Loading Methods
Please refer to the below images indicating the loading method:
Loading Procedures
i.Procedure before loading
In addition to the local on-site safety regulations and procedures the following must all be noted:
- 1. Ensure that the vehicle is securely braked, choking the wheels if necessary.
- 2. Ensure that the cargo is of correct specification and quantity. The quantity must be within the capacity of the tank.
- 3. Ensure that safety or fire-fighting equipment (including adequate water and showers, if required) is positioned upwind of the tank.
- 4. Ensure that the earth connection is made from the tank earthing point to a local earth position before making the hose connections.
- 5. Ensure that hose connections have the same thread or fitting as the tank connections, correct joint rings and gaskets are used and they are compatible with the cargo.
NOTE: The loading personnel will usually make hose connections but the driver must ensure that this is properly carried out.
- 6. Ensure that appropriate facilities exist for the draining of hoses and valves. Additional checks for loading only:
- 7. Check the cleanliness Certificate and/or Gas-Free Certificate.
- 8. Open man-lid and examine tank interior and inlet/outlet valves for cleanliness after satisfying (7.)
- 9. Check vacuum relief valves (if fitted) for freedom of movement. Where a plastic plug is fitted to the valve, remove plug and depress vacuum valve poppet using rod or pencil, ensure poppet reseats and replace plug. NOTE: For cargoes being carried under an inert gas blanket, see section on gas blanketing.
ii.Procedure after loading
- 1. Clean and stow the supply and return hoses, replacing caps and blanks.
- 2. Ensure that all tank fittings are correctly closed and capped and any cargo spillage is removed, including any spillage on the tank.
- 3. Remove earth connection.
- 4. Replace safety equipment.
- 5. If required, seal tank and fittings in accordance with customs and customer requirements.
- 6. Check that the tank is properly labelled for the product loaded.
Discharge Procedures
i.Procedure before discharge
In addition to the local on-site safety regulations and procedures the following must be noted:
- 1. Ensure that the vehicle is securely braked, choking the wheels if necessary.
- 2. Contact the local supervisor to ensure that there is adequate capacity in the receiving tank. If product is already present in the receiving tank, check that it is compatible with the cargo being discharged.
- 3. Where safety or fire-fighting equipment is required, including adequate water and showers, position it upwind of the tank.
- 4. Ensure that the earth connection is made from the tank earthing point to a local earth position before making the hose connections.
- 5. Ensure that the hose connections have the same thread or fitting as the tank connections and that correct joint rings and gaskets are used which are compatible with the cargo.
- 6. Ensure that appropriate facilities exist for the draining of pipes and valves.
- 7. Check the setting of the valves to the receiving tanks.
- 8. For discharge by pumping or by gravity ensure that the danger of implosion is avoided by opening the man-lid (or connecting the airline connection to a vapour return line if ‘closed system’ is being used). Ensure that venting is not prevented by any solidified cargo in the air-line connection or vacuum relief valves if fitted (remove plug and depress vacuum valve poppet using rod or pencil, ensure poppet reseats and replace plug).
- 9. For discharge with top pressure ensure that a pressure gauge is visible and in a serviceable condition to monitor the pressure applied and to ensure that the maximum working pressure of the tank is not exceeded.
- 10. Discharge through top or bottom outlet will be assisted if the tank is sited to drain towards the rear.
- 11. Notify the station supervisor when the tank is ready for discharge.
ii.Procedure after discharge
- 1. Clean and stow hoses, replacing caps and blanks.
- 2. Ensure that all tank fittings are correctly closed and capped and that any cargo spillage is removed including any spillage on the tank.
- 3. Remove earth connection.
- 4. Replace safety equipment.
- 5. After discharge of a hazardous cargo, the tank must be considered dangerous until it has been certified clean and gas-free. Until that time, do not remove the hazard labels.
- 6. Where cargo residue may spoil or become corrosive to the tank when in contact with the atmosphere, the nitrogen used to discharge the tank should remain in the tank until it is cleaned or re-loaded with the same cargo.
- 7. Appropriate steps should be taken to prevent cargoes such as resin and latex from forming a hard layer on the tank interior.
*Safety points to note during loading and discharge
There will always be a pressure difference between a closed tank and atmosphere. Valves must be opened carefully. Always relieve pressure before opening the man-lid. Do not stand on the man-lid when loosening swingbolt assemblies and ensure that the seal is cracked before removing all swing-bolts. When using the bottom outlet always open or close the foot valve first. Man-lid swing-bolt assemblies need only be hand-tight if the seal is in a serviceable condition; further tightening will not be necessary. Never enter a tank until all the safety recommendations have been complied with.
Handling and Securing
Correct and incorrect handling method indicated as below:
*Important note:Road transport
- 1. The max payload should not exceed 26~28MT in mountain road condition
- 2. Please use flat chassis, avoid rough chassis damage to the barrel of the bottom.
- 3. In case of any traffic accident, please immediately send the damaged tanks to the manufacturer to commence tank repair.
Cleaning Instruction
Cleaning Standard Procedures
In addition to the local on-site safety regulations and procedures the following must all be noted:
- 1. Remove cargo residue as soon as possible after discharge. Many residues, especially if in contact with water, can seriously damage the stainless steel tank surface.
- 2. Identify the previous cargo in order to establish the method of removing and disposing of the residue.
- 3. Ensure that the cleaning materials and procedure are compatible with the previous cargo as well as the tank and its fittings.
- 4. Check local environmental regulations regarding cleaning and disposal of residues.
- 5. Cleaning stations do not normally strip and clean equipment such as valves. Instructions should be given to ensure that all such items are cleaned and free of contamination.
- 6. If the tank is to be steam cleaned, check data plate for maximum operating temperature. Vent during cleaning. Do not close all openings before that tank has cooled, as a partial vacuum will develop which could cause the tank to collapse.
- 7. Stubborn stains or cargo residues may be removed by abrading with nylon pads (e.g. Scotchbrite). No other form of abrasive material may be used inside the tanks without expert advice. Chemicals are available to remove stains. These chemicals can have the additional advantage of improving the resistance of stainless steel to corrosion by encouraging the passivation process.
- 8. Condensation of water vapour within the tank can cause trace elements from the cleaning compound to become corrosive. Always ensure a tank is dry after cleaning and never store the tank with the valves and man-lid open.
- 9. After cleaning, an approved independent surveyor should inspect the tank and issue a Cleanliness Certificate, declaring the tank clean, free of all previous cargo and contamination. After certain cargoes, a Gas Free certificate will also be required.
- 10. The exterior of the tank should also be cleaned to prevent damage to the tank and any spillage or residue of hazardous cargo must be removed to comply with international regulations. All markings must be clearly legible.
- 11. Remove redundant labels. it is illegal to allow a tank to be transported with incorrect hazard labels
- 12. The ladder and walkway should be cleaned to ensure the safety of personnel.
Periodic Testing
It is recommended that all tanks be regularly inspected to ensure suitability for use. All hazardous tanks must be inspected and tested at regular intervals to maintain the validity of the approvals. The table below gives the maximum interval between tests or examinations that is required by the competent authorities.