Transportation of liquids by rail in tank cars of various volumes

Cargo transported by rail can be not only in solid but also in liquid aggregate state. Liquid cargo requires special rolling stock that prevents leakage and evaporation. To ensure the transportation of liquid cargo, tank cars are included in the fleet.

What and where is transported in tank cars

Rail tank cars transport all cargo in liquid state, and the list of these cargoes is quite broad:

• Oil and its refined products.
• Liquefied gases.
• Various alkalis, acids, and other chemicals.
• Water.
• Wine, concentrates, juice, and other food products.
• Alcohols.

In addition, tank cars also transport finely powdered substances such as flour, cement, and others.

When planning transportation by rail in tank cars, it should be noted that the gauge of the railways in countries that were formerly part of the USSR is wider than in Europe. While transporting cargo to Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine, and other post-Soviet countries poses no problems, transportation to distant foreign countries may cause difficulties.

Types of tank cars used on railways

A tank car is a cylindrical metal vessel with a locking hatch on top, mounted on a railway chassis. Rail tank cars are divided into two types:

1. General purpose.
2. Special.
3. Food rail tank cars.

General-purpose tank cars transport light petroleum products. Special tank cars are designed for transporting liquid cargo that requires special conditions for transportation and loading/unloading. Among such tank cars, the following can be highlighted:

• Tank cars for transporting dark petroleum products. At low temperatures, dark petroleum products thicken and even crystallize. Therefore, for quick and complete unloading, dark petroleum products must be heated. For this, the tank for such petroleum products is made double-walled. A gap is left between the inner and outer layers, into which heated steam is supplied during unloading. Such tank cars are often called bitumen carriers.
• Isothermal tank cars. Designed for transporting temperature-sensitive liquids (wine, milk, etc.). These tank cars also consist of two metal layers, with the space between them filled with insulating material. These tank cars can maintain the temperature of the liquid poured into them for a long time. They are often referred to as thermos tank cars.
• Tank cars for transporting caustic substances and chemicals are subject to corrosion. Therefore, they are coated with anti-corrosive material on the inside. Interestingly, concentrated sulfuric acid does not react with iron and can be transported in regular tank cars.
• Tank cars for transporting liquefied gases are built to withstand increased pressure. In them, even the cargo compartment is called a vessel, not a boiler, as in all other tank cars.

The carrying capacity of rail tank cars can reach 125 tons, with a useful volume of up to 161.5 cubic meters.

Cost of transporting liquid by rail in tank cars

The cost of a one-time transportation of liquid in a tank car will depend on the required type of tank car, the weight and volume of the liquid being transported, and the distance it needs to be transported. If the transportation is international, transit customs fees are added to the cost.

If a company regularly sends cargo in tank cars, it is beneficial to take the required type of tank cars on a long-term lease. This reduces the cost of one-time transportation. The tank car rental market allows you to rent any number you need.