rail, road)