ISO Tank

Explanation of a commonly used tank for transporting liquids
An ISO Tank is a tank container which is built to the ISO standard (International Organization for Standardization). ISO tanks are designed to carry liquids in bulk, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
The tank is made of stainless steel and is surrounded by various types of protective layers. Different skins can be used with an ISO tank depending on the type of bulk cargo it is carrying. It has a manhole on the top along with at least one valve and another valve on the bottom. They are shaped like a cylinder.
Because ISO tanks are built to the ISO standard, the frame which the tank sits in measures about 6 meters long, 2.4 meters wide and between 2.4-2.5 meters high. The tanks vary in size and type and can carry between 21,000 and 40,000 liters of liquid.
What does ISO Mean?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was established in 1947 to promote industry and commercial standards. It is a voluntary organization with one member representing each country in the world.
The aim of ISO is to create a standardized process of manufacture so that things can be interchangeable no matter where you are. Having products with an ISO label enables people to know exactly how the product will work and know everything about it.
What Bulk Liquids Are Transported in ISO Tanks?
The bulk liquids that can be transported in an ISO tank include:
  • All types of Water
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Sulphuric Acid
  • Nitric Acid
  • Mining chemicals
  • Food Products
  • Solvents
  • Oils
  • Resins
  • Alcoholic Beverages
What are the Advantages of an ISO Tank?
There are plenty of advantages for using an ISO tank. They are a highly reliable, cost effective and safe way of transporting bulk liquids from place to place.
ISO tanks are designed to meet specific criteria according to the substance they will be carrying. Because of this they are very reliable and can withstand extreme pressure and damage. They are highly unlikely to leak, do not require additional packaging materials for the cargo, can maintain a specific temperature for temperature sensitive cargo and they can be transported by road, rail or boat.
Because ISO tanks are built according to the ISO standard, all the valves must be inspected and each tank must have three closures. All three closures must have failed before a leak would happen; making ISO tanks a safer way of transporting bulk liquid than drums and flexi-bags.