What is an electrically heated tank container?

An electrically heated tank container is designed to transport and store temperature-sensitive materials. These innovative tanks provide controlled environments for liquids that require consistent heating. This makes them crucial across various industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where product integrity is paramount and where temperature fluctuations can lead to adverse effects on quality and safety.

Electrically heated tank containers mark a significant shift in how liquids are stored and transported, combining technology with safety and efficiency.

In this article, we outline how electrically heated tank containers operate and explain how their advanced heating mechanisms work to maintain the optimal temperatures for your products during transit.

Key benefits of electrically heated tank containers at a glance

• Efficient temperature management for sensitive materials
• Reduced risk of freezing or spoilage during transport
• Energy-efficient operation thanks to advanced insulation
• Robust monitoring systems for real-time temperature tracking
• Versatile applications across several industries
• Easy integration with existing logistics operations

How electrically heated tank containers work

Electrically heated tank containers use electrical heating elements to maintain a consistent preset temperature, ensuring that their contents remain in liquid form and don’t freeze or degrade. These specialist tank containers can be used for various liquids, including chemicals, oils, and food products, that require precise thermal management during transit. The heaters are often integrated within the walls or managed by an external power supply, allowing for efficient temperature regulation. 

One of the major advantages of electrically heated tank containers is their capability to automate heating controls, reducing user effort. Manual heating methods can be labour-intensive and expose workers to risks. But replacing these with sophisticated systems that adjust the temperature automatically based on real-time data not only ensures safety, but also enhances operational efficiency. So, your business can focus on the more critical aspects of your operations.

Components of electrically heated tank containers

Electrically heated tank containers represent a remarkable synergy of technology and logistics. These tankers include the heating mechanism, thermal insulation, temperature sensors, and control panels. The heating mechanism is the beating heart of these tankers, intricately designed for efficiency and reliability. It uses electrical elements, often made from materials like stainless steel, strategically positioned within the tank walls to generate consistent heat throughout the tank to provide even temperature distribution. 

Insulation helps maintain the temperature by minimizing heat loss, while temperature sensors continuously monitor the internal conditions and communicate with the control panels to automatically adjust the heating as necessary. This technology not only optimizes energy use but also enhances safety by preventing overheating.

Together, these components maintain the integrity of the materials stored throughout transit.

Water-glycol vs. fully electrical heating systems

Electrically heated tank containers are fitted with a unit that heats a water-glycol mixture, which is pumped through the channels under the tank barrel. A water-glycol heating system offers flexibility, because you can remove it from the container when the unit reaches the end of its technical life, allowing you to reuse the tank as a standard tank container. You can also install the unit on another tank container. 

The pros of full electrical heating are:

• For a more permanent solution, you can go 100% electric, where you attach electrical cables to the tank barrel before applying the insulation. This makes it more expensive for existing tank containers, as you have to remove the cladding and insulation during installation. No moving parts like pumps, which means lower maintenance costs and fewer failures.
• You can attach the electrical cables around the entire barrel, including the front and rear.
• The system is designed with multiple power groups. If there’s a problem with one cable, you can switch off one power group, while the remaining groups will still be powerful enough to maintain the temperature of the loaded product.
• The tank container’s steam channels remain available and can serve as a backup. So, if the electrical system fails, you can still heat the product before discharge.Companies mainly opt for this on newly built tank containers.

Most tank containers have steam channels in various layouts and quantities. If you want a new tank built from scratch with a water-glycol heat unit, you can arrange the layout of the steam channels in a way that works for you. You can also add channels to the ends of the vessel, if needed. In most cases, a water-glycol unit on a standard tank container has 8, 10, or 12 steam channels. 

Common applications

Electrically heated tank containers are used across various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemical production. In the food industry, they ensure that products like syrup or oils are maintained at optimal temperatures, preserving quality and safety. In pharmaceuticals, these containers are crucial for transporting temperature-sensitive products safely. This wide range of applications highlights the versatility and importance of electrical heated tank containers in logistics today.

Key features of electrically heated tank containers at a glance

• Integrated electrical heating elements for temperature management
• Insulated tank design for optimal heat retention
• Versatile applications across various industries
• Compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Remote monitoring systems for real-time temperature adjustments
• Durable construction for longevity and reliability
• Customization options available for specific needs

Regular updates and monitoring are vital to maintaining functionality, ensuring that the contents remain at the required temperature until they reach their destination.

What to consider when choosing an electrically heated tank container

When choosing your electrically heated tank container, there are several critical factors you should consider to make sure that your choice best suits your operational needs. What’s particularly important is knowing how these containers function and the specific requirements of your application. Various aspects can significantly influence the performance and efficiency of your tank container, particularly its heating capabilities and safety features.

Among the primary considerations is the container’s size and capacity, as it plays an essential role in determining how much material you can transport or store. Larger tanks typically require robust heating systems to maintain temperature, while smaller units may offer more flexibility. Understanding the materials used in the construction of the container is vital, as these affect thermal efficiency and compliance with industry regulations.

The main things to consider are:

• Size and capacity: Determine the appropriate dimensions required for your specific needs.
• Material composition: Assess the tank materials for durability and thermal performance.
• Heating mechanism: Look for efficient heating systems that suit your product.
• Insulation quality: Ensure the container has the right insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Safety features: Evaluate built-in safety protocols and compliance with safety standards.
• Energy efficiency: Consider models that offer energy-saving options.
• Size and capacity: Determine the appropriate dimensions required for your specific needs.
• Material composition: Assess the tank materials for durability and thermal performance.
• Heating mechanism: Look for efficient heating systems that suit your product.
• Insulation quality: Ensure the container has the right insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Safety features: Evaluate built-in safety protocols and compliance with safety standards.
• Energy efficiency: Consider models that offer energy-saving options.
• Cost of ownership: Analyse both initial purchase vs lease costs as well as operational costs over time.

Understanding these factors will empower you to make informed decisions when purchasing an electrically heated tank container. It’s wise to look beyond initial costs and consider long-term benefits and operational efficiency. With the right considerations, you can optimize your operations while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

How to deploy electrically heated tank containers in your business

1. Assess your specific temperature control needs for products.
2. Research and select the right electrically heated tank container that fits your operation.
3. Evaluate suppliers based on their ability to meet quality and safety standards.
4. Consider the environmental impact and energy efficiency of your choices.
5. Train staff on how to use and maintain these containers properly.
6. Implement regular monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
7. Keep up to date with industry advancements related to heated container technology.

Continuously evaluating the performance of your electrical heated tank container will help identify areas for improvement and ensure you’re getting the most out of them. As advancements in technology emerge, being proactive and adaptable is imperative for leveraging these containers to their fullest potential. This approach will not only streamline operations but also contribute to your organization’s sustainability efforts.

Key takeaways

Electrically heated tank containers not only provide a reliable solution for keeping products at optimal temperatures but also enhance efficiency during transport. As businesses increasingly seek cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods, these energy-efficient heated tanks have become invaluable assets in supply chain management.

The unique features of electrically heated tank containers include versatile operational capabilities and advanced temperature control systems. When properly utilized, they can significantly reduce product spoilage and ensure compliance with safety standards. Thus, recognizing their potential impact on operational excellence is crucial for businesses aiming for competitive advantage.

The experts in electrically heated tank containers

Tankcon has years and years of experience in supplying electrically heated tank containers in various specifications, including standard ISO 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.

Is an electrically heated tank container the right solution for you?

Think an electrically heated tank container could be the right fit for your logistics? At Tankcon, we work with first-class suppliers of heating systems, including Loebbe and Klinge, as well as world-class manufacturers of tank containers. With our combined expertise, we can offer the best option for your product.

Get in touch with the Tankcon team today to find the right solution for you.