October 19, 2021
Flexitanks FAQ: What You Need To Know About Transporting Liquids
Old methods of transporting liquids are a risky and costly operation. Fortunately, the introduction of flexitanks significantly reduced the dangers involved. With an estimated global market growth of $1.49 billion by 2026, flexitank transport continues to be the primary choice in moving non-hazardous liquids.
In the past, the only option to transport liquid cargo was with the use of tank containers. However, this traditional way of using tanks and drums for moving wines, oils, and juices – while still effective – is more costly.
Read on, and you will understand the most common things you need to consider to guarantee the safe transport of liquid goods.
Common Questions About Flexitank Transport Solutions
Here are five questions most people ask about moving liquids using flexitank – and the answers to each of them:
1. What are the most common methods of transporting liquid?
Before expanding further, here are three of the most commonly used ways to transport liquids securely and safely:
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- Drums and barrels: Available in fiber, plastic, and steel, drums and barrels have always been the standard choice for liquid cargo weighing 5 to 60 gallons. If you are planning to load liquid consumables, drum containers require a coating or liner. Securing them with pallets and strapping are essential for their stability and safety, respectively.
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- ISO tank containers: Following the standards set by International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this container has a length of 20 feet and a cubic capacity from 5,200 gallons up to 6,800 gallons. Made of anti-corrosive material and robust steel, this is the safest option for transporting large quantities of liquid material.
- IBC containers: Intermediate bulk containers, or IBC, fall between drums and ISO tank containers. These vessels can accommodate a capacity between 53 to 1,250 gallons. IBC is a common choice for transporting hazardous materials because of its superior stability due to the galvanized steel frame around the barrel. In addition, these containers have both top and bottom discharge/loading points.
Flexitanks fall under the same category as the ISO tank containers. However, flexitank is the better option for non-hazardous liquids. It is also more cost-effective since it does not require special machinery for loading and unloading liquid cargo.
2. What equipment do you need to load liquid cargo?
For containers other than flexitanks, you will need pallets and a forklift truck to lift and place them on a vehicle. For ISOs, you need to load the empty container onto the truck before filling it. It is also essential to follow proper handling and maneuvering guidelines when using these containers to ensure safety.
When it comes to flexitanks, you will need to pump the liquid in by attaching a hose to the loading connection. It usually takes 30 minutes to fill the tank up. After pumping all the fluid, everything is ready for transport, making the operation a lot quicker.
3. What can go wrong when transporting liquids?
Excellent driving skills and mental alertness are essential in keeping the liquids safe while in transit, as anything can suddenly happen on the road.
Pulling bulk tankers not filled to the brim poses more danger, so drivers need to be extra careful. The liquid will naturally slosh around as the trailer moves. Any sudden movement, whether braking hard or turning too fast, can potentially topple the trailer due to the liquid suddenly surging on one side.
Even if the trailer does not topple over, a careless driver can cause the liquid to create foam. While it usually does not cause severe spillage problems, foam can spoil the contents due to extreme aeration.
Regardless of which container type you use – except for flexitanks – you will need baffles to help slow down the sloshing movement. Flexitanks do not need baffles because their material composition and stress absorption qualities can help eliminate fluid dynamic problems.
4. Can using flexitank prevent liquid contamination?
Bulk liquid contamination is another issue that can happen while transporting liquid. If the tank container did not undergo a rigorous and thorough cleaning, the last shipment’s residue could cause contamination.
Because flexitanks are single-use containers, the contents are free from contamination. Even if you will be transporting the same type of liquid, using a disposable container is still better. The residue of the same kind of liquid can still cause contamination, like in the case of fresh milk.
5. What makes flexitank transportation a better option?
As long as you are transporting non-hazardous liquid material, flexitank is always the best option. The liquid transport container offers unique benefits not commonly found in other containers such as:
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- Cost-effective: ISO tanks and IBC units are more expensive if you add up all the costs involved, including rental, return, and cleanup. With flexitank, you are only paying for the single-use bag and the freight. Flexitanks also incur lower logistics expenses since they are easier to handle when loading and unloading liquids.
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- Faster loading/unloading: Compared to other types of liquid containers, flexitank is faster when loading aboard the trailer and the actual filling of the liquid. After pumping the fluid and securing it, the vehicle is ready to go.
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- More shipping capacity: Flexitank shipping solutions allow you to transport more liquid than other containers. With a maximum load capacity as massive as 6,340 gallons or 2,400 liters, you can move around 40% more than drummed consignments. Compared to IBCs, you get 15% more capacity.
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- Lesser transportation risks: Aside from not needing to wait for cleanup to complete, there is no risk of contamination because flexitanks are one-time use only. They are both air and waterproof, which helps maintain the quality of the liquid during transport and eliminates the formation of foams.
- Best for food and pharma-grade fluids: Flexitank’s air and waterproof properties make it the best choice for carrying pharmaceutical ingredients and food-grade liquids, such as edible oil and wine.
Use Flexitank to Ensure Safe Transport of Liquid Goods
Choose flexitanks for transporting non-hazardous liquids. Not only will it lessen the cost, but it also makes moving the contents faster. However, this is just one element of ensuring the safe transport of your liquid goods – you need a reliable freight company as well.
Choose Kan-Haul for moving your liquid cargo, whether to domestic or international destinations.
