ISO and Security Seals for Containers
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ISO provides a framework of rules outlining procedures for the unification and classification of security seals designed for mechanical cargo containers. It specifies the types of seals that are acceptable for this usage, while also setting forth the fundamental requirements and tests necessary for seal certification under this standard.
Adhering to these regulations is crucial for the acceptance of security seals in both domestic and international shipping of goods.
General Requirements for Seals Specified by ISO
ISO mandates that all security seals exhibit several essential characteristics:
- Security seals need to be unique, difficult to imitate, and carry the relevant information.
- The design should enable easy inspection to ascertain proper usage, ensuring no ambiguity exists.
- Security bolt seals must have a diameter of at least 18 millimeters.
- Single-use devices: removal must lead to destruction and render the seals unusable, providing clear evidence of tampering.
- They must fulfill the specified strength thresholds established by the standard and successfully pass all tests conducted by accredited entities.
Types of Seals Permitted by ISO
ISO identifies three types of certified cargo container seals:
1. Indicating Seals
These are plastic or metallic seals that can be easily opened after application. Commonly used on empty containers that need to be moved short distances, such as within the same city, these seals confirm that the container is clean and ready for loading. Of course, indicating security seals must display regulatory markings, including numbering and company logos.
2. Security Seals
The locking mechanism of this type offers enhanced security against unauthorized openings. The critical distinction between this and the next category is that the security level is more limited. If a seal is broken, it must be detectable during an inspection. These seals also display numerical information and the logo.
3. High-Security Seals
Manufactured from extremely strong materials such as metal or incorporating steel cables, this type of seal is designed to thwart any attempts to open or tamper with it. Removal requires advanced specialized tools. Lasering is the most common marking method for these seals due to its exceptional resistance to environmental factors. The letter H (for High Security Seals) indicates the classification of this seal type.
Mechanical Strength Tests in ISO
Security seals certified under ISO must undergo specific tests concerning tensile, cutting, and impact strength. These tests need to be conducted by institutions accredited to these regulations. Here are the details:
- Tensile strength: The strength of the security mechanism must exceed 1,000 kg, assessed by pulling the ends until they separate.
- Cutting: For both security bolt seals and those containing metal cables, the cutting strength must be more than 340 kg.
- Lateral impact: This test involves striking the security bolt seal perpendicularly to test for breakage, assessing the seal shaft's flexibility.
- Vertical impact: This assessment introduces impact from any angle to determine the seal's breaking point.
Responsibilities in Handling Security Seals for Containers
1. User Responsibilities
Users of security seals must adhere to best practices regarding their use, which we discussed in our previous articles. In summary, these practices include maintaining a detailed log of seals (including breakage when applicable), ensuring proper storage of seals, and monitoring their application process under the supervision of a responsible designated individual within the company.
2. Manufacturer Responsibilities
Security seal manufacturers are tasked with fulfilling several obligations:
- Maintain a log of all seals produced, including corresponding numbering and markings to prevent duplication.
- Certify their manufacturing processes adhere to the strength and material criteria specified by ISO.
- Offer an adapted customization service.
- Establish direct contact with specialists to address any issues related to security seals for containers.
Documents Certifying Compliance with ISO
Manufacturers must provide the following documents to prove compliance with ISO regarding security seal production:
- Annex A of ISO ensuring adherence to best practices.
- A certificate verifying that the security seals meet or exceed the minimum tensile strength specified in clause number 5 (for high-security seals).
- A document confirming the laboratory tests conducted to validate the mechanical strength of the seals.
- A letter of conformity regarding tampering evidence to discourage counterfeiting.
- Manufacturers must also be certified to the ISO standard that guarantees a quality management system throughout the manufacturing process.
Explore the Precintia seals for your containers that are certified in accordance with ISO. If your organization requires this type of security seal, please feel free to reach out for more information.
ISO Tank Containers: Usage, Components, and Safety
ISO tank containers are designed following the requirements set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), facilitating the transport of liquids, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
According to QY Research, the global ISO Tank Container market was valued at $790 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1.5 billion by the end of 2026, with an expected CAGR of 9.0 percent from 2021 to 2026. The rising preference for ISO tank containers stems from their increased efficiency in transporting bulk liquids.
At APC, we aspire to be a leading provider of coating solutions, ensuring our commitment to staying updated with the global ISO tank container market and its value-added tank lining. This article will delve into ISO specifications, the components of an ISO container, and why an ISO tank container with the appropriate lining effectively meets the transportation industry's demands.
Let’s explore...
This article encompasses:
- ISO Tank Containers: Concept, Certification, and Quality Management Principles
- History of the ISO Container
- ISO Tank Linings
- Reasons Why ISO Tank Containers Are Preferred for Bulk Liquids (with Infographic)
- Bulk Liquids Transported in ISO Tanks
- Challenges Faced by ISO Tanks
ISO Tank Containers: Concept, Certification, & Quality Management Principles
The concept of intermodal transportation originated in England, but most ISO tanks in operation today are manufactured in China or Germany. This design allows for filling close to the source before they are shipped globally. A significant portion of liquid chemicals transported in ISO tanks flows from the EU or China to the United States.
ISO tanks constructed from stainless steel typically have a lifespan of at least two years when carrying corrosive chemicals; however, thinner materials have been adopted over time, resulting in shorter life expectancy.
ISO tanks lower shipping and handling expenses by allowing smaller loads of liquid to be efficiently packaged and transported via truck and train, and in some instances, by air. The standardization of container sizes, coupled with mechanically stable frames and universal connections for secure locking, facilitates seamless transitioning from one mode of transport to another.
Furthermore, ISO tanks are stackable, with railcars designed to carry two ISO tanks on the lower level and two stacked above. This simplifies the transport of large volumes of liquid and enables substantial time savings compared to older shipping methods that utilized skid-mounted IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) or 55-gallon drums.
What Does ISO Certification Mean?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was established to promote industrial and commercial standards.
According to Don Keehan, chairman of APC,
"ISO certification is recognized worldwide as a commitment to continuous improvement in all operational areas. Achieving ISO certification clearly demonstrates our sustained high standards for producing quality products for customers globally."
For organizations, the standard ensures that business processes align with customer needs and regulatory requirements. ISO International Standards guarantee product and service reliability, quality, and user-friendliness.
For ISO tank containers, these units must be manufactured per international regulations and require inspection and certification. All ISO containers must comply with requirements for size, strength, and durability appropriate for their designated purpose.
According to Lloyd's Register,
"Inspections and certifications must occur before a new container enters service. Following this, the next inspection should occur no later than five years post-construction, provided the container has been utilized for a minimum of two years. Subsequently, the CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) stipulates that ISO containers should be inspected approximately every two years (max 30 months)."
ISO containers include a Container Safety Certificate (CSC) issued by the manufacturer.
History of an ISO Tank Container
The first standard shipping container was developed by Malcom McLean, a transport entrepreneur credited with revolutionizing transport and international trade with the advent of intermodal shipping containers in the late 1950s. By the mid-1960s, the standard box container was manufactured to be compatible with traditional methods of unloading cargo from trucks to ships and back to trucks, resulting in cost-effective, flexible transportation while enhancing handling and storage efficiency.
Today, ISO container dimensions adhere to a uniform international standard: 20' long, 8' wide, and 8'6' high, establishing the ISO (International Standards Organization) Frame.
For further information, please consult ISO horizontal container tank.
Each corner of the container has a corner casting that allows for secure placement on railcars, chassis, or ships. The ISO container is secured via twist locks inserted into the corner castings, preventing movement during transit. The evolution of the ISO Tank Container enables the transport of a wide range of products, including portable (food-grade) liquids, non-hazardous, and hazardous aqueous materials, such as corrosives, explosives, toxics, and flammables. Using a Tank Container minimizes risks when transferring liquids from one vessel to another, providing a cost-efficient, secure, and exceptionally safe shipping method. Once the Tank Container is emptied, it is sent to a designated cleaning facility to be thoroughly cleaned before its next load.
ISO Tank Specifications & Safety Features
According to standard ISO tank specifications, a cylindrical pressure vessel is typically encased within a 20' x 8' x 8.6' steel framework—representing the international standard dimensions for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in bulk.
Innova Industries provides an ISO tank container walkthrough available below:
Industries, Innova. 'ISO Tank Container Walkthrough.' YouTube, YouTube, 4 Dec. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=pglMQQDnAlg&t=2s.
ISO Tank Linings
Protective tank linings are specifically designed to prolong the life of the ISO tank, particularly when transporting corrosive liquids. These linings are similarly utilized in ship holds, railcars, and over-the-road tank trailers.
These tank liners are resistant to the corrosive effects of chemicals transported within them. The most damaging substances, such as sulfuric and hydrochloric acids, pose significant risks, but ISO tanks can cater to a wide range of liquid and solid cargoes.
Typically, the original manufacturer applies the protective coating to an ISO tank, as it can be done most efficiently. A protective coating enhances the value and lifespan of the tank, allowing it to hold more shipments over time. Moreover, properly coated tanks can often undergo pressure washes with plain water and be ready for the next load without contamination concerns, extending their operational lifespan to 8 years. The initial investment yields considerable benefits through prolonged usage and enhanced shipments.
Selecting the appropriate lining is contingent upon the anticipated chemical cargoes to be transported.
Why ISO Tank Containers are Preferred for Bulk Liquids
The tank container market is expanding rapidly and serves as an ideal solution for intermodal transportation.
Here’s why...
ISO tank containers provide an effective solution for bulk liquid transport.
1. They are cost-effective. ISO tank containers transition seamlessly between ships, rail, and trucks with standard handling equipment, resulting in lower costs. This can yield shipping costs 30% less than over-the-road tankers.
2. Enhanced safety ensures secure containment of cargo, allowing hazardous materials to be transported by rail and ship rather than on public roads.
3. ISO tank containers can maintain specific temperatures for temperature-sensitive products.
4. They are highly reliable. Most units are crafted from stainless steel with natural corrosion resistance (and the right tank linings amplify this). The design enables them to withstand temperature and pressure fluctuations.
5. ISO tanks are stackable, simplifying handling and storage.
6. Environmentally friendly, ISO tank containers have longer lifespans and produce nearly 50% less carbon footprint than equivalent drummed shipments on certain long-haul routes.
7. They eliminate the need for additional packaging for cargo.
Stephen T. Hamilton, Managing Director of ChemLogix Global, illustrates how ISO tank containers transformed global handling, storage, and transport of liquid products in the accompanying video:
BulkTainer ISO Tank Containers
CLX Logistics, BulkTainer ISO tanks, via YouTube
Bulk Liquids Transported in ISO Tanks
As reported by Vintage Road Haulage, bulk liquids permissible for transport in ISO tanks include:
- All types of water
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Sulphuric Acid
- Nitric Acid
- Mining chemicals
- Food products
- Solvents
- Oils
- Resins
- Alcoholic beverages
Challenges Faced by ISO Tanks
Prolonging the life of tank containers can be complicated if the last shipment involved solids. In scenarios where solids are introduced as high-temperature liquids that solidify during transportation, suitable ISO tanks can be connected to heating systems to softly liquefy the contents for unloading. However, exerting pressure with air through the top vent to push out viscous materials can put significant stress on the tank, increasing the risk of cracks or leaks.
ISO tanks typically maintain ambient temperatures during transit (matching their surroundings). Some units may incorporate heating and cooling capabilities via electrical means or alternate sources on trucks or ships, akin to refrigerated trailers for transporting food.
Moreover, variations in pressure or temperature can jeopardize the tank's integrity during loading or unloading. Coating breaches caused by tool usage or hose connections can compromise the tank; any metal exposed to corrosives will decay over time. Damage to the protective coating can cause a cascading failure, compromising the entire integrity of the tank.
In certain circumstances, technicians can perform field repairs on protective coatings, addressing only the damaged areas to restore integrity. In contrast, some coatings necessitate a comprehensive blasting and recoating process.
Conclusion
The advantages of tank containers significantly surpass the challenges.
ISO tank containers are engineered to adhere to ISO standards, making them suitable for various transportation methods and equipped to handle hazardous cargo. An intermodal container can transition seamlessly from ship to rail to truck without necessitating unloading or reloading.
To accommodate aggressive cargoes, tank containers are equipped with linings for enhanced corrosion protection. The linings used in ISO containers are vital for ensuring high performance, durability, and an extended lifespan, making them indispensable for severe transportation requirements.
For more information on ISO horizontal container storage tank for cryogenic storage, do not hesitate to reach out.
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