ISO tanks are considered the safest containers for transporting or storing liquid chemicals and food-grade materials, significantly reducing the risk of leakage during transit or storage. This article explains the types, sizes, volumes, and loading ratios of ISO tanks to help you quickly understand these internationally standardized tank containers.

Introduction

An ISO tank is built in accordance with standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure safety during transportation. ISO tanks come in a wide range of capacities—from 7,000 liters to 30,000 liters—making them suitable for various logistics and storage needs. Why have they become widely accepted across industries? In this article, we’ll explore the unique advantages of ISO tanks and why they’ve earned such a strong reputation.

1.   What Is an ISO Tank and What Is It Used For?

An ISO tank (International Standard Tank Container) is a container specifically designed for transporting or storing liquids, gases, or powders. It is made from robust materials like carbon steel or stainless steel (304 or 316L) and is internationally recognized for its quality and safety. These tanks comply with standards such as those from the ISO and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

ISO tanks are available in a variety of capacities and can easily transition between land and sea transport, enhancing flexibility and reducing logistics costs.

2.   Advantages of ISO Tanks: Safety, Efficiency, Sustainability, and Flexibility

(1) Enhanced Safety

Compared to traditional drum or flexibag methods, ISO tanks provide superior airtightness, significantly lowering the risk of leaks or contamination. If you’re looking for a safe and eco-friendly way to transport goods, ISO tanks offer a more secure solution.

(2) High Transport Efficiency

ISO tanks can carry large volumes of liquids, gases, or powders in a single shipment, reducing the frequency of loading and unloading. This also lowers labor and packaging costs, making ISO tanks the most efficient solution for transporting chemical goods.

(3) Environmentally Friendly

ISO tanks help prevent leaks during long-distance transport and storage. They can even reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 70%, making them an eco-conscious option for logistics.

(4) Cost-Effective

With a lifespan of 20+ years under normal use, ISO tanks can be reused over time, significantly cutting down overall logistics costs.

(5) High Flexibility

ISO tanks come in various configurations tailored to different cargo types, including food-grade, industrial-grade, and electronic-grade tanks for liquids, and high- or low-pressure tanks for gases. Multiple volume options are available to suit diverse transport requirements, all while complying with IMDG standards.

3.   Types of ISO Tank Containers: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Chemical products are generally classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. Hazardous cargo is assigned a UN number and must comply with the IMDG T-code regulations (T1 to T75) for tank design.

(1) T11 ISO Tank

The T11 ISO tank is the most commonly used type, suitable for non-hazardous cargo and hazardous cargo classified as T11 or lower under the IMDG Code. It can be equipped with steam heating pipes for indirect heating via the inner vessel—useful for melting solid products into liquids before unloading via gravity or external pumps.

(2) T14 ISO Tank

ISO TANK T14 is also for non-hazardous cargo and cargo classified as T14 under the IMDG Code. It is a top-loading only tank without a bottom valve, offering better gas-tight sealing.

(3) T14 ISO Tank with PTFE Lining

This is a T14 tank with an inner PTFE lining, making it suitable for highly corrosive materials or high-purity chemicals like electronic-grade products.

(4) T50 (IMO 5) & T75 (IMO 7) ISO Tanks

These tank types are designed for gaseous cargo, with differences based on the required working and test pressures of the inner vessel as specified by IMDG regulations.

(5) Cement Tank

Specifically designed for bulk cement transport or storage, this tank is built to handle dry powder cargo.

(6) AHF Tank – Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid

Built for the safe handling of anhydrous hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive and hazardous chemical, this specialized tank requires strict safety measures.

(7) High-Temperature Tank

Designed with 316L stainless steel inner linings and expanded steam heating surfaces, this ISO tank supports indirect heating up to 200°C, making it ideal for high-melting-point or heat-sensitive materials.

4.   ISO Tank Loading Ratios According to the IMDG Code

For Non-Hazardous Goods :

• Minimum loading ratio : 75%
  Calculation :
  Tank volume × cargo density × 7.5% = net cargo weight
• Example :
  24,000 L × 0.80 × 75% = 14,400 kg
• Maximum loading ratio : 97%
  Calculation :
  24,000 L × 0.80 × 97% = 18,624 kg

For Hazardous Goods :

• Minimum loading ratio : 80%
  Calculation :
  24,000 L × 0.80 × 80% = 15,360 kg
• Maximum loading ratio : 95%
  Calculation :
  24,000 L × 0.80 × 95% = 18,240 kg

Always confirm road weight restrictions at both the origin and destination ports before finalizing your loading volume.

Published Date : January 21, 2025