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 tank containers are JSC “Research and production corporation UralVagonZavod” / Uralcryomash JSC.
Issuance of RS documents is a logical end of one and a half year activity of a group consisting of specialists from JSC “Research and production corporation UralVagonZavod” / Uralcryomash JSC where a series production of PCM containers is expected to be commenced, “STTC ApATech-Dubna” ltd. which is responsible for design of material and structure, Spectransgarant LLC - tank container company-operator and RS.
PCM container is made of polymer composite materials - fiber glass obtained by vacuum infusion, filamentary winding and intended for transportation of substances of hazard category 8 - chlorohydric (hydrochloric) acid, sodium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, has a standard size symbol 22К2 according to ISO 6349, type designation L4DN in compliance with European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).
The project is implemented within the state program "Development of the Composite Materials Production Industry".
Till present, in the national and international practice of multimodal transportation the aggressive media are mainly carried in containers made of steel with special protective coating applied by rubberizing. It is estimated that new PCM container 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 the RS requirements in the scope 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.
