ISO Tanks 101

The chemical transportation game is changing thanks to ISO tanks. ISO tanks are quickly becoming a widely adopted method companies use to transport and store bulk liquids, gases, and powders. According to the International Tank Container Organization (ITCO), in January 2022 the global ISO tank fleet was up to 736,935 units, an increase of 7.3% from the previous year. Let's break down what an ISO tank is and why you should be using them to transport your materials.

ISO Tank Design

ISO tanks are intermodal containers used for transporting liquids, gases, and powders in bulk. The first ISO tank was designed by Bob Fossey in 1967 at Williams Fairclough in London.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ensure that each tank is suited for efficient transportation on ships, trains, and trucks. The standard ISO tank is about 6.06m long, 2.40m wide, and 2.55m tall. The tanks are made of stainless steel and have a protective external layer of polyurethane and aluminum and can hold 17,500-26,000 liters of cargo. The tanks are designed to transport hazardous and non-hazardous materials, can be unloaded from the top and the bottom, and are reusable. All tanks have the external frame, top and bottom valves, a manhole for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance, thermometers, and information detailing the type of tank and materials being transported.

ISO tanks can be stored in facilities called ISO Tank Farms. The standard design of the tanks allows them to be stacked like standard shipping containers during shipping and in storage.