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 6.7.4.2.12 and the safety factor specified in 6.7.4.2.13 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 tank.
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 tank 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 tank 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 4.2.3.3, 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;
(e) Protection of the portable tank from impact or overturning by a vacuum insulation jacket.

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. 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 refrigerated liquefied
gases allowed to be carried, the materials of construction of the shell and jacket 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 for use 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 frame-work test specified in ISO 1496-3:1995;
(b) The results of the initial inspection and test in 6.7.4.14.3; and
(c) The results of the impact test in 6.7.4.14.1, 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.
 
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.

The tank 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 6.7.4.14.7.

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 shell and its fittings with due regard to the
refrigerated liquefied gases to be carried, and a pressure test referring to the test pressures according to
6.7.4.3.2. 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 check 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 shall
be inspected during the initial test by radiographic, ultrasonic, or another suitable non-destructive test
method. This does not apply to the jacket.

The 5 and 2.5 year periodic inspections and tests shall include an external examination of the portable
tank and its fittings with due regard to the refrigerated liquefied gases carried, a leakproofness test, a
check of the satisfactory operation of all service equipment and a vacuum reading, when applicable. In
the case of non-vacuum insulated tanks, the jacket and insulation shall be removed during the 2.5 year
and the 5 year periodic inspections and tests but only to the extent necessary for a reliable appraisal.

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