What Are The Uses of Gas Containers?

what are the uses of gas containers

Gas tank containers are engineered specifically to transport and store a wide range of compressed and liquefied gases safely. With their robust construction, advanced safety features, and compliance with international standards, they are indispensable across an array of industries. 

Whether it’s moving industrial gases for manufacturing, supplying medical facilities, or supporting energy projects, gas tank containers provide a reliable and efficient solution. Their versatility allows for both intermodal transport and static storage, making them a preferred choice for businesses that require flexibility and safety when it comes to handling gases.

Industrial Gas Transportation Solutions

In the industrial sector, gas tank containers play a vital role in the supply chain. They are commonly used to transport gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen – essential for various manufacturing processes. Steel production, for example, relies on large volumes of oxygen and argon, while the electronics industry uses ultra-pure gases for semiconductor fabrication.

Gas tank containers are designed to withstand high pressures and are equipped with features such as pressure relief valves and reinforced shells. This keeps the gas safely contained during long-distance transport by road, rail, or sea. The standardized ISO dimensions of these containers make them easy to handle and transfer between different modes of transport, reducing logistics costs and improving efficiency.

Medical and Healthcare Gas Applications

The medical and healthcare sector depends on a steady and safe supply of gases. Medical air, for instance, is used in ICU areas, while nitrous oxide is used in surgical procedures as both an anaesthetic and analgesic. Then you have oxygen, required for resuscitation, and nitrogen, which is primarily used to power surgical tools.

Gas tank containers are used to deliver these critical gases to hospitals, clinics, and emergency response units. Their hygienic design and strict compliance with health regulations ensure that the gases remain pure and uncontaminated throughout the supply chain.

During public health emergencies or in remote locations, gas tank containers can be deployed quickly to provide life-saving oxygen or other medical gases. Their mobility and reliability make them an essential part of modern healthcare infrastructure, supporting everything from routine surgeries to intensive care and emergency response.

Specialist use in Research and Laboratories

Research institutions and laboratories often require quantities of specialist gases for experiments, calibration, or analytical work. Gas tank containers provide a safe and contamination-free way to deliver these gases, whether it’s high-purity helium for scientific instruments or rare gases for advanced research.

The ability to customize tank containers with special linings, fittings, or pressure ratings makes them ideal for niche applications in science and technology. Their portability allows researchers to move gases between facilities or field sites as needed, supporting innovation and discovery across a wide range of disciplines.

Gases in The Energy Sector 

The energy industry is another major user of gas tank containers. They are essential for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other energy-related gases to power stations, refineries, and distribution centres. In the oil and gas sector, these containers are used to move gases between extraction sites, processing facilities, and end users.

Gas tank containers are also used in the growing renewable energy sector, where they transport bio-methane or hydrogen for use in fuel cells and other green technologies. Their ability to safely contain and transport large volumes of gas makes them a key component in the global energy supply chain.

Storing Gases in Containers

Beyond transportation, gas tank containers are widely used for safe storage and distribution. Many industrial sites, hospitals, and research facilities use these containers as on-site storage solutions, ensuring a reliable supply of gas even in areas without direct pipeline access. The containers’ robust construction and advanced safety systems minimize the risk of leaks or accidents, protecting both personnel and the environment.

Safety Standards and Regulations

There’s nothing more important than safety when dealing with compressed or liquefied gases. Gas tank containers are built to meet strict international standards, such as the: 

  • Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID)
  • Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR)
  • International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
  • US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. 

These standards cover everything from material selection and construction methods to pressure testing and emergency venting systems.

Regular inspections and certifications are required to ensure your gas container stays compliant. Features like pressure relief valves, bursting discs, and secure locking mechanisms are standard, providing multiple layers of protection. By adhering to the regulations, you can transport and store gases with confidence, knowing you’ve reduced the risks to a minimum and met the legal requirements.

Key Takeaways

Gas tank containers are vital for managing gases for industries including manufacturing, healthcare, research, and energy. Their design makes them suitable for intermodal transport as well as storage, while compliance with global standards ensures maximum safety and reliability.

Widely used to transport gases like nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen, standard ISO sizes allow easy handling and improved logistical efficiency. 

To meet stringent international standards, gas tank containers should be equipped with features such as pressure relief valves and bursting discs. They should also be subject to regular inspections and certifications to maintain compliance and safety.

The Experts in Gas Tank Containers

At Tankcon, the majority of our gas tank container fleet consists of UN Portable tanks (T50), which manufacturers construct under the ASME VIII pressure vessel code. Most of our gas tank containers fit into one of four working pressure groups: 15.1 bar, 22 bar, 27.5 bar, and 34.5 bar. These containers typically accommodate multiple products and are equipped with internal baffles to improve stability. So, you can transport various liquefied gases safely without compromising on performance.

Is a New Tank Container the Right Solution For You?

Which gas tank container is right for you and your logistics? Ask the experts at Tankcon and we’ll talk through your needs to find the right solution for you.

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