ISO Tanks & Their Role in Liquid Product Logistics

When distributing liquid chemicals or gases, you need to consider not only the logistics services but also the container used to transport them. This helps prevent leaks, spills, or changes in product quality during transportation.

One of the most widely used solutions for storing and transporting chemicals is the ISO tank. This article discusses the benefits of using ISO tanks and other interesting facts about them. So, read to the end.

What Is an ISO Tank?

An ISO tank is a container specifically designed to transport liquids or gases, whether hazardous or non-hazardous. This tank can carry chemicals, beverages, and other liquid products.

An ISO tank consists of a cylindrical tank permanently mounted within a six-meter frame. It is typically made of stainless steel and has a service life of several decades, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Moreover, the term "ISO" in ISO tank stands for the International Organization for Standardization. This means that an ISO tank is manufactured in accordance with ISO standards and is safe for transport by various modes.

The tank was first introduced for commercial use in 1966 and is considered one of the most significant innovations in modern logistics because its standardized size and design simplify cargo loading and unloading while reducing shipping costs.

Types of ISO Tanks

ISO tanks are classified based on their intended use and the type of cargo they carry. The following are some of the most commonly used ISO tank types:

T1 ISO tank: Used for transporting wine and liquids that do not require special handling.
T4 ISO tank: Used for transporting non-hazardous, non-consumable oils, such as vegetable oil.
T11 ISO tank: Used for transporting non-hazardous chemicals.
T14 ISO tank: Used for transporting acids and hazardous chemicals.
T50 ISO tank: Used for transporting liquefied gases, such as butane, propane, LPG, and ammonia.
T75 ISO tank: Used for transporting cryogenic gases (gases liquefied and stored at extremely low temperatures), such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and LNG.
Rubber-lined ISO tank: Used for transporting strong acid-based chemicals. This tank is equipped with a rubber lining to protect against corrosion.
Food-grade ISO tank: Used for transporting liquid food and beverages, such as juice.
Reefer ISO tank: Used for transporting temperature-sensitive products, such as pharmaceuticals and dairy products.
Silo container: Used for transporting bulk powders and grains, such as flour and sugar.
SWAP container: Used for transporting bulk cargo ranging from 26,000 to 35,000 liters.

ISO tanks are generally available in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. A 20-foot ISO tank holds 21,000 to 26,000 liters, while a 40-foot ISO tank holds up to 40,000 liters.

Features of ISO Tanks

ISO tanks are equipped with technical features that help ensure product safety throughout the distribution process. Some of these features include:

ISO tanks are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, making them ideal for transporting a wide range of products.
ISO tanks can operate at pressures ranging from 1.5 bar to 22.5 bar.
The tanks are fitted with rock wool or polyurethane insulation to maintain optimal product temperatures.
ISO tanks have a sturdy steel frame, allowing them to be stacked in warehouses or on ships.
The tanks are equipped with a bottom valve for unloading products and a top valve for filling the tank.
The ISO tank design is compatible with cranes, forklifts, and locking systems on trucks and ships.
To be used commercially, these containers must obtain official certifications, such as the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and ISO certifications.

Benefits of ISO Tanks

ISO tanks offer several advantages for businesses and supply chains, including:

1. Reducing Logistics Costs

ISO tanks can reduce logistics costs because they are reusable. They also have a large capacity of up to tens of thousands of liters, allowing more products to be transported in a single trip.

2. Enhancing Safety

ISO tanks are made of durable, rigid materials that minimize the risk of cross-contamination and leakage. Some tank types are specifically designed to transport products that require special handling, such as those that must be kept at low temperatures. Furthermore, ISO tanks are internationally certified, ensuring their quality.

3. Easy to Handle

The design of ISO tanks simplifies loading and unloading operations, improving operational efficiency and reducing vehicle turnaround time at terminals.

4. Compatible with Multiple Modes of Transport

ISO tanks are designed for transportation by rail, sea, and truck. This enables smoother product distribution without the need for repeated transfers.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Compared with single-use storage containers, ISO tanks are more environmentally friendly because they are reusable. Their leak-resistant design also minimizes the risk of environmental pollution caused by spills or leaks during distribution.

6. Space Efficient

Compared with drums and barrels, ISO tanks require less storage space, allowing warehouse areas to be utilized more efficiently.

Chemical Logistics Solutions by Sea and Land from CDI

An ISO tank is a container that helps you store and distribute liquid or gaseous products safely and efficiently.

In relation to ISO tanks, PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI), through its subsidiary PT SCG Barito Logistics (SBL), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PT Krakatau Bandar Samudera (KBS) to collaborate on ISO tank services, dry container services, and lift-on/lift-off (LOLO) cargo handling at Krakatau International Port.

This collaboration is a strategic step toward strengthening CDI's logistics services and enhancing connectivity in the national industrial supply chain.

Currently, CDI also provides land and sea logistics services for chemicals through CSI, SBL, CCC, and CWC. PT Chandra Shipping International (CSI), a subsidiary of CDI, operates more than 10 vessels with capacities ranging from 4,200 to 9,600 DWT. This fleet is expected to continue expanding over time.

CDI's land logistics services are managed by SBL, which operates more than 200 trucks of various types to meet customer requirements. PT Chandra Cold Chain (CCC) operates a modern cold storage facility with a capacity of more than 700 pallet positions.

Meanwhile, PT Chandra Warehouse Cilegon (CWC) operates a warehouse in the Cilegon Industrial Area covering more than 51,000 m². CDI's logistics services also include inter-island transportation, sea freight, export-import services, and customs services.

So, don't hesitate to entrust your company's chemical products to CDI, #YourGrowthPartner!