ISO Tank w/ Bottom Loading Arm and SafeRack Gangway

ISO tank with bottom loading arm, vehicle grounding, and SafeRack gangway with a safety cage for top access or venting – Chevron

Loading bay with top and bottom loading capabilities

ISO tank containers are constructed to meet the specifications established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for material properties and widely-accepted functionalities. These ISO tank containers are structured to transport liquids, both toxic and food-grade chemicals.

ISO tanks diminish shipping and handling costs because they allow smaller cargoes for liquids to be carried by truck to the railway, from the train to the ship deck, and sometimes by air. All the containers are the same size and have mechanically stable frames around them, and they also have common connections and methods for locking them. Because all containers are the same size, have mechanically durable frames, similar connections, and mechanisms for securely locking them in place, cranes and other material handling devices are designed to swiftly attach to the tank and safely transport it from vehicle to vehicle.

The iso tank above transports 1-chlorobutane, a colorless and highly flammable liquid. It is a common solvent in producing plastics, rubber, and pesticides. 1-chlorobutane is transported in an iso tank made of stainless steel and is designed to withstand high pressure and temperatures. 1-chlorobutane is a volatile substance, so pressure relief valves are installed on the tank to prevent pressure build-up inside the container. The tank must also be equipped with baffles to prevent liquid sloshing during transport. 1-chlorobutane is a dangerous substance, so it is important to ensure that the iso tank is properly labeled and that the driver of the vehicle carrying the tank has the proper training and certification.

There are two ways to load fluids into a tanker truck: bottom loading and top loading. The bottom loading arm is preferred when transferring flammable liquids because the process of top loading involves the splashing of fluids during loading. Splashing causes a significant build-up of electrical charges within the compartment itself. Electrical discharges can occur for many reasons—the presence of moving men and equipment on the top of the truck can generate sparks that can cause explosions. Bottom loading is safer because it eliminates the potential for sparks and static electricity. In addition, bottom loading is faster and more efficient because fluids can be gravity-fed into the tank. As a result, bottom loading is the preferred method for loading/unloading flammable liquids into tanker trucks.

When a tank truck is loaded from the bottom, the operator stays safe on the ground the whole time, and this guarantees that he will be able to respond rapidly in the event of an accident or other emergency. When petroleum products are shipped from one location to another, it creates a great deal of air pollution, and bottom loading deals with this problem. Bottom loading, as opposed to top loading, facilitates a more effective recovery of liquid vapors up to 99 percent safely.

However, the terminal above can also accommodate top loading tanks. If the product being loaded is not flammable, then top loading is perfectly secure. However, a self-adjusting gangway and a safety cage keep workers safe when attaching hoses to a top loading arm. Loading platforms are an integral part of many industrial facilities and provide a safe and efficient way to load and unload materials from trucks and other vehicles. However, loading platforms can also be dangerous places. In particular, the risk of falls is a major concern — this is why most loading docks are equipped with safety cages. These cages surround the platform and provide a barrier between workers and the ground. In the event of a fall, the enclosure helps to break the worker’s fall and prevent them from hitting the ground. As a result, safety cages can play a vital role in preventing serious injuries on loading platforms.