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Understanding Isotainers: The Ultimate
Solution for Bulk Liquid Transportation

One of the most common methods to ship hazardous liquid materials such as 100LL aviation gas (avgas) includes tank containers built to the ISO standards known as Isotainers or ISO tanks. These containers are built to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, a trusted, independent and non-governmental international organization dedicated to providing efficient and effective solutions for multiple industries since 19461. These standards help ensure each container is built uniformly and compatible across accepted transport systems globally. Additionally, these containers are especially useful to transport hazardous materials such as avgas 100LL balancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality safety and environmental regulations.

Types of Isotainers

Although isotainers are built to uniform ISO standards, many types exist based on quantity of material shipped as well as level of flammability for the material. An isotank is a stainless-steel cylindrical pressure vessel, built to ISO standards, surrounded by a 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′ framework (the overall international standard dimensions of a container) which vary in size typically from 23,000 – 26,000 liters (roughly 6,000 gallons). Isotainers typically include a protective tank lining to ensure protection against corrosive liquids to ensure a longer life span for the tank2. Additionally, these containers are equipped with pressure relief valves and reinforced frames to prevent leaks and ensure safe handling. Because of the standardized size of isotainers, the containers are suitable for shipping via rail, road, or sea. Utilizing isotainers for transporting avgas 100LL creates a cost-effective and secure method guaranteeing optimal shipping prices with environmental safety and lower risk of accidents.  

Sergeant Oil & Gas utilizes two main types of isotainers:  

  • Standard isotainer tank – a stainless-steel cylindrical pressure vessel, built to ISO standards, surrounded by a 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′ framework (the overall international standard dimensions of a container) which vary in size typically from 23,000 – 26,000 liters (roughly 6,000 gallons) of avgas 100LL. 
  • Baffle tank – a stainless-steel cylindrical pressure vessel, built to ISO standards, surrounded by a 20′ x 8′ x 8.5′ framework (the overall international standard dimensions of a container) built with internal baffles which help reduce the movement of liquid inside the tank during transit usually for orders less than 18,400 liters (roughly 4,900 gallons) of avgas 100LL.  

Advantages of Using Isotainers

Isotainers offer multiple advantages such as environmentally conscious, safe and secure, cost effective, stackable, and multiuse containers for hazardous materials such as avgas 100LL. For example, Isotainers leave a smaller carbon footprint than equivalent drummed shipment, providing alternatives to help meet future governmental environmental mandates3.These containers meet international safety standards, providing a secure means of transporting highly flammable liquids. The construction and lining of the isotainers help ensure mitigating any risks of accidents from pressure change or physical impacts. Additionally, due to the uniform sizing of the isotainer, the tank can be shipped via road, rail, or sea which allows for flexible and efficient planning solutions. By using isotainers, companies can reduce the risk of accidents and environmental hazards, ensuring a reliable supply of avgas 100LL to meet the demands of the aviation industry. 

How Isotainers Work

Isotainers carrying avgas 100LL easily load and unload through connecting hoses at loading facilities to the valves of the tank. These valves are strategically placed to allow for both top and bottom discharge, depending on the specific requirements. During loading, a pump is often used to transfer the avgas into the isotainer, ensuring a controlled and safe transition of fuel. Similarly, unloading involves using a pump to extract the fuel, maintaining pressure and preventing spills. The isotainers minimize risk of leaks or contamination with appropriate pressure relief valves and reinforced frames to withstand any risks due to transporting hazardous materials such as avgas 100LL.  

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Due to the highly flammable nature of avgas 100LL, transportation must meet sufficient regulatory and safety considerations for isotainers. These isotainers must comply with international safety standards, such as those set by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The ISO standards require containers to include pressure relief valves and reinforced frames to prevent leaks and remain intact during stresses of transportation methods. Also, operators follow strict protocols for loading, unloading, and handling to ensure no spills or contamination take place for avgas 100LL. Regular inspections and maintenance are mandated to ensure the integrity of the containers. Compliance with these regulations not only ensures the safe transport of avgas 100LL but also protects the environment and public health by mitigating the risks associated with hazardous materials.

Sergeant Oil & Gas: Your Partner
for Global Avgas 100LL Delivery

Tank containers built to ISO standards often called isotainers, are commonly used to ship avgas 100LL by road, rail, or sea. Typical isotainer tanks hold 23,000 – 26,000 liters (roughly 6,000 gallons) of avgas, meeting international safety standards to ship hazardous material. Sergeant Oil & Gas use two primary types of isotainers: typical isotainer tanks and baffle tanks for smaller orders. Through the versatile loading options, international standard dimensions, and leak prevention standards, isotainers represent a cost effective and efficient method of transporting avgas 100LL globally to any country. Sergeant Oil & Gas works with a dozen isotainer operating companies worldwide that can offer a variety of services for its customers. Sergeant Oil & Gas can ship avgas 100LL in an isotainer anywhere in the world that accepts dangerous goods at the destination port, please inquire today for more information.