Proper maintenance of a self-supporting straight cylindrical, non-insulated and ADR-approved tank not only extends its service life, but is also essential to guarantee safety, avoid incidents during transport and comply with current regulations.
A well-maintained tank reduces operational risks, unforeseen costs and problems during technical inspections.
1. Regular cleaning after each use
After each unloading operation, it is essential to properly clean the inside of the tank, especially when transporting chemical products or ADR-regulated liquids.
Incorrect cleaning may cause:
- Cross-contamination between products
- Premature deterioration of materials
- Risks during subsequent loading operations
It is advisable to use cleaning methods compatible with the transported product and to avoid agents that may damage the tank material.
2. Periodic visual inspection
Before and after each service, a basic visual inspection should be carried out to detect:
- Impacts or deformations on the cylindrical body
- Leaks, stains or product residues
- Condition of welds, flanges and connections
Detecting damage in time prevents major repairs and possible vehicle immobilisation.
3. Inspection of valves and loading/unloading openings
Valves and closing systems are critical elements in an ADR tank.
It is important to periodically check:
- Proper operation of the valves
- Tightness of seals and closures
- Absence of corrosion or wear
A failure in these components may represent a serious risk during transport or product handling.
4. Structural control of the self-supporting design
The self-supporting structure must be kept in perfect condition to ensure correct load distribution.
It is recommended to:
- Inspect anchoring points and supports
- Verify that there are no abnormal stresses on the tank body
- Avoid overloading beyond the nominal capacity of 22,500 litres
Respecting load limits is essential to maintain structural integrity.
5. Compliance with ADR inspections
ADR-approved tanks must undergo mandatory periodic inspections, as established by regulations.
These inspections guarantee:
- Equipment safety
- Validity of the approval
- Compliance to continue operating legally
Failure to meet inspection deadlines may result in penalties or even withdrawal of the tank from service.
6. Storage and protection when not in use
When the tank is not used for long periods, it is advisable to:
- Completely empty it
- Clean and dry it properly
- Protect it from humidity, corrosive agents and accidental impacts
Proper storage prevents invisible deterioration that may appear over time.
The value of professional maintenance
At Fernández y Aedo, we recommend approaching ADR tank maintenance from a preventive, not reactive, perspective.
A periodic inspection programme allows you to:
- Extend the service life of the equipment
- Reduce unexpected downtime
- Guarantee safety in every transport operation