RS Approves Composite Tank Containers

Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) has issued certificates of approval for tank containers made of polymer composite materials (PCM) intended for transportation of aggressive media. The manufacturers of the tank containers are JSC Research and production corporation UralVagonZavod / Uralcryomash JSC.

Issuance of RS documents is the logical end of one and a half year’s activity for a group consisting of specialists from JSC, RS and STTC ApATech-Dubna, the company responsible for design of material and structure and Spectransgarant, the tank container company. Series production is now expected to commence.

PCM container is made of polymer composite materials - fiber glass obtained by vacuum infusion, filamentary winding. The containers are intended for transport of hazard category 8 substances such as chlorohydric (hydrochloric) acid, sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.

Until now, aggressive media have mainly been carried in steel containers with special protective coating. It is estimated that the new PCM containers will have an optimum ratio of manufacturing price to cost of future operation. The results of experimental maintenance, the conditions of that being under negotiation and agreement at the moment, will enable to evaluate the advantages of technical solutions and commercial efficiency.

According to Alexander Fetisov, head of RS Container Department, due to the fact that the development of PCM container for intermodal carriage was the main target, the scope of testing contained all the necessary tests based on the advantages of transportation by sea, road and rail. RS has completed all the procedures prescribed by normative documents, including the review of technical documentation and strength calculations, testing of materials to prove mechanical properties and chemical resistance, static, dynamic and hydraulic testing of containers, as well as fire-resistant and impact tests. 

The certificates issued confirm compliance with RS requirements applied to high-capacity containers of ISO 1 series and the requirements of a number of applicable international conventions and agreements. The activity results will form the basis of proposals for further development of international requirements to PCM containers that will ensure their marine transportation without limitations.