FLEXITANK SPECIFICATION ISSUED

Британский институт стандартизации (BSI) по  заказу Ассоциации владельцев контейнеров (COA) при участии ФОСФА разработал и опубликовал 21.05.2014 Общедоступную спецификацию (PAS 1008:2014). Рекомендации по использованию флекситанков содержатся в Кодексе сложившейся практики в отношении флекситанков, разработанном и опубликованном COA 01.09.2011. Создавались упомянутые документы при  содействии группы из 12 компаний – производителей флекситанков, а также таких крупных игроков на рынке, как:  Maersk Line и Hapag-Lloyd.

As members have been informed in previous issues, the use of flexitank containers for transporting high-value, low-volume oils e.g. olive oil, has been increasing for some time. These single-use bags employed as liners in standard 20 feet dry cargo containers are readily available and cheaper to use than regular ISO tanks. A major feature is that it is easier and quicker to return a dry cargo tanker to an appropriate depot than an ISO tanker, and this means the time on-hire is much shorter. The main problem in the use of flexitanks is that theyare produced with a wide range of qualities and prices. The lower quality bags are prone to leak and, if the tank is at a high level in a container carrier, the damage to the containers on the lower levels can be significant. It is to overcome these types of problems that the Container Owners Association (COA) commissioned the British Standards Institution (BSI) to develop a specification for the performance and testing of single-use flexitanks. FOSFA participated in the development working group and the Publically Available Specification (PAS) was published on 31 May 2014. The development was funded by a group of 12 flexitank manufacturing companies.The main objective of PAS 1008:2014 is to provide a framework for the manufacture of flexitanks to a high quality, such that they can be used to transport liquids safely without leaking and without causing permanent damage to the GP freight container. This is achieved through setting minimum requirements for –

a) the material properties of the flexitank film and, where fitted, the outer sleeve;

b) the leak tightness of the loading/discharging valve(s);

c) the flexitime system’s resistance to an impact.

The performance of the flexitank system is assessed bymeans of a rail impact test. Material testing is performed to demonstrate that minimum requirements for the material properties are met and maintained, and that the material specification is the same as assessed in the rail impact test.Valve testing is to demonstrate that the valve is able to withstand operating pressures without leaking. Flexitanks are often used as a cheap method of storage ofliquids, but the PAS does not cover the requirements or testmethods for this use. However, the monitoring of flexitanks used in this way is much easier than during intermodaltransport operations. Also, the PAS does not cover the compatibility testing of the commodity with the flexitank film. This is a critical issue when carrying various types of foodstuffs, including vegetable oils and fats. It will be necessary to determine whether the flexitank material issuitable for carrying the commodity and test the chemical and physical properties. It is also necessary to ensure that plasticisers and other components in the flexitank material do not migrate into the oil being carried. The PAS does not provide guidance on the operation of a flexitank. Recommendations on the operation of the flexitank system are given in the COA’s publication “Code of Practice for Flexitanks”. This document is now in its third version (1 September 2011) and has gained acceptance as providing best practice for the operation and management of flexitanks. The Code was developed by the COA with the help of the big players in the market, such as Maersk Line and Hapag-Lloyd. It is hoped that by the widespread use of these two documents, the safe and secure use of flexitanks carrying oils and fats will be ensured, thus increasing the use of this mode of transport. In anticipation of this increase, it is proposed that the Oils and Fats Committee of FOSFA will discuss the need for a contract especially for the use of flexitanks at their nextmeeting.

PAS 1008:2014 Specification for the performance and testingof a single-use flexitank (available online from BSI). COA Code of Practice for the Manufacture of Flexitanks and Operation of Flexitank/Container Combination (free downloadfrom COA website – www.containerownersassociation.org/).

Источник: http://www.fosfa.org/?newpath=LINKED.FOSFA.DOCUMENT&filename=1009810096101361034110150101151016410168101271015210177101931014310252102981015510186102111026028&mthd=0&pgc=99&mod=21&mnu=

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