Container Selection Criteria for Flexitank

Flexitank is a new type of flexible packaging container that can store and transport various non-dangerous liquid cargoes. Each container can be just placed in a 20-foot international standard container. To a certain extent, it can replace traditional packaging such as expensive tanks and iron drums, which can greatly reduce the costs of loading & discharging, packaging, transporting and material management, and improve logistics efficiency.

Flexitank is a type of flexible packaging material, so there are certain requirements for the internal environment of the container. Before using the flexitank, select a container that meets the requirements to ensure the safety of the flexitank during transportation. When selecting containers, we must follow the criteria for selection. If the selected container does not meet the selection criteria, it might cause flexitank leakage and cargo loss. At present, flexitank leakages due to improper containers occur from time to time, and even resulted to a high proportion of leakages. 

Common problems that generally cause flexitank leakages are as follows:

1. Iron wire

2. Tool

3. Iron sheet

4. Nails

5. Container condition

6. Container hoisting

There might be foreign objects, sharp objects in the container, and many traces of worn-out repairs in the container, etc., which may cause the damage to flexitank. Therefore, strict selection of containers is a prerequisite to ensure the safety of the flexitank and the cargo.

LAF recommends selecting containers according to the following criteria:

Container should be 20GP ISO container, its tare weight + loading capacity≤30480kg

●Total weight after loading by direct measure ＜30480kg.

●Each flexitank could load ±3% of normal capacity.

●The flexitank system shall also comply with the International Maritime; Organization Guidelines for the Packaging of Cargo Transport Equipment.

●If there is any problem in the structural integrity of the container or its suitability for installing or transporting a flexitank, the container should be rectified or replaced.

●If there are any sharp edges, dents or other defects in interior walls of the container, or any uneven conditions that could potentially damage, snag or chaff the flexitank, all those areas should be removed or covered with a sufficient protective lining material.

●Front and Side Walls

 Corrugated for the entire length, flat panels or markings are not acceptable.

 Construction welds must be smooth and free from sharp edges. Repair welds should be smooth and free from sharp edges.

 Dents, deformations are allowed only in case they are smooth and free from sharp edges.

 Dents, deformations and repair marks allowable should be smooth.

 Repairs are acceptable, but the repaired container shall meet requirements of this guidance.

●Container Floor

 Splinters and protruding nails, screws and other fixings are unacceptable.

 Gouge shall not be deeper than 15mm, and all gouges should be covered with suitable protective carton.

 Misalignment of adjacent planks or panels should not be larger than10mm. All misalignments should be covered with protective carton.

●Interior

 Rear post shoring slots should be in order, and be free from any dent or obstruction.

Lashing rings are in order.

There shall not be any sharp edges or excessive scratches on container interior walls.

Walls and roof are all free from significant areas of rust or flaking paint.

Floor and walls are clean i.e. free of grit, carbon, sand, cargo residues etc.

Floor and walls are free from transferable stains or significant odor.

Suitable protective lining material should be placed over the floor and walls.

●Hardware on Doors

Each door should have at least a pair of locking bars with min. three locking bar brackets.

Locking bar cams are fully locked into both top and bottom retainers.

Hinges are in full working order and can move freely.

Door gear fixing on the inside of the doors is free from sharp points and edges.

● Doors

Doors can be closed without obstructing the flexitank restraining system.

 To ensure that doors close properly, the container should be positioned on a flat horizontal ground during pumping liquid into flexitank.

●Safety Approval Plate (CSC)

A valid CSC plate should be securely attached to the Container.

● Exterior

The exterior shall be free from any markings related to previous shipment.

To follow container selection criteria can effectively reduce the chance of leakage, and to guarantee safe bulk liquid transport with flexitanks, so as to avoid any cargo loss.