Hazardous Materials Container Types

Study Notes

Types of Containers for Hazardous Materials

Containers are vessels that hold hazardous substances; their type, size, and material indicate content nature.
Color of containers (e.g., drums) does not correlate with specific contents.

Bulk vs. Non-Bulk Storage Vessels

Bulk storage vessels include fixed tanks, cargo tanks, rail tank cars, totes, and intermodal tanks.
Non-bulk storage vessels hold from a few ounces up to 119 gallons; they include drums, bags, gas cylinders, and cryogenic containers.

Bulk Storage Vessels

Fixed tanks and cargo tanks store large quantities and often incorporate secondary containment to mitigate spills.
Large horizontal tanks (aboveground or underground) hold hundreds to millions of gallons, constructed from aluminum, steel, or plastic.
Totes (intermediate bulk containers) hold 119 to 793 gallons, are portable, and have a stainless steel webbing but lack secondary containment.
Intermodal tanks can hold 5,000 to 6,000 gallons and can be pressurized or non-pressurized for multi-modal transport.

Non-Bulk Storage Vessels

Drums can be made of low-carbon steel, polyethylene, cardboard, stainless steel, or nickel to store various materials.
Construction of drums is specific to the contents (e.g., polyethylene for corrosives, stainless steel for aggressive chemicals).
Bags store solids or powders, made of plastic or paper and must include detailed labeling, including hazard statements and storage instructions.
Carboys (5-15 gallons) store corrosive substances and are often protected by boxes of wood, foam, or fiberglass.
Compressed gas cylinders vary in size for transporting gases, with hazardous materials marked clearly.

Overland Transport Methods

Cargo tanks designed for transporting hazardous materials are bulk packages that can be loaded or unloaded without removal from vehicles.
Common types include 306/406 (non-pressurized, flammable liquids, 6,000 to 10,000 gallons) and 307/407 (round/horse-shaped, 6,000 to 7,000 gallons, mild corrosives).

Specific Tanker Types

312/412 tanks are smaller in diameter with reinforcing rings for stability, holding about 6,000 gallons, operating at 15 to 35 PSI.
331 pressure cargo tankers carry substances like ammonia and operate at approximately 300 PSI with explosion hazards if exposed to fire.
338 cryogenic tankers maintain low temperatures for cryogens and vent vapor as normal operations.
Tube trailers transport several compressed gases (like hydrogen and oxygen) at high pressures (3,000 to 5,000 PSI), with individual relief valves.
Dry bulk cargo tanks transport powders and pellets, utilizing pressure for offloading, with v-shaped containers for stability.

Types of Containers for Hazardous Materials

Containers serve as vessels for hazardous substances; their types, sizes, and materials reveal the nature of their contents.
Container color (e.g., drums) doesn't specifically indicate their contents.

Bulk vs. Non-Bulk Storage Vessels

Bulk storage vessels include fixed tanks, cargo tanks, rail tank cars, totes, and intermodal tanks.
Non-bulk storage vessels range from a few ounces to 119 gallons and consist of drums, bags, gas cylinders, and cryogenic containers.

Bulk Storage Vessels

Fixed and cargo tanks are designed for large quantities and usually have secondary containment features to prevent spills.
Large horizontal tanks, whether aboveground or underground, can hold from hundreds to millions of gallons and are made from materials like aluminum, steel, or plastic.
Totes, or intermediate bulk containers, can carry 119 to 793 gallons, are portable, but typically lack secondary containment; they are reinforced with stainless steel webbing.
Intermodal tanks have capacities ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 gallons and can be pressurized or non-pressurized, facilitating multi-modal transport.

Non-Bulk Storage Vessels

Drums are made from materials such as low-carbon steel, polyethylene, cardboard, stainless steel, or nickel, tailored to the type of material stored.
Specific drum construction is linked to the contents: polyethylene for corrosives, stainless steel for aggressive chemicals.
Bags, made of plastic or paper, are designated for solids or powders and must feature clear labeling that includes hazard statements and storage instructions.
Carboys, with capacities of 5 to 15 gallons, are used for corrosive substances and come protected in wooden, foam, or fiberglass boxes.
Compressed gas cylinders vary in size for gas transport, with clear markings for hazardous materials.

Overland Transport Methods

Cargo tanks meant for hazardous materials are bulk packages that can be loaded or unloaded without detachment from vehicles.
Common cargo tank types include:
- 306/406 tanks for flammable liquids, non-pressurized, with capacities between 6,000 to 10,000 gallons.
- 307/407 tanks designed for mild corrosives, round or horse-shaped, holding 6,000 to 7,000 gallons.

Specific Tanker Types

312/412 tanks feature a smaller diameter and reinforcing rings for stability, typically holding around 6,000 gallons while operating at 15 to 35 PSI.
331 pressure cargo tankers transport substances such as ammonia, functioning at about 300 PSI, posing explosion risks when exposed to fire.
338 cryogenic tankers maintain low temperatures for cryogenic substances and vent vapor as part of their normal operation.
Tube trailers are designed to transport various compressed gases (like hydrogen and oxygen) at high pressures between 3,000 to 5,000 PSI, featuring individual relief valves.
Dry bulk cargo tanks, utilized for transporting powders and pellets, use pressure for offloading and are designed with V-shaped containers for added stability.

Description

Test your knowledge on the different types of containers used for hazardous materials, including bulk and non-bulk storage vessels. Learn about the characteristics and specifications of various container types, such as drums, tanks, and cryogenic containers. This quiz covers essential information for handling and storing hazardous substances safely.