Reasons Why Flexitanks Are Better than ISO Tanks for Shipping Liquids
Flexitanks and tank containers play an important role in bulk liquid transportation. For efficient liquid transportation, we recommend between flexitanks and ISO tanks. However, the location and the shipping content will determine which method is more feasible than the other. While both options are efficient, we highlight some differences between the two while revealing the benefits of flexitanks over ISO tanks.
What is a Flexitank?
The term describes a collapsible, hermetic sealed flexible bag that fits in a standard 20 ft. intermodal container. Typically, we use them to offer bulk liquid solutions. They comprise numerous polyethylene layers and a woven external polypropylene layer to offer the flexibility, strength, and durability needed to transport bulk liquids. Flexitanks are appropriate for a huge range of non-hazardous liquids, ranging from foodstuffs to industrial goods and pharmaceuticals.
What is an ISO Tank?
Different protective layers surround these stainless steel tanks, which can transport non-hazardous and hazardous bulk liquids. It’s worth noting that the manufacture of these containers adheres to ISO standards. However, they don’t have the disposable bladder, which exists in flexitanks. Specifically, they’re constructed to offer transport solutions and have proven to be a flexible and safe transport solution for any kind of liquid cargo along with refrigerated and pressurized liquid gases.
Typically, their design comprises a manhole above with a valve beneath. ISO tanks for bulk liquids are easily differentiated by their cylindrical shape and might have lining to decrease corrosion and wear. Besides transporting fuel and liquid gas, we find them suitable for transporting foodstuffs.
ISO tanks can have up to six compartments, making them ideal for the transportation of petroleum products since it’s possible to transport numerous grades in a single trip. Furthermore, there’s a wide range of delivery choices with chassis and tank trailers. Bear in mind that their container valves require inspection by competent professionals before loading to promote compliance and safety.
Flexitanks vs. ISO Tanks
Flexitanks, like ISO tanks, are practical constituents in bulk liquid transportation. However, bulk liquid transport is a huge facet of shipping. Hence, factors such as the origin and type of product as well as the product’s destination can determine the economical and efficient component.
Both flexitanks and ISO tanks have particular dissimilarities that make them appropriate for specific processes. Flexibags provide a more cost-effective choice for non-hazardous liquids based on the destination and origin of the product.
A general shipping procedure is tank repositioning, which describes the movement of an empty container from one point with surplus containers to an area with a deficit. Due to this cost increase, shippers favor flexitank use over ISO tanks for the transportation of non-regulated liquids.
Challenges with ISO Tanks
ISO tanks transport various liquids with various temperatures and chemical compositions. Consequently, these liquids function differently in particular conditions. For instance, high-temperature liquids are bound to solidify at some point in the tank once the temperature isn’t maintained. This occurrence is common and the manufacture of ISO tanks allows heating to take place to melt the fluid before tank draining takes place. Nonetheless, efficient techniques in discharging high-temperature fluids can strain the tank significantly, resulting in leaks and cracks. ISO tanks can also suffer damage once their coatings are broken throughout maintenance procedures or repair. Once the protective layer suffers compromise, the exposed surface becomes more vulnerable to cracks. Nonetheless, repair can occur to restore tank integrity.
Benefits of Flexitanks
Economic Viability
We recommend Flexitanks for offering effective bulk liquid solutions because they allow you to maximize cost savings, economies of scale, decreased footprints, and logistical benefits. Furthermore, our flexitanks don’t need a forklift to unload or load, thereby decreasing the labor cost. Our clients can save on logistics with our reliable flexitanks, which have a direct impact on the transportation cost.
Elimination of Storage and Cleaning Costs
Since our flexitanks are disposable, you don’t need to worry about the cleaning cost when using them. Also, you’ll discover that no extra storage is necessary because our flexitanks offer reliable storage units.
They Can Meet Precise Needs
We can equip flexitanks with foil barriers, insulation, or heaters for moisture, oxygen, or temperature-sensitive goods.
Minimal Cargo Loss
You can rely on our flexitanks, which enable easy installation and handling. Since they’re lightweight and don’t need a forklift for unloading and loading, the probability of cargo loss is negligible.
Contamination-free
Contamination of bulk liquids is a possibility during bulk liquid transportation. This is possible in the case where tank containers don’t undergo thorough cleaning. In this case, the previous shipment’s residue could increase the contamination risk.
Since our flexitanks are single-use containers, the contents are contamination-free. Even if you intend to transport the same kind of product, a disposable container is preferable. For instance, the residue of a similar type of liquid can generate contamination like fresh milk.
What to Watch for When Using ISO Tanks
High-temperature Liquids
Certain liquids need tanks to be heated to prevent them from solidifying. You can heat these tanks in three ways: hot water, steam, and in-transit heating where the product should be sustained at a particular temperature throughout the trip by specifically equipped tanks.
Spills and Leaks
ISO tanks are engineered and designed to decrease the probability of leaks and spills. However, leaks can arise because of factors, for instance, cracking and corrosion. Therefore, we recommend regular inspection for safety.
Flexitanks and ISO Tanks offer various benefits when it comes to bulk liquid transportation. Depending on the nature of the products you’re transporting and the intended destination, you’ll need to choose between the two options. Thankfully, you can rely on our flexitanks to meet your bulk liquid transportation needs.
