When transporting liquid products, whether food ingredients or hazardous materials, safety and efficiency cannot be overlooked. With the growing demand for logistics solutions that offer both reliability and low environmental impact, the options available must evolve with the needs of the market. One of the solutions that has gained popularity in recent years is the ISO tank, a container that stands out for its unique safety and adaptability features.
But can it ensure that liquids reach their destination without compromising quality and process safety? From Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España we address key points related to ISO tank: what types exist, what are its advantages and how it is applied in various industries. We also share some important aspects to take into account before choosing this type of container.
An Introduction to ISO Tanks
Also known as ISO tank or ISO container, it is designed according to the standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This type of container offers a safe and efficient solution for the transport of liquids, gases and bulk chemical products. It is made of stainless steel and covered by a carbon steel structure that provides great strength and stability. As for its capacity, it normally ranges between 21,000 and 40,000 liters, although there are variations depending on the type of product to be transported.
It is also important to mention that they are designed to be easily handled and transported in ships, trains, trucks and other means of transport, which increases their versatility in international logistics.
Unlike other containers, such as flexitanks or IBC 1000, the ISO tank guarantees greater durability, is reusable and is designed to withstand heavy loads under demanding conditions.
What Types of ISO Tank Are There?
There are different categories of ISO tank, specifically designed to suit the physical and chemical characteristics of the product being transported.
ISO T1 Container
ISO T1 is generally used for non-hazardous liquid products that do not require strict temperature control or a specialized environment, including liquids such as oils, liquid food products (such as wine, juices, among others), and certain non-hazardous chemicals.
ISO T4 Container
Ideal for transporting non-hazardous edible and inedible oils. Its use is common in the distribution of products such as vegetable oils.
ISO T11 Container
Generally, it is aimed at the transport of non-hazardous chemicals. It is commonly used in the chemical industry for products that do not pose a risk to health or the environment, but still require controlled and safe transportation.
ISO T14 Container
It is used for the transport of a large number of hazardous chemicals, including acids such as HCI (hydrochloric acid).
ISO T50 Container
This ISO tank is used for the transport of gases such as LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and ammonia. It is built to withstand high pressures and maintain safety during the transport of industrial gases.
ISO T75 Container
It is suitable for the transportation of cryogenic gases, such as liquid nitrogen and oxygen, as they maintain extremely low temperatures and are designed to ensure safety and efficiency in transportation.
Rubber-Lined ISO Container
It is ideal for the transport of acid-based chemicals. The internal rubber lining protects the container from corrosion and ensures that acid does not come into contact with metal.
Food Grade ISO Container
Contains an inner liner that complies with food safety regulations, ensuring that products such as juices, edible oils and other food liquids are not contaminated during transport.
Reefer Tank
It is used for the transport of food products and chemical products that require controlled temperatures.
ISO Silo Container
It is a specialized container for the transport of grains and powders. Its design is optimized to handle bulk cargo and ensure that the material is transported without damage or loss.
ISO SWAP Container
It can handle bulky loads between 26,000 and 35,000 liters. It is the most popular choice for transporting large volumes of liquids or bulk products.
ISO SWAP Body Container
It is perfect for light loads and storage use. Its structure provides greater capacity for less dense products, such as light liquids and bulk materials that do not require pressurized containment.
Advantages of Using an ISO Tank
The use of this type of container has increased significantly in modern logistics because of the tangible benefits they offer in terms of both safety and operational efficiency.
Increased Safety When Transporting Liquids
Its rigid and airtight structure minimizes the risk of leaks, cross-contamination or accidents during handling, which is of vital importance in sectors where toxic or flammable substances are handled.
Reduced Logistics Costs
Being reusable, ISO tanks reduce the costs associated with the use of disposable containers. In addition, their capacity makes it possible to transport larger volumes in a single trip and reduce costs per unit transported.
Intermodal Compatibility
They are designed to fit seamlessly into sea, rail and road transport systems. As a result, they simplify the logistics chain and reduce transit times.
Efficient Loading and Unloading
Thanks to its design, fast and safe loading and unloading operations can be performed, reducing the time spent at terminals and improving the operational efficiency of the entire chain.
Reduced Environmental Impact
The prolonged use of an ISO tank versus single-use solutions reduces the generation of industrial waste. In addition, its leak-tightness minimizes the risk of spills into the environment.
Considerations When Choosing an ISO Tank
Choosing the right ISO tank depends on several factors related to the type of product, regulatory requirements and the characteristics of the logistics route.
Regulatory Requirements
The transport of hazardous or food products requires specific certifications that must be in place before each shipment. For this reason, working with a forwarder with experience in transport and document management is essential.
Logistical and Environmental Conditions
Factors such as temperature, route or infrastructure availability can influence the type of ISO tank required. In some cases, it may be advisable to use models with thermal insulation or integrated heating systems.
Risk-Free Logistics
The ISO tank is today one of the best solutions for bulk transport of liquids, both in terms of safety guarantees and logistical efficiency. This type of container makes it possible to optimize resources, reduce risks and comply with the highest quality standards.
In Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, we offer our customers a full service for transport management, with technical advice, execution and traceability of each shipment. Contact our team so we can start improving your business logistics with professional, safe and sustainable solutions.
