Swap body tank containers

Benefits and Specifications

A swap body tank container offers a larger capacity than the standard 26,000 litres. The stainless steel vessel is not only taller but also wider than the standard 20 ft. As a result, these containers often don’t fit in container vessel cells. However, they are suitable for rail, truck, and short sea transport, which makes them ideal options for various types of transport.
 

Applications and safety standards

Swap body tank containers are available in various specifications and capacities. Companies typically use them in ADR environments and European traffic, where higher safety standards apply. These containers often include features such as:

  • One or two handrails
  • Ground-operated vapour return (GOVR)
  • Fitted baffles
  • Hazardous placard boards
  • Spill box covers

Compliance with international standards

Manufacturers build standard tank containers according to international standards, such as ISO, CSC, TIR, UIC, and UN portable tank (US-DOT, IMDG, and ADR 6.7). Many of these containers also meet additional requirements like ADR Tank 6.8 (e.g. L4BN) since they are dual-certified. 
 

Weight and design considerations

Empty weight is an important factor for swap body tank containers. To reduce weight, manufacturers can build swap containers as IMO-4 units with a lower test pressure of 4.5 bar. However, these tanks must remain on a chassis when transported by short sea vessels to ensure safe and efficient transport.

Baffles and additional features

When weight restrictions prevent meeting the minimum 80% loading degree, manufacturers add baffles to tank containers. Companies commonly add 3 baffles to 30,000-litre swaps and 4 baffles to 35,000-litre swaps. However, adding baffles not only impacts weight but also increases cost.

Companies also benefit from cleaning hatches and spill boxes for efficient post-discharge cleaning, which ensures thorough and effective maintenance.

For more information on baffled tanks, see the page on baffled tanks or get in touch with our friendly staff.

Buy a Container
Capacity: 
From 30,000 to 35,000 litres
Tare: 
From 3,700 to 4,600 kg
Max. gross weight: 
From 36,000 kg to 39,000 kg
Shell material: 
Stainless steel 316L / DIN 1.4402
Max frame dimensions:
 
Length: 
23 ft or 25 ft
7.15 m/7.45 m/7.82 m
Height: 
8’9”
2.70 m
Width: 
8’4”
2.55 m
Design temperature: 
-40°C to 130°C.
Maximum operating pressure:4.0 bar 
Test pressure:6.0 bar 
External pressure:0.41 bar 
Steam test pressure:4.0 bar 
Safety relief valve setting:4.4 bar 
TO STOCK
REQUEST A QUOTE

Details of swap body tank containers

A 20”/DN500 manlid is fitted with 8 swing bolts. The manlid features a standard braided PTFE manlid gasket. This can be changed to another gasket material as an option.
To ensure thorough cleaning at automated cleaning facilities, an extra cleaning opening can be added: a 12”/DN300 manlid, fitted with 4 swing bolts. The cleaning hatch is fitted with a standard braided PTFE manlid gasket. This can be changed to other gasket material as an option.

The T11 UN Portable TankT11 features a 3-closure bottom discharge supplied by a leading global manufacturer. The discharge valve includes: a high-lift internal valve that can be closed remotely using a cable on the side of the tank container, a butterfly valve as the second closure, and a 3” BSP spigot as the third closure.

We can modify the connections to a cleanflow version or change the BSP connection to a quick-release coupling at your request. Our team is here to help.

Most tank containers are designed for future installation of a bottom cabinet (floor and door) – for a clean operation and easier installation of TIR seals.

A standard tank features a DN80/3” connection on top. A connection can be added on request for easy filling and/or discharge from the top. A bottom-operated top discharge is one of the options where our team can assist.

A ball valve is fitted on the top to release air during loading and discharge. The standard size is 1.5”/DN40 with a BSP connection. This connection can be changed to a flanged version, a 2” valve, or a bottom-operated version on request.

For full bottom operation, manufacturers can extend the airline to the bottom using a ground-operated vapour return (GOVR), including a bottom-operated airline valve and a manometer with a second valve (contact us to discuss dimensions and connections).

A T11 tank container is fitted with a safety valve that opens at 4.4 bar (10% above the test pressure). In addition to the pressure-only version, you can choose an optional pressure + vacuum version. Each tank container is also ready for the future if you want to install a bursting disc (needed for both T12 and T14 specifications).
The frame is made of mild steel and meets the ISO dimensions of a 20 ft box container. The barrel is integrated into the frame as part of the overall construction, so top rails are not necessarily needed, but can be added on request.
Each tank container is fitted with a stick-on analogue thermometer, with a range from -20°C to 160°C. You can add a digital version or thermometers with a probe on request for more accurate product temperature readings.
Each tank container is fitted with an anti-slip ladder on the rear side for easy access to the top of the container.

Each container includes an aluminium walkway for access to the manlid, safety relief valve, and airline. The standard layout consists of one longitudinal walkway and transverse sections between the spill boxes. You can add additional walkways as well as spill box covers on request for a cleaner operation and easier installation of TIR seals.

One or two collapsible handrails can be fitted, either top or bottom-operated, on request.

Each tank container is fitted with a minimum of 8 steam runs to heat the product with warm water or steam. The area covered is 8 m². You can upgrade the number of steam runs to 12 on request. A water-glycol or electrically heated system can be added as well.
A small part of the fleet is non-insulated, while the majority contains 50 mm insulation and cladding. The insulation material varies and can be made out of polyurethane (PU), rockwool, glass wool, or a combination of these. The cladding material is either aluminium, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), or stainless steel.

Explore our additional services:

Inspection and re-testing
Modifications
Maintenance and repair
Package deals

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+31 181 769148
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