What are electrical and glycol-heated tank container​s used for?

If you are transporting or storing products that need to stay at a specific temperature, an electrical or glycol-heated tank container is the go-to solution. Designed specifically for products that solidify, become too viscous, or lose quality if exposed to the cold, a heated tank container keeps your product in the right condition from start to finish ‒ whether you’re moving edible oils, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.

The heating system ‒ either electric or glycol-based ‒ keeps your cargo exactly as it should be, even on long journeys or in freezing weather. For businesses where temperature control is not optional, these containers are a real game changer.

How electrical and glycol-heated tank containers work

Both electrical and glycol-heated tank containers are designed for efficiency and safety, making sure your cargo never gets too hot or too cold. They only differ in how they each operate.

Electrical-heated tanks use built-in electrical heating elements, usually placed between the tank wall and the insulation. These elements gently warm the tank, transferring heat directly to the cargo. The temperature can be precisely controlled, which is crucial for sensitive products.

Glycol-heated tanks work a bit differently. They use a closed-loop system where a glycol-water mixture circulates through coils or jackets around the tank. This mixture is heated by an external boiler or heat exchanger, and the warmth is transferred evenly to the product inside. The glycol system is especially useful for maintaining steady temperatures over long periods or in extremely cold environments.

Benefits of electrical and glycol-heated tank containers

Investing in an electrical or glycol-heated tank container pays off in several ways. First, you have peace of mind knowing your cargo will arrive in perfect condition, regardless of the weather conditions. The precise temperature control reduces the risk of spoilage, solidification, or quality loss.

These containers are reusable and built to last, which means lower costs over time compared to single-use solutions. The heating systems are designed for energy efficiency, so you’re not wasting power or fuel. 

And for companies shipping high-value or sensitive products, the reliability of a heated tank container can make all the difference when it comes to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Main applications of electrical and glycol-heated tank containers

Electrical and glycol-heated tank containers are a staple in industries where temperature-sensitive logistics are part of day-to-day operations. They are ideal for transporting and storing products that need to be kept above a certain temperature to prevent them from solidifying or spoiling. Think of edible oils that turn cloudy or solid in the cold, or chemicals that become too viscous to pump. Heated tanks are also used for bitumen, waxes, and fats, which need to stay hot to be handled efficiently.

Key industries using heated tank containers

The flexibility of electrical and glycol systems means there is a solution for almost any temperature-sensitive cargo.

In the pharmaceutical world, some ingredients become less effective if they get too cold, so a heated tank is the only way to guarantee quality. In the food and beverage industry too, certain syrups and concentrates require gentle heating to maintain their properties. 

Chemical manufacturers use heated tanks for resins, adhesives, and certain acids that need to remain in liquid form. Even the cosmetics sector benefits from these containers, especially when moving waxes or oils that must stay fluid. 

Safety considerations and regulations

Transporting heated cargo comes with its own set of safety rules. Electrical and glycol-heated tank containers must meet strict international standards, including the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG), the Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID), and the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). 

The heating systems are equipped with safety features including thermostats, pressure relief valves, and emergency shut-offs to prevent overheating or accidents. Regular inspections are essential to check for wear, leaks, or electrical faults. Operators need to be trained on how to use the heating system safely and what to do in case of a malfunction. And documentation is key: every use, inspection, and repair should be logged to ensure compliance and traceability.

Maintenance and operational tips

Keeping an electrical and glycol-heated tank container in top condition is all about routine and attention to detail:

• Regularly check the heating elements or glycol system for signs of wear or leaks. 
• Make sure all temperature controls and safety devices are working as they should be.
• Clean the tank thoroughly between loads, especially if you’re switching between different products.
• For glycol systems, monitor the fluid level and quality, topping up or replacing as needed. Electrical systems should be inspected for wiring issues or insulation damage.
• Always keep a detailed maintenance log. This not only helps with compliance but also extends the life of your container and protects your investment.

Key takeaways

Electrical and glycol-heated tank containers are crucial for transporting and storing temperature-sensitive products. These systems maintain precise heat levels to prevent solidification, viscosity changes, or spoilage, even in freezing conditions.

Built for durability and efficiency, they reduce your long-term costs while ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. Used across industries from food to pharma, they offer a reliable solution for businesses where temperature control is critical.

The experts in electrical and glycol-heated tank containers

Tankcon has years and years of experience in supplying electrical and glycol-heated tank containers in various specifications, including Standard ISO electrical tank containers and swap body tanks fitted with an electrical water-glycol heating unit. These units are provided by renowned suppliers such as Holvrieka, Klinge, and Loebbe. If you need to turn up the heat, we can also supply high-temperature electrically heated tanks equipped with thermal oil heating units.

Is an electrical or glycol-heated tank container the right solution for you?

Whether you’re expanding your fleet or purchasing a heated container for the first time, the process is quick and easy with Tankcon. Get in touch with us today and let’s get started with finding the right heated tank container for you.