Tanks intended for the carriage of liquids having a boiling point of not more than 35 °C shall have a
safety valve set at not less than 300 kPa (3 bar) gauge pressure and which shall be fully open at a
pressure not exceeding the test pressure; otherwise they shall be hermetically closed7.

Movable parts such as covers, closures, etc., which are liable to come into frictional or percussive
contact with aluminium shells intended for the carriage of flammable liquids having a flash-point of
not more than 60 ºC or for the carriage of flammable gases shall not be made of unprotected
corrodible steel.

If tanks required to be hermetically closed are equipped with safety valves, these shall be preceded
by a bursting disc and the following conditions shall be observed:
The arrangement of the bursting disc and safety valve shall be such as to satisfy the competent
authority. A pressure gauge or another suitable indicator shall be provided in the space between the
bursting disc and the safety valve, to enable detection of any rupture, perforation or leakage of the disc
which may disrupt the action of the safety valve.
 
7 For the definition of "hermetically closed tank" see 1.2.1.

Type approval

The competent authority or a body designated by that authority shall issue in respect of each new
type of tank-vehicle, demountable tank, tank-container, tank swap body, battery-vehicle or MEGC a
certificate attesting that the type, including fastenings, which it has inspected is suitable for the
purpose for which it is intended and meets the construction requirements of 6.8.2.1, the equipment
requirements of 6.8.2.2 and the special conditions for the classes of substances carried.
The certificate shall show:
- the results of the test;
- an approval number for the type;
 
                                                                    
The approval number shall consist of the
distinguishing sign used on vehicles in international
road traffic 8 of the State in whose territory the
approval was granted and a registration number.
- the tank code in accordance with 4.3.3.1.1 or 4.3.4.1.1;
- the alphanumerical codes of special provisions of construction (TC), equipment (TE) and type
approval (TA) of 6.8.4 which are shown in column (13) of Table A of Chapter 3.2 for those
substances for the carriage of which the tank has been approved;
- if required, the substances and/or group of substances for the carriage of which the tank has
been approved. These shall be shown with their chemical name or the corresponding
collective entry (see 2.1.1.2), together with their classification (class, classification code and
packing group). With the exception of substances of Class 2 and those listed in 4.3.4.1.3, the
listing of approved substances may be dispensed with. In such cases, groups of substances
permitted on the basis of the tank code shown in the rationalised approach in 4.3.4.1.2 shall be
accepted for carriage taking into account any relevant special provision.
The substances referred to in the certificate or the groups of substances approved according to the
rationalised approach shall, in general, be compatible with the characteristics of the tank. A
reservation shall be included in the certificate if it was not possible to investigate this compatibility
exhaustively when the type approval was issued.
A copy of the certificate shall be attached to the tank record of each tank, battery-vehicle or MEGC
constructed (see 4.3.2.1.7).
The competent authority or a body designated by that authority shall at the request of the applicant
carry out a separate type approval of valves and other service equipment for which a standard is
listed in the table in 6.8.2.6.1, in accordance with that standard. This separate type approval shall be
taken into account when issuing the certificate for the tank, if the test results are presented and the
valves and other service equipment are fit for the intended use.

If the tanks, battery-vehicles or MECGs are manufactured in series without modification this approval
shall be valid for the tanks, battery-vehicles or MECGs manufactured in series or according to the
prototype.
A type approval may however serve for the approval of tanks with limited variations of the design that
either reduce the loads and stresses on the tanks (e.g. reduced pressure, reduced mass, reduced
volume) or increase the safety of the structure (e.g. increased shell thickness, more surge-plates,
decreased diameter of openings). The limited variations shall be clearly described in the type approval
certificate.
 
8 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 following requirements apply to tanks for which special provision TA4 of 6.8.4 (and therefore
1.8.7.2.4) does not apply.
The type approval shall be valid for a maximum of ten years. If within that period the relevant
technical requirements of ADR (including referenced standards) have changed so that the approved
type is no longer in conformity with them, the competent authority or the body designated by that
authority which issued the type approval shall withdraw it and inform the holder of the type approval.
NOTE: For the ultimate dates for withdrawal of existing type approvals, see column (5) of the tables
in 6.8.2.6 or 6.8.3.6 as appropriate.
If a type approval has expired or has been withdrawn, the manufacture of the tanks, battery-vehicles or
MEGCs according to that type approval is no longer authorised.
In such a case, the relevant provisions concerning the use, periodic inspection and intermediate
inspection of tanks, battery-vehicles or MEGCs contained in the type approval which has expired or
has been withdrawn shall continue to apply to these tanks, battery-vehicles or MEGCs constructed
before the expiry or the withdrawal if they may continue to be used.
They may continue to be used as long as they remain in conformity with the requirements of ADR. If
they are no longer in conformity with the requirements of ADR they may continue to be used only if
such use is permitted by relevant transitional measures in Chapter 1.6.
Type approvals may be renewed by a complete review and assessment for conformity with the
provisions of ADR applicable at the date of renewal. Renewal is not permitted after a type approval
has been withdrawn. Interim amendments of an existing type approval not affecting conformity (see
6.8.2.3.2) do not extend or modify the original validity of the certificate.
NOTE: The review and assessment of conformity can be done by a body other than the one which
issued the original type approval.
The issuing body shall keep all documents for the type approval for the whole period of validity
including its renewals if granted.
If the designation of the issuing body is revoked or restricted, or when the body has ceased activity,
the competent authority shall take appropriate steps to ensure that the files are either processed by
another body or kept available.

In the case of a modification of a tank with a valid, expired or withdrawn type approval, the testing,
inspection and approval are limited to the parts of the tank that have been modified. The modification
shall meet the provisions of ADR applicable at the time of the modification. For all parts of the tank
not affected by the modification, the documentation of the initial type approval remains valid.
A modification may apply to one or more tanks covered by a type approval.
A certificate approving the modification shall be issued by the competent authority of any Contracting
Party to ADR or by a body designated by this authority and shall be kept as part of the tank record.
Each application for an approval certificate for a modification shall be lodged with a single competent
authority or body designated by this authority.

Inspections and tests

Shells and their equipment shall either together or separately undergo an initial inspection before
being put into service. This inspection shall include:
- a check of conformity to the approved type;
- a check of the design characteristics9
- an examination of the internal and external conditions;
- a hydraulic pressure test10 at the test pressure indicated on the plate prescribed in 6.8.2.5.1; and
- a leakproofness test and a check of satisfactory operation of the equipment.
Except in the case of Class 2, the test pressure for the hydraulic pressure test depends on the
calculation pressure and shall be at least equal to the pressure indicated below:
 

Calculation pressure (bar)

Test pressure (bar)

11

11

1,5

1,5

2,65

2,65

4

4

10

4

15

4

21

10 (4 12)

 
The minimum test pressures for Class 2 are given in the table of gases and gas mixtures in 4.3.3.2.5.
The hydraulic pressure test shall be carried out on the shell as a whole and separately on each
compartment of compartmented shells.
 
The test shall be carried out on each
compartment at a pressure at least equal to:
– 1.3 times the maximum working
pressure; or
– 1.3 times the static pressure of the
substance to be carried but not less than
1.3 times the static pressure of water
with a minimum of 20 kPa (0.2 bar) for
gravity-discharge tanks according to
6.8.2.1.14 (a).
                                                                  
 
The hydraulic pressure test shall be carried out before the installation of a thermal insulation as may
be necessary.
If the shells and their equipment are tested separately, they shall be jointly subjected to a
leakproofness test after assembly in accordance with 6.8.2.4.3.
The leakproofness test shall be carried out separately on each compartment of compartmented shells.
 

Shells and their equipment shall undergo periodic inspections no later than every

six years. five years.
These periodic inspections shall include:
 
9 The check of the design characteristics shall also include, for shells requiring a test pressure of 1 MPa (10 bar)
or higher, the taking of weld test-pieces (work samples) in accordance with 6.8.2.1.23 and the tests prescribed in 6.8.5.
10 In special cases and with the agreement of the expert approved by the competent authority, the hydraulic
pressure test may be replaced by a pressure test using another liquid or gas, where such an operation does not present
any danger.
11 G = minimum calculation pressure according to the general requirements of 6.8.2.1.14 (see 4.3.4.1).
12 Minimum test pressure for UN No. 1744 bromine or UN No. 1744 bromine solution.
 
- An external and internal examination;
- A leakproofness test in accordance with 6.8.2.4.3 of the shell with its equipment and check of the
satisfactory operation of all the equipment;
- As a general rule, a hydraulic pressure test10 (for the test pressure for the shells and compartments
if applicable, see 6.8.2.4.1).
Sheathing for thermal or other insulation shall be removed only to the extent required for reliable
appraisal of the characteristics of the shell.
In the case of tanks intended for the carriage of powdery or granular substances, and with the
agreement of the expert approved by the competent authority, the periodic hydraulic pressure tests
may be omitted and replaced by leakproofness tests in accordance with 6.8.2.4.3, at an effective
internal pressure at least equal to the maximum working pressure.

 

Shells and their equipment shall undergo intermediate inspections at least every

three years two and a half years
 
after the initial inspection and each periodic inspection. These intermediate inspections may be
performed within three months before or after the specified date.
However, the intermediate inspection may be performed at any time before the specified date.
If an intermediate inspection is performed more than three months before the due date, another
intermediate inspection shall be performed at the latest
 
three years               two and a half years after this date.
These intermediate inspections shall include a leakproofness test of the shell with its equipment and
check of the satisfactory operation of all the equipment. For this purpose the tank shall be subjected to
an effective internal pressure at least equal to the maximum working pressure. For tanks intended for
the carriage of liquids or solids in the granular or powdery state, when a gas is used for the
leakproofness test it shall be carried out at a pressure at least equal to 25% of the maximum working
pressure. In all cases, it shall not be less than 20 kPa (0.2 bar) (gauge pressure).
For tanks equipped with breather devices and a safety device to prevent the contents spilling out if the
tank overturns, the leakproofness test shall be carried out at a pressure at least equal to the static
pressure of the densest substance to be carried, the static pressure of water or 20 kPa (0.2 bar)
whichever is the highest.
The leakproofness test shall be carried out separately on each compartment of compartmented shells.

When the safety of the tank or of its equipment may have been impaired as a result of repairs,
alterations or accident, an exceptional check shall be carried out. If an exceptional check fulfilling the
requirements of 6.8.2.4.2 has been performed, then the exceptional check may be considered to be a
periodic inspection. If an exceptional check fulfilling the requirements of 6.8.2.4.3 has been
performed then the exceptional check may be considered to be an intermediate inspection.

The tests, inspections and checks in accordance with 6.8.2.4.1 to 6.8.2.4.4 shall be carried out by the
expert approved by the competent authority. Certificates shall be issued showing the results of these
operations, even in the case of negative results. These certificates shall refer to the list of the
substances permitted for carriage in this tank or to the tank code and the alphanumeric codes of
special provisions in accordance with 6.8.2.3.
A copy of these certificates shall be attached to the tank record of each tank, battery-vehicle or MEGC
tested (see 4.3.2.1.7).
 
10 In special cases and with the agreement of the expert approved by the competent authority, the hydraulic
pressure test may be replaced by a pressure test using another liquid or gas, where such an operation does not present
any danger.

Marking

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