What are silo-bulk tank containers?

Silo-bulk tank containers are designed to transport and store dry bulk goods. These specialist tankers are made for efficiency, safety, and ease of handling, making them a preferred choice for industries dealing with powders, granules, and other dry commodities. 

Silo-bulk tank containers typically come in 20 ft lengths and are made from high-strength materials to withstand rigorous demands of transport while keeping the product in good condition. While stainless steel is a popular material option, aluminium tanks reduce weight and improve efficiency.

Key benefits of silo-bulk tank containers at a glance

• Robust construction: Made from high-quality aluminium, these containers provide durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Large capacity: Capable of carrying high volumes of dry bulk goods, reducing transport costs.
• Intermodal compatibility: Suitable for road, rail, and sea transport for seamless logistics.
• Weather and contamination protection: Airtight seals prevent contamination from moisture, dust, and external pollutants.
• Ease of handling: Equipped with standardized fittings for easy loading, unloading, and transportation.

Benefits of using silo-bulk tank containers

Safety is another well-appreciated advantage. Designed with airtight seals and strong structural integrity, these containers prevent contamination and spills, making them ideal for transporting sensitive materials such as food products and pharmaceuticals. Their ability to maintain product purity ensures compliance with industry regulations and enhances consumer safety.

Another major strength of silo-bulk tank containers is their versatility. Capable of transporting a variety of dry bulk materials, they serve multiple industries, including construction, agriculture, and chemical manufacturing. This adaptability makes them a valuable investment for companies seeking efficient bulk transport solutions.

Designed for intermodal transport, silo-bulk tankers can be easily transferred between different modes of transportation without unloading and reloading. This helps streamline logistics operations by reducing handling time, lowering labour costs, and improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Silo bulk tank containers are widely used across various industries due to their efficiency in transporting and storing dry bulk goods. Some of the key industries that rely on these containers include:

• Construction – Used for transporting cement, sand, and other construction materials.
• Food and beverages – Ideal for moving flour, sugar, grains, and powdered dairy products.
• Plastics and chemicals – Used for conveying plastic resins, granules, and industrial chemicals.
• Pharmaceuticals – Ensures pharmaceutical powders are transported safely, without contamination.
• Agriculture – Commonly used for storing and transporting animal feed, seeds, and fertilizers.

How silo-bulk tank containers work

1. Loading 

Dry bulk materials are loaded into the container through a top hatch. The airtight seals ensure that no external contaminants enter the container.

2. Transport

Once filled, the container is secured for transport via truck, rail, or ship. Its robust design ensures that materials remain secure throughout the journey, even under harsh conditions.

3. Unloading 

On arrival, the contents are discharged through the bottom.

Choosing the right silo-bulk tank container

When selecting a silo-bulk tank container, consider the following factors:

• Material compatibility: Ensure the container material is suitable for the type of cargo being transported.
• Capacity requirements: Choose a container size that matches your transport needs.
• Regulatory compliance: Make sure the container meets industry and international transport regulations.
• Maintenance and durability: Opt for a container that offers ease of maintenance and long-lasting performance.

Key takeaways

Silo-bulk tank containers are a vital part of modern bulk material logistics, offering safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Whether used in construction, food processing, plastics, or pharmaceuticals, these containers provide a reliable solution for transporting and storing dry bulk goods. By choosing the right container and maintaining it properly, you can streamline your supply chain operations, reduce costs, and boost your overall productivity.

The experts in silo-bulk tank containers

Tankcon offers silo-bulk containers that are perfect for storing and transporting granulates and powders in bulk. We design these tanks with low-pressure systems and construct them from high-quality aluminium, reducing weight and improving transport efficiency.

For easy and secure loading and unloading, we equip our silo-bulk containers with multiple manlids on top. We also place a large manlid at the conical end of the tank, providing convenient access for discharging your product. To ensure the product flows smoothly, we install air connections that blow air into the tank, making the unloading process easier.

We build our standard silo-bulk containers to meet all international standards, including ISO, CSC, TIR, and PED, making them a safe, dependable choice for your logistics.

Our containers are packed with features and customizable options:

• Manlid: Three DN450 manlids are fitted with 4 swing bolts. The manlids are fitted with a white rubber manlid gasket.
• Bottom discharge: The conical end of the tank container is fitted at a 45° angle and fitted with a 450 mm aluminium manlid that can be opened to the side. A DN 100 butterfly valve is fitted on the manlid, ending in a Rosista coupling.
• Pressure system: The tank container is fitted with one 3” Storz coupling with blind flange and RVS cable (compressor connection) and three 2” butterfly valves, ending in a Rosista coupling with end cap.
• Safety relief valve: A 1.5” brass over-pressure valve is fitted with a setting of 2.00 bar.
• Vacuum safety valve: A 2” under-pressure protection valve is fitted with a setting of 0.02 bar
• Frame: The frame is made of mild steel and meets the length of a 20 ft ISO container, with a height of 9’6” and a width of 2.50 m.
• Thermometer: 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.
• Ladder: Each tank container is fitted with an anti-slip ladder on the rear side for easy access to the top of the container.
• Walkway: Each container includes an aluminium walkway for access to the manlid, safety relief valve, and airline. 
• Handrail: The container is fitted with a bottom-operated handrail for safe access.

Is a silo-bulk tank container the right solution for you?

Transporting granules, powders, or other bulk materials? Tankcon’s silo-bulk containers offer the ideal solution for your needs. Our team is ready to help you select the right container for your specific requirements. Get in touch with our friendly staff today.