As you may know, tank containers are made up of a variety of different components that make them the most efficient way to transport bulk cargo such as liquids and gases. It is very important to use the correct equipment for the goods being transported.

Tank container parts come in all shapes and sizes. Tank containers are made up of a variety of different components, each of which serves an important purpose. In this comprehensive guide to tank container equipment, we discuss the various components that make up a tank container and their functions.

Tank container parts

Tank containers consist of the following parts:
barrel of tank container
ISO framework
safety equipment
Manholes and cleaning hatches

Different types of valves to control liquid or gas flow

Of course, there are all kinds of auxiliary equipment, safety devices and information equipment, such as decals and data plates.

Tank container barrels contain the goods being transported. ISO tank containers are approximately 2.5 meters (7.9 feet) high. For access to components on top of the vessel, an access ladder is used, which leads to the equipment on top. Safety equipment and aspects are very important. The industry is constantly monitoring and innovating to ensure a safe working environment. Examples of these innovations include complete sidewalk modifications and GOVR or GLO modifications.

In addition to the safety equipment of tank container components, it is supplemented by various auxiliary equipment and components to help loading and unloading, measure and monitor cargo, and identify tank type and cargo information. Examples include pressure gauges, dust caps, bursting discs, couplings, container labels or valves. The latter is discussed in more depth below.

Different Types of Valves

Valves are an important part of tank containers. They are used to control liquid or air flow. On containers, valves are used to release product and control air or liquid flow when the tank is drained. There are different types of valves, each with its own unique characteristics. In this blog post we will discuss the most common types of valves and how they are used on vessels.

Ball valves / Airline valves
Butterfly valves / Top discharge valves
Foot valves / Bottom discharge valves

Safety relief valves

Each of these valves plays an important role in the operation of tank containers. The tank frame and shell are responsible for containing the liquid cargo, while the top and bottom outlets help control the release of this cargo. The bottom drain valve allows you to easily empty the tank, and the air ball valve ensures easy and safe loading and unloading by controlling airflow.

If you need to order replacement parts for your tank container, it's important to make sure you're getting the correct equipment, especially when it comes to valves. Therefore, this blog will explain more about the types of valves available and their uses.

Ball valve/air valve

The most common type of valve is the ball valve. Ball valves are used to control liquid or gas flow. Ball valves are reliable and easy to use. They open and close quickly, making them ideal for fast-moving liquids. Open the ball valve by rotating the "ball" with the handle. This will open the hole in the center of the valve.

Butterfly valve

Another type of valve commonly used in the tank container industry is the butterfly valve. Butterfly valves are used for loading and unloading purposes. They are commonly used in pipelines, power plants and other industrial applications, including tank containers. The butterfly valve is easy to operate and quick to open and close.

Bottom discharge valve/bottom valve

The foot valve is designed to be installed at the bottom of the vessel. It is also known as a bottom discharge valve. A foot valve opens or closes the flow of tank container cargo through unloading. The bottom of the tank container contains three stainless steel closures, where the bottom valve is first installed on the tank container.

Safety Relief Valve / Pressure Relief Valve

This particular valve is used to limit or control the pressure and/or vacuum in tank vessels. When the pressure in the container becomes too high, the pressure in the container is relieved by allowing pressurized air to flow from the tank container through the safety relief valve. If not relieved, too high or too low pressure can cause the tank container to explode or implode.

Ball Valve vs Foot Valve vs Butterfly Valve vs Safety Relief Valve

We all know that people like to compare items. We understand! However, comparing ball valves to butterfly valves, for example, is like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different parts with two different applications. If you want to make a useful comparison, you can compare a Type A ball valve with a Type B ball valve. In this comparison, you look at the container at hand and the goods being shipped. In this way, you can choose the most suitable valve according to your situation.

There are different types of valves available in the container industry. Each valve has its own unique use and advantages. When selecting a specific valve for your application, it is important to consider the type of liquid or gas flowing through the valve, as well as the conditions under which the valve will be used. Valve selection is a critical part of tank containers and it is important to choose the right valve for the job.

In addition to the above valves, CIMC Equilink provides all kinds of iso tank parts such as Column , Walkway, Ladder, Seal&Gasket and so on. If you are looking for container parts or shipping containers for sale(new or used), or you just have questions about the purchase, transportation  and maintenance of containers, please visit us by email（info.equilink@cimc.com）or submit a quick quote. We sincerely serve you and solve your troubles and problems.