Tank Container Parts: A Comprehensive Guide to Tank Container Equipment

As you know, a tank container consists of various different parts and components that make it the most efficient way of transporting bulk goods such as liquids and gasses. It is important to use the correct equipment that fit the cargo that is transported.

Tank container parts come in all shapes and sizes. There are a variety of different parts that complete a tank container and each one serves an important purpose. In this comprehensive guide to tank container equipment, we will discuss the various parts that complete a tank container as well as their functions.

Tank container parts

Tank containers include the following parts:

• The barrel of the tank container
• The ISO framework
• Safety equipment
• Manhole and cleaning hatches
• Different type of valves that control the liquid- or airflow
• And of course, various ancillaries, safety devices and information equipment such as decals and data plates

The tank container barrel contains the cargo that is being transported. ISO tank containers are about 2,5 meters (7,9 ft.) high. In order to access the parts on top of the container, an access ladder is used, which leads to the equipment on top. Safety equipment and aspects are very important. The industry is constantly monitoring and innovating to ensure a safe work environment. Examples of these innovations include full walkway modifications and GOVR or GLO modifications.

Next to the safety equipment of the tank container parts, it is supplemented with various ancillaries and parts that help with loading, unloading, measuring and monitoring the cargo, as well as identifying tank type and information about the cargo. Examples include gauges, dustcaps, bursting discs, couplings, container labeling or valves. The latter will be discussed more in depth below. A first overview of these tank container parts and their names is added to the image below.

Different types of valves

Valves are an important part of the tank container. They are used for controlling the liquid- or airflow. On a container, a valve is used to release the product when the tank is discharged and to control the air- or liquid flow. There are different types of valves, and each one has its own unique features. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of valves and how they are used on the container.

• Ball valves / Airline valves
• Butterfly valves / Top discharge valves
• Foot valves / Bottom discharge valves
• Safety relief valves

Each of these valves plays an important role in the operation of a tank container. The tank frame and shell are responsible for holding the liquid cargo, while the top and bottom outlet help to control the release of that cargo. The bottom discharge valve allows you to easily empty the tank, and the airline ball valve ensures easy and safe loading/unloading by controlling the airflow.

If you need to order replacement for your tank container parts, it’s important to make sure you get the right equipment especially when it comes to valves. Therefore, this blog will explain a bit more what types of valves are available and what they are used for.

Ball valves / airline valves

The most common type of valve is the ball valve. Ball valves are used for controlling the liquid- or airflow. Ball valves are reliable and easy to use. They can be opened and closed quickly, making them ideal for fast-moving liquids. A ball valve is opened by rotating the ‘ball’ with a handle. This opens the hole that is in the center of the valve.

Butterfly valves 

Another type of valve commonly used in the tank container industry is the butterfly valve. Butterfly valves are used for loading and unloading purposes. They are often used in pipelines, power plants, and other industrial applications, including tank containers. Butterfly valves are easy to operate and can be opened and closed quickly. 

Bottom discharge valves / foot valves 

A foot valve is designed to fit at the bottom of a container. It is also known as a bottom discharge valve. Foot valves open or close the flow of the tank container’s cargo by unloading. A tank container contains three stainless steel closures at the bottom, of which the foot valve is first installed on the tank container. 

Safety relief valves / Pressure relief valve 

This specific valve is used to limit or control the pressure and/or vacuum in a tank container. The pressure in the container is released when it becomes too high, by allowing the pressurized air to flow from the tank container through the safety relief valve. If not released, a pressure that is too high or too low may cause an explosion or implosion of the tank container. 

Ball valve vs foot valve vs butterfly valve vs safety relief valves 

As we know, people love to compare items. We understand! Yet, comparing a ball valve VS butterfly valve e.g., is like comparing apples and oranges. They are two different parts with two different applications. If you want to make an useful comparison, you can compare ball valve type A to ball valve type B. In this comparison, you look at the container at hand and the cargo that is being transported. This way, you are able to select the best suitable valve for your situation. 

There are different types of valves available for use in the container industry. Each valve has its own unique purpose and advantages. When selecting a specific valve for your application, it is important to consider the type of liquid or gas that will be flowing through the valve, as well as the conditions under which the valve will be used. Valve selection is a critical part a tank container and it is important to choose the right valve for the job.