When Should You Use a Bulk liquid transportation Tank

There are a number of options available for bulk liquid transportation. Depending on the type of cargo and where it is being sourced from and transported to, any of these methods might prove to be a better option than the other. Selecting the right type of bulk liquid transportation can have a significant impact on the cost element of moving that consignment from point a to point b. In this article, we will look at four of the most common methods of bulk liquid transportation and which method is suitable for which scenarios.

ISO tanks

One of the most common methods of bulk liquid transportation is the ISO tank which is made from stainless steel material surrounded by protective layers that prevent contamination of the liquid by the metal. This method is used to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids because the stainless steel is strong enough to resist puncturing and the spilling of any hazardous liquids. Thanks that are used in bulk liquid transportation usually have a large manhole at the top and at least one valve for emptying the tongue at the bottom.

ISO tanks are cylindrical in shape and vary in size depending on the size of the truck. They are commonly used on trucks, trains, or ships. Liquids transported in ISO tanks. Edible liquids like vegetable oil, juices, milk, and dairy. Non-edible liquids including gasoline, LPG gas, and industrial chemicals.

ISO tanks are ideal for bulk liquid transportation because they have multiple compartments that allow for the transportation of different liquids, this is particularly true for gasoline products where diesel and gasoline can be transported in the same tank but different compartments. Their capacity ranges from anywhere between 20,000 to 26,000 liters.

Advantages

They can be used to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in bulk liquid transportation.

Have longevity because of the strength of steel.

There is a lower risk of spillage.

Higher handling costs for renting, shipping, and repositioning.

Disadvantages

They have to be cleaned between shipments.

They are not disposable which forces the consigner to do a double trip.

Flexitank is another popular option in bulk liquid transportation is the flexitank, which is made of food-grade PVC. The walls of this container are collapsible and it is intended to be used with a standard shipping container so that it can rely on the walls of the container for support and prevent rupture.

It is usually placed while empty in the container and filled with a pump while inside the container.

This method of bulk liquid transportation is meant for single-use and does not Force the consignor to do a double trip so that they can recover their container. It is not meant for the transportation of hazardous liquids.

Advantages

They are more affordable to purchase.

It enables the consignor to leverage on already existing infrastructure like standard shipping containers on trucks.

Disadvantages

It requires careful handling to prevent puncturing of the wall.

Some logistics companies are reluctant to transport liquids in them because they fear the integrity of the wall being compromised.

Drums and barrels

Drums and barrels are another popular option for bulk liquid transportation. They can be constituted from different materials such as steel, plastic, and fiber. Drums and barrels that are used for bulk liquid transportation of consumable products how are plastic lining inside to prevent the direct contact between edible liquids and the material of the drum. Drums and barrels can be used for the bulk liquid transportation of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Corrosive and hazardous materials are usually transported in strong plastic containers to prevent leakage after corroding the material if it was made of Steel.

The capacity of drums and various ranges from 22 to 250 liters making it ideal for smaller consignments.

Advantages of drums and barrels in bulk liquid transportation

Drums and barriers are available in standard sizes that fit very well in existing transportation methods.

The uniform science of drums and barrels makes them easily stackable for convenient storage in warehouses or pallets.

They can be used for the transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids.

Disadvantages of drums and barrels in bulk liquid transportation

Limited capacity.

A lot of handling time while refilling or stacking them.

They take up a lot of space during transportation and storage.

Intermediate bulk containers IBCs

Another option for bulk liquid transportation is IBCs they are used for the bulk transportation of liquids and also granular substances such as chemicals and food ingredients. They consist of a rectangular shaped PVC housed in a reinforced aluminum or steel frame. The purpose of the frame is to provide reinforcement during bulk liquid transportation. The frame itself sits on a wooden pallet making it easier to move it and reposition it using a forklift. The pallet has gaps where the forklift can insert its forks between the ground and the wooden pallet and then lift it and move it off the ground.

The capacity of an IBCs ranges from 200 to 1,250 liters. This puts its capacity at somewhere between those of larger containers and drums. It has a small manhole at the top for filling up the container and the Valve at the base for renting the container.

Advantages of IBCs for bulk liquid transportation

They have a convenient capacity that is suitable for most needs.

They are easy to transport if a forklift is available.

The wall of the container is sturdy enough to prevent rupturing when fully loaded.

They can be used for the transportation of both hazardous and non-hazardous liquid and granular substances.

Disadvantages of IBCs for bulk liquid transportation

They take a lot of time to stack up.

They take up a lot of space.

Because of its limited capacity, it takes a long time to refill multiple containers.

Their odd shape can make it difficult to fit them in some storage places and means of transportation.