What is an ISO Tank Container? [+types & dimensions]

18 Mar.,2024

 

What are ISO tank containers?

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.

ISO tanks are equipped to transport the following:

  • Liquids
  • Gasses
  • Powders
  • Chemicals
  • Perishable and non-perishable food items
  • Alcohol
  • Non-alcoholic liquids

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 tank

So 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 containers

Before 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 usage

T1 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 containers

A 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 Pressure

21,000l

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

Never overfill or underfill a tank container

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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