Acceptable Condition

Acceptable Container Condition

The following document outlines Interflow’s acceptable condition for tank containers. This is a guide to the acceptable standards of container condition as required by Interflow (Tank Container System) Limited for the safe operation of portable UN Tanks.

Some tank containers may be fitted with equipment which does not conform to the make and specification stated in the text. Where there is doubt as to the suitability of this equipment, please refer to the owner.

Where it is necessary to replace a component, the replacement should be the same or, if not available, of a better quality than the component it replaces.

The drawings and illustrations included in this manual are not applicable to all types of tank containers not should they be taken as definitive illustrations of the extent or nature of damage that may be encountered.

Please use the arrow markers at the side of each entry to expand and collapse each section as required.

CONTENTS

1.1	Enclosed Space Warning

Entry into tank vessels or barrels should be undertaken only after compliance with all of the prerequisites required or recommended by the health and safety authorities having jurisdiction over both the location of the tank container itself.

Appendix A – Cleanliness Certificate

Appendix B – Internal Inspection Report

Appendix C – Standard Seals and Gaskets

2.	INTRODUCTION

2.1	Acceptable and Not Acceptable Condition

The condition guide which follows lists the component parts of a tank container and describes what is acceptable and what is not acceptable according to the standards agreed by Interflow (Tank Container System) Limited.

NOT Acceptable Condition is damage which affects the safety, structural integrity, cargo-carrying capability, the ISO dimensions of the tank container or where repairs are improper or not in compliance with the applicable regulations:

THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE MUST BE REPAIRED

Acceptable Condition is minor damage or fair wear and tear which does not affect any of the above conditions:

NO REPAIR IS REQUIRED

'Fair Wear and Tear' is the age-related deterioration of the container or any of its component parts while being properly maintained and used for its intended purpose. Any deterioration resulting from improper use, improper maintenance or lack of maintenance is not 'Fair Wear and Tear.'

Replacement of contaminated seals and gaskets is a normal operating requirement and is not 'Fair Wear and Tear.'

2.2

NOTES:

Some tank containers may be fitted with equipment which does not conform to the make and specification stated in the text. Where there is doubt as the suitability of this equipment please refer to the owner.

Where it is necessary to replace a component, the replacement should be the same or, if not available, of a better quality than it replaces.

The drawings include in this manual are not applicable to all types of tank Containers.

Applicable regulations are those regulations or recommendations enacted or adopted by law-making institutions which have been used to determine the design of the tank and for which have been used to determine the design of the tank and for which the tank has been certified as in compliance i.e. I.S.O., I.M.D.G., 49 CFR, A.D.R., R.I.D., T.C., A.A.R., C.S.C., etc.

3.	DEFINITIONS

3.1	Fair Wear and Tear

4.	CLEANLINESS

4.1

Interior

NOT Acceptable Condition

Previous cargo, contamination or odour including inside of syphon tube where fitted.

Discolouration or transferable stain which can be removed by the manual application of a plastic abrasive pad and/or solvent

Corrosion, pitting, grinding or gouges. (See Section 10).

Missing or improper Cleanliness Certificate.

Acceptable Condition

Abrasion or scratches to finer than 120 grit polish equivalent.

4.2

Exterior

NOT Acceptable Condition

Previous cargo, contamination or odour.

Non transferable stains.→ OK (to confirm with the tank owner)

Oil, grease deposits.

Road dirt reducing legibility of tank markings.

Acceptable Condition

Road dirt. (Except as stated above).

NOTE:

The valve and manlid spillage trays must be clean and free of cargo spillage. Check areas of overspill for damage to paint and cladding and inspect drain tubes for blockage.

4.3	Foreign Markings

NOT Acceptable Condition

Hazard warning labels or cargo labels.

Non-standard labels or misleading marks.

Remnants of labels.

Insecure label holders.

Acceptable Condition

Serviceable non-standard label holders.

FRAME

5.1	Corner Posts

NOT Acceptable Condition

Cuts or holes or gouges.

Cracks or splits in welds or parent metal.

Improper repairs.

Overplating or infilling.

Dents or distortions of a formed or folded edge or face greater than 15 mm (0.8 inch) in depth irrespective of length of deformation.

Dents greater than 10 mm and less than 15 mm in depth in excess of two per post.

Dents greater than 10mm extending over a length greater than 300mm

Twisted or bent beyond the requirements of ISO.

Corrosion affecting the structural strength of the member.

Acceptable Condition

Dents or distortions not exceeding 15 mm (0.6 inch) in depth except as qualified above.

NOT Acceptable Condition

Acceptable Condition

Note :

The corner post insert must have angled ends.

Overplating is not permitted.

5.2	Top and Bottom Side and End Rails (including stacking supports)

NOT Acceptable Condition

Cuts, holes, gouges or splits.

Cracks in welds or parent metal.

Improper repairs.

Dents greater than 25 mm

Out of straight greater than 25 mm per 2 metre length.

Distortion reducing clearance preventing operation of discharge valve.

Twisted or bent outwards beyond the limits of ISO conformance.

Severe corrosion

Acceptable Condition

Dents not exceeding 25 mm.

Dents in bottom face of bottom rails which do not affect any formed edge.

5.3	Figure 1 - Tank Frame Repairs

Not Acceptable Frame Repairs 1

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Acceptable Frame Repairs 1

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5.4	Ancillary Bracing

5.5	NOT Acceptable Condition

Cuts, holes, gouges or splits.

Cracks in welds or parent metal.

Improper repairs.

Dents and distortions greater than 25 mm

Twisted or bent outwards beyond the limits of ISO conformance.

Severe corrosion

5.6	Acceptable Condition

Dents and distortions less than 25 mm

5.7	Tank Bearer Supports and Load Transfer Areas

NOT Acceptable Condition

Cuts, holes, gouges or splits.

Cracks in welds or parent metal.

Improper repairs.

Dents or distortion of a formed edge greater than 13 mm (0.5 inch).

Dents and distortions of the face greater than 20 mm (0.75 inch).

Twisted or bent outwards beyond the limits of ISO conformance.

Severe corrosion

NOTE:

In all cases of damage to a tank bearer support the tank shell must also be inspected for damage. In all cases of corrosion to the tank bearer supports the section of the bearer attached to the shell below the insulation must be checked for structural integrity. This will require local removal of insulation.

5.8	WALKWAY AND LADDER ASSEMBLY

NOT Acceptable Condition

Insecure.

Cuts, holes or splits, sharp edges or dents affecting safety.

Distortions greater than 50 mm (2 inch).

Dents greater than 25 mm (1 inch).

Missing fasteners or electrolytic barriers.

Twisted or bent outwards beyond the limits of ISO conformance.

Severe corrosion

Acceptable Condition

Distortions smaller than 50 mm (2 inch) measured over not less than lm length and not affecting safety.

Dents up to 25 mm (1 inch) and not affecting safety.

Cuts not affecting safety.

5.9

PAINTWORK

NOT Acceptable Condition

Paint removed by spillage of cargo.

Paint removed by improper handling.

Corrosion or paint abrasion equal to, or more severe than, Euro Standard Re4.

Any removal of paint that exposes any part or component to the risk of corrosion

Acceptable Condition

Superficial corrosion.

Light discoloration.

Light scuffs and scratches.

Note:

Paint damage and resulting corrosion must be repaired as part of routine maintenance.

6.	CLADDING AND INSULATION

6.1

Cladding

NOT Acceptable Condition

Cuts, holes, cracks or splits penetrating the cladding thickness and allowing moisture ingress.

Gaps in cladding and patch joints allowing moisture ingress.

Deterioration by heat (burnt or baked).

Insecure cladding or retaining straps.

Surface damage or staining of cladding due to cargo contamination.

Heavy corrosion.

Improper repairs.

Distorted outwards beyond the limits of the ISO corner fittings.

Dents greater than 25 mm (1.5 inch).

Acceptable Condition

Distortion not affecting security nor allowing moisture ingress except as stated above.

Abrasion or light scuffing.

Full belly GTP patch on existing aluminium cladding.

NOTE:

In all cases of damage to the cladding the tank shell, heating tubes and electrical components must also be checked.

When drilling holes for cladding repair, it is vital to ensure that no damage is caused to the shell, steam tubes, circumferential steam tubes or electrical components beneath the cladding.

6.2	Insulation

NOT Acceptable Condition

Missing insulation material.

Saturation by water or cargo.

Improper repairs.

Deterioration by heat (burnt or baked).

7.	MANWAY ASSEMBLY

7.1	Manlid and Swingbolt Assemblies

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Missing, insecure, seized or non-operational parts.

Dents or distortion greater than 6mm (0.25 inch) or affecting proper sealing of the manlid.

Cracks.

Hand nuts not captive

Missing Customs sealing ring.

Pitting, corrosion or contamination.

Improper repairs.

Non-standard hand nuts of different material to original brass material.

Acceptable Condition

7.2	Manlid Seal

NOT Acceptable Condition

Asbestos seals

Cuts, cracks or distortion affecting sealing.

Contamination

Square butt joint

Missing

Used

Use of sealants, pastes or other compounds

Acceptable Condition

Seals fitted to owner’s specification.

7.3	Dipstick and Calibration Chart

NOT Acceptable Condition

Distortion or damage to the dipstick assembly preventing operation.

Non-stainless steel.

Contamination or corrosion.

Illegible or insecure.

Dipsticks may or may not be standard. When in doubt refer to the owner.

8.	SAFETY RELIEF VALVES

8.1	Pressure Only or Pressure Vacuum Relief Valves

NOT Acceptable Condition

Contamination or corrosion

Missing parts

Distortion, damage or wear affecting correct operation or security

Leaks

Incorrect or improperly fitted seals or gaskets

Improper repairs, seals or gaskets.

Missing or defective Customs sealing ring.

Using sealants or pastes

Acceptable Condition

PTFE or CF gaskets.

8.2	Flame Arrestor Gauze (where pressure & vacuum valve or setting is fitted)

NOT Acceptable Condition

Missing, if originally fitted.

Damage affecting operation.

Contamination.

9.	TOP VALVES

9.1	Airline and Airline Valves

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination or corrosion.

Damage or distortion of valve or screwed fittings affecting correct operation.

Non-stainless steel.

Defective pressure gauge where fitted.

Missing outlet cap or blind flange or seal or retaining wire.

Improper repairs, seals or gaskets.

Acceptable Condition

PTFE airline cap seals or PTFE envelope or solid PTFE blind flange gaskets.

9.2	Top Outlet Valves (where fitted)

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination or corrosion.

Damage or distortion affecting correct operation or sealing.

Missing or defective parts and Customs sealing ring.

Improper repairs, seals or gaskets.

Non-stainless steel.

Non-standard parts. (Refer to owner).

Acceptable Condition

PTFE envelope or solid PTFE blind flange gaskets.

9.3	Syphon Tube (where fitted)

NOT Acceptable Condition

Contamination or corrosion.

Non-stainless steel (except lined tanks).

Damage or distortion affecting correct operation or sealing.

More than 20mm clearance between bottom tip of syphon tube and tank shell surface.

NOTE:

Syphon tubes are not always in place when a top outlet valve is fitted. Inspect internally or consult the owner for a full specification.

In case of clearance between tip of syphon tube and tank shell surface is found more than 20mm, consult the owner for repair method.

9.4	Top Outlet Blank

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination or corrosion.

Damage or distortion affecting correct operation or sealing.

Missing.

Non-stainless steel.

Contamination or corrosion.

Damaged gaskets affecting proper sealing.

Missing or defective customs sealing.

10.	PRESSURE VESSEL

10.1	Tank Shell

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Cuts, cracks.

Defects to welds or parent materials.

Gouges, scratches and badly executed grinding, deeper than 0.5 mm.

Excessive grinding or other metal depletion that reduces the shell thickness to less than the minimum.

Grinding coarser than 120 grit.

Corrosion or pitting greater than 0.5 mm.

Stress corrosion.

Improper repairs or non-standard fittings.

Sharp indentations or creases.

Dents greater than 10 mm to the top third of the tank shell.

Dents greater than 15 mm to the bottom two thirds of the tank shell.

Acceptable Condition

Gradual distortions measured over the length between exterior stiffeners of less than 15 mm in bottom two thirds or less than 10 mm in top third of tank shell.

Light abrasions or scratches to 160 grit polish equivalent or finer.

10.2	Pitting and Porosity

As the point of direct contact between the product and the tank itself, the internal surface of the tank vessel is of special importance in maintaining product quality. Any degradation in the internal surface of the tank vessel should be carefully measured and recorded utilising the charts shown in this document. Should the number and extent of points of internal damage prove excessive, these should be reported immediately to Interflow.

Damage that requires reporting includes, but shall not be limited to;

Corrosion resulting in any erosion of the tank vessel’s surface

Tool marks or other damage resulting in indentation or protrusion of the tank vessel surface by 0.5 mm or more.

Pitting or erosion of any cause resulting in damage to a depth of 0.5 mm or more.

Any other damage or inconsistency in the internal surface of the tank vessel.

If in any doubt regarding the acceptable internal condition of the tank vessel contact Interflow or Interflow’s office for further instructions.

11.	BOTTOM VALVES

11.1	Foot Valve

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination or corrosion.

Damage or distortion affecting correct operation or sealing.

Improper repairs, seals or gaskets.

Non-stainless steel parts.

Missing

11.2	Bottom Outlet Valve

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination.

Damage or distortion affecting correct operation or sealing.

Improper repairs, seals or gaskets.

Corrosion.

Note:

Foot valve to tank flange gaskets must be PTFE envelope CF.

11.3	Outlet Blank

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination.

Missing.

Non-stainless steel.

Damage or corrosion affecting operation.

Missing wire, chain or retaining pin

Note:

Where renewal is necessary bolts & nuts should be stainless steel. Replacement gaskets should be PTFE envelope CF or solid PTFE.

11.4	Screwed Outlet Cap

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks.

Contamination.

Missing parts.

Non-stainless or alloy or a material which is not corrosion resistant.

Damaged or improper screw threads.

Broken or missing retaining wire or chain.

Damage or corrosion affecting operation.

SWR seals

Acceptable Condition

CF or PTFE seals

Note:

Caps must be replaced by the same material. Replacement caps must be secured by a chain or wire.

11.5	Remote Emergency Closure

NOT Acceptable Condition

Damage rendering remote closure inoperable.

Seized.

Insecure.

12.

HEATING

12.1	Steam Tube and Cap

NOT Acceptable Condition

Leaks

Damaged screwed fittings

Missing dust caps

Missing chain or cable

Damaged or improper screw thread

Note:

In all cases of damage the steam tubes must be pressure tested. Defective steam traps should be removed, replacement is not required. Steam tube dust caps may be replaced by the same material

12.2	Thermometer

NOT Acceptable Condition

Incorrect operation

Broken facia or dial.

Missing or insecure.

Improperly fitted.

Acceptable Condition

Condensation which does not prevent legibility.

13.	MISCELLANEOUS

13.1	Decals and Data Plates

NOT Acceptable Condition

Insecure.

Missing or illegible plates.

Missing or illegible, obscured or partly missing decals and logos.

Twisted or bent beyond limits of ISO.

Acceptable Condition

Scuffs.

Dents except as stated above.

Note:

All plates and decals showing Serial No., ISO registration, ownership, weights and capacities, Customs type approval, CSC, IMO, IM 101, IM 102, TC, RID, ADR, AAR must be in place where appropriate. Refer to owner for details of the data plates and decals to be fitted.

13.2	Document Holder

NOTE

Document holder is NOT regarded as a required item UNLESS clearly stipulated by Interflow. The following criteria only apply when document holder is expressly required.

If document holder is NOT stipulated but is fitted, it may be removed if it does not meet the acceptable condition standard.

NOT Acceptable Condition

Missing or defective.

Insecure.

No drain hole.

Water filled.

Acceptable Condition

Non-standard type.

Note:

All irrelevant and/or previous documents should be removed from the holder.

13.3	Compartments and Compartment Lids

NOT Acceptable Condition

Non-operational.

Missing or damaged.

Customs sealing ring and door fasteners

Twisted or bent beyond the limits of the ISO corner fittings.

Splits or tears.

Cargo residues, dirt, sundry waste.

Blocked drain tubes.

Dents or distortions greater than 10 mm

13.4	Earthing (Ground) Lug

NOT Acceptable Condition

Damaged.

Missing.

Painted.

14.

TESTING

14.1	Air Leakage Test

Leak checks to 1.0 bar (15 p.s.i.g.) are required to all tanks as part of the completed repair inspection.

Where tanks are stored in depot for periods greater than six months from the time of the completed repair inspection, a repeat leak test is required prior to release from depot.

14.2	Hydraulic Test (after repair)

Mandatory retesting is required after all welded repairs to the shell of tanks utilised for hazardous goods (see applicable regulations)