Gauging devices

Unless a portable tank is intended to be filled by weight it shall be equipped with one or more gauging
devices. Glass level-gauges and gauges made of other fragile material, which are in direct
communication with the contents of the shell shall not be used.

Portable tank supports, frameworks, lifting and tie-down attachments

Portable tanks shall be designed and constructed with a support structure to provide a secure base
during carriage. The forces specified in 6.7.3.2.9 and the safety factor specified in 6.7.3.2.10 shall be
considered in this aspect of the design. Skids, frameworks, cradles or other similar structures are
acceptable.

The combined stresses caused by portable tank mountings (e.g. cradles, frameworks, etc.) and portable
tank lifting and tie-down attachments shall not cause excessive stress in any portion of the shell.
Permanent lifting and tie-down attachments shall be fitted to all portable tanks. Preferably they shall
be fitted to the portable tank supports but may be secured to reinforcing plates located on the shell at
the points of support.

In the design of supports and frameworks the effects of environmental corrosion shall be taken into
account.

Forklift pockets shall be capable of being closed off. The means of closing forklift pockets shall be a
permanent part of the framework or permanently attached to the framework. Single compartment
portable tanks with a length less than 3.65 m need not have closed off forklift pockets provided that:
(a) The shell and all the fittings are well protected from being hit by the forklift blades; and
(b) The distance between the centres of the forklift pockets is at least half of the maximum length
of the portable tank.

When portable tanks are not protected during carriage, according to 4.2.2.3, the shells and service
equipment shall be protected against damage to the shell and service equipment resulting from lateral
or longitudinal impact or overturning. External fittings shall be protected so as to preclude the release
of the shell contents upon impact or overturning of the portable tank on its fittings. Examples of
protection include:
(a) Protection against lateral impact which may consist of longitudinal bars protecting the shell on
both sides at the level of the median line;
(b) Protection of the portable tank against overturning which may consist of reinforcement rings or
bars fixed across the frame;
(c) Protection against rear impact which may consist of a bumper or frame;
(d) Protection of the shell against damage from impact or overturning by use of an ISO frame in
accordance with ISO 1496-3:1995.

 

Design approval

The competent authority or its authorized body shall issue a design approval certificate for any new
design of a portable tank. This certificate shall attest that a portable tank has been surveyed by that
authority, is suitable for its intended purpose and meets the requirements of this Chapter and where
appropriate the provisions for gases provided in portable tank instruction T50 in 4.2.5.2.6. When a
series of portable tanks are manufactured without change in the design, the certificate shall be valid
for the entire series. The certificate shall refer to the prototype test report, the gases allowed to be
carried, the materials of construction of the shell and an approval number. The approval number shall
consist of the distinguishing sign or mark of the State in whose territory the approval was granted,
indicated by the distinguishing sign used on vehicles in international road traffic2, and a registration
number. Any alternative arrangements according to 6.7.1.2 shall be indicated on the certificate.
A design approval may serve for the approval of smaller portable tanks made of materials of the same
kind and thickness, by the same fabrication techniques and with identical supports, equivalent closures
and other appurtenances.

The prototype test report for the design approval shall include at least the following:
(a) The results of the applicable framework test specified in ISO 1496-3:1995;
(b) The results of the initial inspection and test in 6.7.3.15.3; and
(c) The results of the impact test in 6.7.3.15.1, when applicable.

Inspection and testing

Portable tanks meeting the definition of container in the International Convention for Safe Containers
(CSC), 1972, as amended, shall not be used unless they are successfully qualified by subjecting a
representative prototype of each design to the Dynamic, Longitudinal Impact Test prescribed in the
Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part IV, Section 41.

The shell and items of equipment of each portable tank shall be inspected and tested before being put
into service for the first time (initial inspection and test) and thereafter at not more than five-year
intervals (5 year periodic inspection and test) with an intermediate periodic inspection and test (2.5
year periodic inspection and test) midway between the 5 year periodic inspections and tests. The 2.5
year inspection and test may be performed within 3 months of the specified date. An exceptional
inspection and test shall be performed regardless of the last periodic inspection and test when
necessary according to 6.7.3.15.7.

The initial inspection and test of a portable tank shall include a check of the design characteristics, an
internal and external examination of the portable tank and its fittings with due regard to the nonrefrigerated
liquefied gases to be carried, and a pressure test referring to the test pressures according to
6.7.3.3.2. The pressure test may be performed as a hydraulic test or by using another liquid or gas with
the agreement of the competent authority or its authorized body. Before the portable tank is placed
into service, a leakproofness test and a test of the satisfactory operation of all service equipment shall
also be performed. When the shell and its fittings have been pressure-tested separately, they shall be
subjected together after assembly to a leakproofness test. All welds subject to full stress level in the
shell shall be inspected during the initial test by radiographic, ultrasonic, or another suitable nondestructive
test method. This does not apply to the jacket.
2 Distinguishing sign of the State of registration used on motor vehicles and trailers in international road traffic,
e.g. in accordance with the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949 or the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of
1968.
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