Category Archives: cladding

decals

Question:  “Can I install new decals on top of old decals?”

Tank Guru:  When it comes to the regulatory markings on a container, what is typically specified in various regulations is the size of the required markings and their location; NOT the manner in which they are installed.  There is no rule stating that one cannot install a new decal on top of an old decal.   That said, there is no reason that it wouldn’t be better to first remove the old decal. 

But, if for example the old decal is faded or illegible due to years of sun exposure and likewise adhered to the cladding because of being baked on by the sun and therefore difficult to remove; then I suppose you could install the new decal on top of the old one.  Just make sure that the new decal is securely affixed and easy to read (old decal does not show through).  Thanks for the question.

cladding for insulation required under Special Provision TP38

Question:  Do we need to use stainless steel cladding when insulating tanks with 4″ insulation (as required for PIH products)?”

Tank Guru:  The insulation requirement for toxic products which are considered an inhalation hazard (special provision TP38) is as follows:  “Each portable tank must be insulated with an insulating material so that the overall thermal conductance at 15.5 °C (60 °F) is no more than 1.5333 kilojoules per hour per square meter per degree Celsius (0.075 Btu per hour per square foot per degree Fahrenheit) temperature differential. Insulating materials may not promote corrosion to steel when wet.”

In the simplest terms, 100mm (4″) of any of the normal insulating materials used on tank containers (mineral wool, fiberglass, polyurethane, etc.) more than meets the requirement.  And while it is most common to see tanks carrying PIH products with SS cladding, this is not required and any jacketing material will work.