Container Owners Association Code of Practice for Flexitanks

Environmental Packaging Technologies Inc is proud to be a member of the Container Owners Association (COA).  The Container Owners Association has created a Code or Practice for the Testing and Manufacturing of Flexitanks and for the Operation of Flexitank/Container Combinations.

You may find the latest Code of Practice issued in the fall of 2011 by visiting the Container Owners Association website or simply click here for the direct link .

EPT Expands Rotterdam Office

Rotterdam, The Netherlands, March 1, 2012 – EPT Packaging Europe B.V., a subsidiary of Environmental Packaging Technologies, Inc., is pleased to announce the expansion and relocation of their Rotterdam facility.

Located at the Port of Rotterdam in the Waalhaven District, the new EPT BV office serves as the European headquarters of EPT.  Managing Director, Peter van Schaik states, “Our continued success and expansion across Europe required us to expand our home base in Rotterdam.  The addition of this new facility allows EPT to provide immediate products and services to our growing customer base.” EPT BV’s central warehouse in Rotterdam can store 4000 flexitanks and offers full fit/load facilities as well as container selection and transloading services.

In addition to sales efforts, the Rotterdam office also manages the EPT European network of agents and depots spanning 12 countries.  “EPT has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort in Europe training and certifying our network of over 30 flexitank sub-depots/fitting stations, each with an inventory based on direct available needs.” states Mr. van Schaik, “In all, we’ve certified 80 EPT fitters and 10 master fitters in Europe to ensure quality installations of our products.”

What Can Be Transported In A Flexitank

What Commodities Can Be Transported In A Flexitank?  

As a generic rule of thumb, most non-hazardous and non-flammable commodities can be transported in a flexitank.  Proper review of a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) can confirm compatibility.

What Commodities Cannot Be Transported In A Flexitank?

If a product has an assigned United Nations (UN) number or North American (NA) number, it is regulated and hazardous. This type of product cannot be transported in a flexitank.  Refer to MSDS.

Other Considerations

The Transportation Section for the different regulatory agencies listed on the MSDS needs to read ”non-regulated material” or “n/a”.

Additionally, review the flashpoint.  In the US, most products packaged in a flexitank should have a flashpoint above 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 93 degrees Celsius.  In Europe, the flashpoint must be above 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Products Commonly Transported In A Flexitank

Wine
Drilling Fluids
Plasticizers
Petrochemicals
Lubricants
Lube Oils
Base Oils
Ethylene Glycol
Parrafin Wax
Mineral Oils
Glucose
Vinegar
Molasses, Honey
Glycerin
Biodiesel- Palm Oil
Animal Oils
Soy Sauce
Egg – Liquid
Fish Sauce
Jam
Malt Extract
Milk
Peanut Oil
Sauces
Sorbitol
Sugar Syrup
Water
Beer
Pharmaceutical Ingredients
Chemicals
Agrochemicals
Tall Oil Fatty Acid
Linseed Oil
Water based paints
Natural/Synthetic Latex
Hair Shampoo/Conditioners
Ink
Lanolin
Ti-Pure Rutile Paper Slurry
Ammonium Thiosulphite
Detergents
Emulsions
Glycerin Adhesive
Optical Brighter
Polyol
Quartenary Ammonium Compounds
Silicate Binder
White Oils
Polymers
Surfactants
Cement and Constructive Additives
Quats – (salt)
Transformer Oil
Corn Syrup and Syrup Concentrate
Hydraulic Fluids, Brake Fluids
Automotive Fluids
Fruit juice and Concentrates
Caramel Coloring
Edible Oils- Canola/Corn/Olive/Fish/Avocado/Cottonseed/Palm/SoyBean/Castor/
Coconut/Peanut/RiceBran/Vegetable

EPT Heater Pad User’s Manual

I.  Introduction

The following flexitank blog post will explain how to properly use the EPT Heater Pad.

a.  Materials of Construction

The Heater Pad has a continuous one piece HDP/Valuflex hose for hot water or steam to flow through for heating product inside the flexitank.

b.  Use and Limitations

The Heater Pad uses low pressure steam or hot water.  Do not use high pressure steam as this could damage the flexitank.

II.  Installation

a.  Container Preparation

It is very important to prepare the container properly and thoroughly.  If the walls or floor of the container are in bad condition, do not use.

Step 1 

Open container and sweep out all dust and dirt.

Step 2

Inspect the container floor for nails, screws, or anything else that might puncture the flexitank.  Remove any sharp objects on the floor.  Use duct tape or corrugated cardboard to cover any rough spots on the floor of the container (NEVER PUT CARDBOARD ON TOP OF HEATER PAD).

b.  Heater Pad Preparation

Step 1

Pull the tape off of the heater pad roll.  DO NOT CUT OFF.

Step 2

Place the heater pad on the floor of the container near the doors.  Make sure that the inlet and outlet hose are at the rear (door end) of the container.  Unroll the heater pad toward the front of the container (away from the doors).  The unit should be centered in the container and close enough to the doors to access the inlet and outlet hose.

Make sure that the hose lays flat on floor without running up the container wall.  Avoid KINKS in the hose.  Taping the ends of the hose down can help.

Step 3

Line up the inlet/outlet hose to the back of the bulkhead panel.  Cut two holes 1” x 1” in the bottom of the bulkhead panel to pull the inlet and outlet hose through.

DO NOT STACK BULKHEAD PANEL ON HEATER HOSE OR HEATER PAD.

The heater pad is now completely installed.

III. Product Discharging

The front of the container must be inclined to completely discharge the flexitank.

 a.  Heating Procedure

Step 1

Install the required fittings to the inlet and discharge hoses.  These are not provided with the heater pad.  It does not matter which side is used for inlet or outlet.

Step 2

Connect the heater pad inlet and outlet hoses to the hot water system being used at the discharge location.

Step 3

Circulate the hot water until the product temperature has been elevated as required for discharge.

This is the sixth in the series of Flexitank Training Posts.

IV. Related Links

For a pdf copy of this post including exact heater pad specifications, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click EPT Heater User’s Manual.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

Click one of the following links to go to an earlier Flexitank Training post:

How To Select A Flexitank Container

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container

How To Load A Bottom Discharge Flexitank

How To Load A Top Discharge Flexitank

How to Discharge A Flexitank

Click the following link for more information on EPT Flexitank Training

EPT Expands Into Guatemala

Flexitank technology leader, Environmental Packaging Technologies Ltd (EPT), Houston, is proud to announce the continued expansion of its Central American network into Guatemala with its partner, Euromex Logistica Intl. & Top Traders. With the opening of this new depot, EPT’s Big RED Flexitank will now be available in Guatemala to service the palm oil and latex markets.

“This expansion is representative of both the success our products and of our strong partnership with Euromex” stated Roger Goose, Vice President of Sales for EPT. “Our combined commitment to quality and service has given us the opportunity to bring the Big Red difference to Guatemala.”

The addition of the Guatemalan depot further strengthens EPT’s position in Central America. Euromex’s depot network include Guadalajara, Toluca, Monterrey, Tampico, Mazatlán, Veracruz, Manzanillo and México City.

About Environmental Packaging Technologies

Environmental Packaging Technologies, Ltd. provides global bulk packaging solutions for the transportation and storage of non-hazardous, flowable products.

For more information about EPT and its expansion, call EPT global sales manager, Jennifer Phillips at 713-961-2795 or email jennifer@eptpac.com.

How To Discharge A Flexitank

The front of the container must be inclined to completely discharge the flexitank.

1. Place the suction pump at a convenient spot between the container and the storage tank.
2. Open the right hand door of the container only.  The left hand door must be closed at all times during the discharging process.
3. Open the snout of the wear sleeve (do not cut) and remove the safety plug on the product valve.
4. Connect the cam-lock coupling of the inlet hose of the pump to the product valve on the flexitank and connect the outlet hose to the storage tank, making sure that these two couplings are properly connected.  Depending on hose size, a reducer may be required as shown below:

   

5. Move the handle of the product valve to the open position and turn on the pump to start the discharging process.  Make sure that the product hose is properly supported to prevent pulling downward on the product valve.  One method is shown below:

   

6. When the product has been 75% to 80% discharged, reduce the pump rate.  When the liquid in the flexitank is lowered to approximately 4 inches (10 cm) from the floor level, 1 to 2 workers must go inside the container to lift up the sides of the flexitank to move the product into the center.  Leave the sides of the flexitank folded over.

   

7. Lift the front end of the flexitank and roll slowly towards the door so that the liquid residue can flow easily towards the product valve.  Continue the process until the liquid inside the flexitank is totally pumped off.

   
   NOTE: For some products, the flexitank is easier to empty if a large, flat tool (i.e. squeegee or the back side of a push broom) is used on the outside of the flexitank to push product toward the product valve.

8. Close the product valve and turn off the suction pump.  Remove the coupling from the product valve.  Replace the safety plug on the product valve.
9. Open the left container door and dismantle the bulkhead.
10. Roll up the flexitank and wear sleeve.  Place them with the bulkhead and support beams.
11. Close the container doors.
12. Remove Bulk Liquid Caution labels/decals from the container.

The discharging process is complete.

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips. Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Discharge A Flexitank. You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the fifth in the series of Flexitank Training Posts.

Click one of the following links to go to an earlier Flexitank Training post:

How To Select A Flexitank Container

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container 

How To Load A Bottom Discharge Flexitank

How To Load A Top Discharge Flexitank 

Click the following link for more information on EPT Flexitank Training

 

How to Load A Top Discharge Flexitank

1. Inspect the flexitank for proper installation. Be sure to check the following items:

   a.  Make sure that the flexitank has been properly unrolled completely against the walls of the container and into the corners. The flexitank should be secured to the container in all corners.

   b. Check that the flexitank valve is positioned correctly.

   c.  Verify the capacity of the flexitank to avoid under or over-filling. Flexitanks can be under or over loaded by up to 2% of the total capacity of the flexitank.

   NOTE: Under or over filling beyond above recommendations may void manufacturer’s warranty.
   
   d.  Effective temperature range is 167°F to -23°F or 75°C to -5°C.

2. Remove the safety cap and locking pin. Pull the lever of the flexitank valve outward to ensure that the ball valve is fully opened.
3. Fit the cam-lock coupling of the loading hose properly to the valve and lock into place. Make sure that the loading hose is properly secured to prevent it falling down on the flexitank and potentially damaging the flexitank.

   NOTE: When filling the flexitank, DO NOT fill beyond capacity guidelines +/- 2%. Check and complete “Installation and Load Report” in the document pouch on the bulkhead.

4. As the flexitank fills move the load hose higher to prevent it from being trapped between the side wall of the container and the flexitank.
5. When the required amount of product has been loaded into the flexitank, close the flexitank valve by moving the handle to the closed position and turn off the pump simultaneously. Insert locking pin into handle to secure its position and seal as necessary.
6. Prior to removing the loading hose from the flexitank valve, drain residual product from hose to a collection point.
7. Clean the valve by removing any excess product and re-secure the bung cap.
8. Ensure that the Warning Label has been affixed to the left hand door of the container. Close the right hand door of the container.

The loading process is complete.

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips. Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Load a Top Discharge Flexitank. You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the fourth in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

Click one of the following links to go to an earlier post:

How To Select A Flexitank Container

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container

How To Load A Bottom Discharge Flexitank

How to Load a Bottom Discharge BIG Red™ Flexitank

1. Inspect the flexitank for proper installation.  Be sure to check the following items:

   a. Make sure that the flexitank has been properly unrolled completely against the walls of the container and into the corners. The flexitank should be secured to the container in all corners.

   b. Check the flexitank valve is secured against the bulkhead and is positioned correctly.

   c. Verify the capacity of the flexitank to avoid under or over-filling.  Flexitanks can be under or over loaded by up to 2% of the total capacity of the flexitank.NOTE:  Under or over filling beyond above recommendations may void  manufacturer’s warranty.

   d. Effective temperature range is 167°F to -23°F or 75°C to -5°C.

2. Open the wear sleeve snout and roll back to expose the valve.
3. Remove the safety cap and locking pin.  Pull the lever of the flexitank valve outward to ensure that the ball valve is fully opened.
4. Fit the cam-lock coupling of the loading hose properly to the valve and lock into place. Make sure that the loading hose is properly supported to prevent pulling downward on the flexitank valve and potentially damaging the flexitank.
   NOTE:  When filling the flexitank, DO NOT fill beyond capacity guidelines +/- 2%.  Check and complete “Installation and Load Report” in the document pouch on the bulkhead.
   
   
5. When the required amount of product has been loaded into the flexitank, close the flexitank valve by moving the handle to the closed position and turn off the pump simultaneously.  Insert locking pin into handle to secure its position and seal as necessary.
6. Prior to removing the loading hose from the flexitank valve, drain residual product from hose to a collection point.
7. Clean the valve by removing any excess product and re-secure the bung cap.
8. Twist the snout of the wear sleeve closed and tighten with the attached zip-tie.  Fold out of the way of the door.
9. Ensure that the Warning Label has been affixed to the left hand door of the container.  Close the right hand door of the container.
   

10. The loading process is now complete.

    For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Load a Bottom Discharge BIG Red Flexitank.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

    This is the third in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

    Click one of the following links to go to an earlier post:

    How To Select A Flexitank Container

    How To Prepare A Flexitank Container
    

     

How To Prepare A Flexitank Container

It is critical to prepare the container properly and thoroughly to avoid container flaws puncturing or damaging the flexitank.  If the walls or floor of the container are in bad condition, DO NOT USE.

1. Open container and sweep out all dust and dirt.
2. Use duct tape to cover the corner welds of the container.  There are typically 2 welds on each side of the container and 2 more on the front wall. Put duct tape from the floor of the container to approximately ¾ the height of the container wall.  This is to prevent the rough welds from chafing the flexitank.
3. Using your hand, feel the walls of the container for rough spots.  Cover any rough spots with duct tape.  Use corrugation to cover any rough wall areas.
4. Inspect the container floor for nails, screws, or anything else that might puncture the flexitank.  Remove any sharp objects on the floor.  Use duct tape or corrugation to cover any rough spots on the floor of the container.NOTE:  The flexitank box may be used to cover large portions of the floor if required.  Use of corrugation does not replace correct container preparation.
5. If the container does not pass all categories of the checklist, reject the container and use another one.

   For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Prepare A Flexitank Container.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

   This is the second in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.

   Click the following link to go to the previous post:  How To Select A Flexitank Container.

    

How To Select A Flexitank Container

1. Containers selected for flexitank transport must have a gross weight rating of at least 30,480 Kgs.
2. Containers must be no more than 10 years old.
3. Both side walls should be corrugated for the entire length of the side wall.  Any container with flat decal panels must be rejected.
4. There should not be any deformation to any of the container walls.
5. Each door must have a minimum of two locking bars and each locking bar must be retained by a minimum of three locking bar brackets.
6.  All locking bar cams should lock into both top and bottom locking bar cam retainers correctly.
7. Handles should position freely into door handle retainers and door handle catches should fully close.
8. Structural parts of the door; vertical sections, upper and lower ‘C” sections should be free from buckling and dents.  All hinges should be in working order and free moving.
9. The floor must be free from splinters and protruding nails, screws, and other fixings.
10. Any container with any of the following features should be rejected:

• Gouge greater than ½” (15mm) deep irrespective of length
• Gouge more than ¼” (6mm) deep and greater than 6” (150mm) wide irrespective of length
• Repaired sections larger than 2’ (610mm) x 2’ (610mm)
• De-lamination of the floor boards or any other damage affecting floor strength
• Difference in height between adjacent plants/panels greater than ½” (15mm)
• Holes in the floor or walls other than nail holes/li>
• Excessive rust

For a pdf copy of this post, click the following link which will take you to the LinkedIn Profile of EPT Flexitank Sales Manager, Jennifer Phillips.  Scroll down to the bottom and click How To Select A Flexitank Container.  You may need to log into your existing LinkedIn account.

This is the first in a series of Flexitank Training Posts.