T1 – T8: Non-Hazardous / Low-Hazard Liquid Tanks

 

Ideal for:

• Food-grade cargo

• Alcohol

• Edible oils

• Non-hazardous chemicals

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Features:

• Low pressure rating

• Designed for atmospheric liquids

• Heating available via steam coils when needed

 

T11 – General Purpose Chemical Tank (Most Common Worldwide)

 

Industry standard—represents nearly 80% of the ISO tank fleet.

Used for:

• General chemicals

• Mild corrosives

• Certain regulated liquids (Class 3, 6, 8 depending on substance)

Specifications:

• Working pressure: ~4 bar

• Capacity: 21,000–26,000 liters

• Most versatile tank type globally

 

T12 – Corrosive Chemical Tank

Used for:

• Highly corrosive chemicals

• Specialized acids requiring protective linings

• High-density liquids

Notes:

• Similar to T11 but reinforced or lined for added protection

 

T14 – High-Hazard / High-Corrosive Chemical Tank

Advanced design for aggressive and hazardous liquids.

Used for:

• Dangerous chemicals (UN Class 6.1 & Class 8)

• Strong acids, solvents, high-purity chemicals

• High-corrosion cargo

Specifications:

• Working pressure: ~6 bar

• Enhanced fittings & stricter safety design

• Usually stainless steel with special coatings

 

T20 – High-Pressure Chemical Tank

Used for:

• High-vapour-pressure liquids

• Certain flammable chemicals requiring higher containment

Specs:

• Pressure rating around 10 bar

 

T22 – Extremely Hazardous / High-Pressure Cargo Tank

Used for:

• Toxic and high-pressure chemicals

• UN-regulated dangerous cargo requiring maximum containment

 

T50 – Pressurized Gas Tanks

Used for:

• LPG

• Ammonia

• Freon gases

• Propylene, butane, etc.

Specs:

• High-pressure design

• Specialized safety valves

• Non-standard tank dimensions

 

T75 – Cryogenic Tanks (Refrigerated Gases)

Used for:

• Liquid nitrogen

• Liquid oxygen

• LNG (methane)

• Liquid argon

Specs:

• Double-walled insulated design

• Temperatures below –150°C

• Special handling and safety protocols

 

Most Common ISO Tanks in Commercial Use

Tank TypeUsed ForNotes

 

T11General chemicalsMost widely used globally, especially in Asia-Pacific and India

 

T12Mild corrosivesReinforced version of T11

 

T14High-hazard chemicalsPreferred tank for corrosive DG cargo

 

T50Pressurized gasesLPG, ammonia, industrial gases

 

T75Cryogenic gasesLNG, nitrogen, oxygen

 

ISO Tank Classification by Cargo Category

 

1. Food-Grade Cargo

• Milk, edible oils, juice concentrates, wine, ethanol

• Requires certified cleaning and food-grade documentation

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2. Chemical-Grade Cargo

• Solvents, corrosives, intermediates

• Typically transported in T11 or T14 depending on hazard level

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3. Gas-Grade Cargo

• Cryogenic gases → T75

• Pressurized gases → T50

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4. Specialized / Lined Tanks

• Rubber-lined, phenolic-lined, titanium tanks

• Designed for ultra-corrosive and sensitive cargo