RS60972B1 - Tank container with increased volume and load capacity - Google Patents

Description

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank, in particular to a tank for storage and/or transport of gas, liquid and/or solids.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A tank is an intermodal tank for transporting liquids and/or gases. A standard tank includes a manhole and at least one connection. Loading and unloading is carried out by connecting the pipes of the installation for loading and unloading to the tank connections. After that, it can be loaded or unloaded. The connection is part of a valve, also called an outlet valve, which can interrupt the supply or discharge of liquid and/or gas, if necessary. The joints are made of a composite valve in accordance with the regulations.

[0003] Tanks often contain corner castings (or corner pieces) at the ends of the front and rear frames, and the corner castings have lifting holes (lifting lugs) for lifting the tank with a crane. These angle castings are standardized, so tanks are often limited to a maximum gross weight of 34 tons, with exceptions of 38 to 40 tons.

[0004] Documents US7322227B2 and CA2765684A1 describe examples of tanks according to the state of the art in the patent literature.

[0005] Document NL8902602A describes even more precisely a tank that includes at least one tank or container attached to a parallelepiped frame, where the width of the frame is such a fractional part of the width of the container that is standardized according to ISO norms (about 8 feet) that by connecting a certain number of adjacent tanks, a cluster is formed with the mentioned width according to ISO norms (8 feet) and that the length of the frame is equal to the length of the tank standardized according to ISO norms (for example, about 10 feet, about 20 feet) or such a fractional portion that a number of adjacent tanks are connected to form a cluster of ISO tank length.

[0006] The document EP13192751.9, published as EP 2 730 832, makes available to the public tanks with increased volumes from 24000 to 52500 l. This tank is designed for the storage and/or transport of gas and/or liquid, and the tank contains a tank vessel, a frame and at least one outlet valve, where the end of said outlet valve is attached to the flange of the tank, which is preferably sunk between 1 and 30 cm into the depression at the end base of said tank vessel, preferably between 5 and 20 cm, most preferably between 10 and 15 cm. By lowering at least one outlet valve, the length of the tank vessel inside the frame can be increased.

[0007] The problem of known intermodal tanks is that the volume is limited by the dimensions of the frame around the tank and the space that the outlet valve occupies on the tank and that must be contained within (the housing) of the ISO frame.

[0008] When transporting tanks on railway wagons, two or three standard tanks of 20 feet length or two standard tanks of about 26 or 30 feet length can actually be placed consecutively on e.g. a four-axle wagon (eg 45 or 60 feet, with a tare weight of about 16 to 22 tons), which can be loaded up to a maximum gross weight of 90 tons. For this purpose, the two tanks may or may not be interconnected by means of a double frame. However, it has not been seen until now that the wagon is fully utilized by installing one large, separate tank of increased volume and carrying capacity, which offers faster and easier installation.

[0009] If the tanks are attached to each other to form a single unit, the angle castings at the bottom (2 x 4 angle casting) in practice will not be loaded simultaneously or equally during the transfer of force to the chassis or wagon, which may result in permanent deformation of the tank.

[0010] A further increase in length and volume in one tank, thus without forming a cluster and enabling the transport of even more gas and/or liquid with increased load capacity, without permanently deforming the tank while it is placed on a railway wagon or lifted, is still unknown.

[0011] The subject of the present invention is an improved tank device that offers a solution to at least one of the stated disadvantages in transporting gases and/or liquids, as described in patent claim 1. Documents US 3446 394 and US 6079 580 show a tank of smaller dimensions, but with front and rear ends protruding from the front and rear frames.

Brief description of the invention

[0012] The subject invention relates in the first aspect to a tank for storage and/or transport of gas and/or liquid, and the tank contains in the first aspect an elongated, mostly cylindrical vessel of the tank, a frame and at least one outlet valve, wherein the frame contains a front and a rear frame, each with 2 or 4 corner castings with devices for receiving or engagement with connecting means, which are attached to the front ends of the tank, indicated by the fact that the gross weight of the tank is greater than 40000 kg. By using better quality material for corner castings of the tank, it is possible to prevent the tank from being permanently deformed in the case of such high tonnages, e.g. when lifting.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to a tank in the form of a box with 4 corner castings on the bottom for storage and/or transport of solid substances, where the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 40000 kg.

[0014] In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a tank or tank in the form of a box, as described in this document, for subsequent transport and/or storage, where said tank or tank in the form of a box is placed on a wagon and any of the following: chassis, terminal for tanks. Therefore, the present invention enables intermodal transport involving rail transport and also enables temporary storage on a railcar.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a system for the storage and/or transport of gas, liquids and/or solids by a tank or box tank, where the tank or box tank is located on a chassis, wagon or tank terminal.

[0016] Further preferred technical solutions are described in dependent patent claims.

[0017] Explicit characteristics, advantages and objectives of the subject invention will become clear to a skilled worker in the state of the art from the following detailed description of the technical solutions of the invention and the accompanying drawings. The figures are only illustrative of the invention and are in no way limiting the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The following drawings show preferred technical solutions of the invention.

Figure 1 is a side view of the tank along the longitudinal axis, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the tank along the longitudinal axis of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

Figure 4 is a distant view of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In the following text, the invention will be described by means of non-limiting examples which illustrate the invention and which are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0020] In this document, the term "chassis" refers to the basic frame of a wheeled vehicle, especially a truck or wagon. The term "truck" refers to a large, heavy-duty vehicle that includes a chassis and is adapted to carry tankers. The term "front end" refers to either "front end" or "rear end".

[0021] In this document, the terms "wagon module" and "wagon" are used interchangeably.

[0022] "About" as used herein, and referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, amount, duration, and the like, is understood to include variations of /- 20% or less, preferably /- 10% or less, more preferably /- 5% or less, even more preferably /- 1% or less, even more preferably /- 0.1% or less from the stated value, enter the extent such variations are as appropriate to perform in the prona made available to the public. However, it should be understood that the very value to which the "about" modifier refers is also specifically made available to the public.

[0023] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a tank (1) (in this document also called "reservoir") for storage and/or transport of gas and/or liquid, and the tank (1) comprises, in the first aspect, an elongated, generally cylindrical container (2) of the tank, a frame and at least one outlet valve (21), where the frame contains a front and a rear frame (4), each with 2 or 4 corner castings (7), also known as corner points or corner castings, with devices for acceptance or engagement with connecting means, which are attached to the specified vessel (2) of the tank, tank (1), indicated by the fact that the gross weight of the tank is greater than 40000 kg.

[0024] The vessel (2) of the tank contains a front end and a rear end connected by a shell. The vessel (2) of the tank has a longitudinal direction that defines the length of the vessel. In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the front frame is attached to said tank vessel near the front front end of the tank vessel, wherein the distance between the front end end and the front frame is not greater than 50% of the length of said vessel. In a more preferred technical solution, the specified distance between the front front end and the front frame is not greater than 40% of the length of the specified vessel. Likewise, in a preferred technical solution of the invention, the rear frame is attached to said tank vessel near the rear front end of the tank vessel, where the distance between the rear front end and the rear frame is not greater than 50% of the length of said vessel. In a more preferred technical solution, the specified distance between the rear front end and the rear frame is not greater than 40% of the length of the specified vessel.

[0025] In the preferred technical solution of the invention, the maximum gross weight of the tank is greater than 40000 kg. In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank is greater than 50,000 kg. In an even more desirable technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank is greater than 60,000 kg. In an even more desirable technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank is greater than 70,000 kg. In the most preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank is 75,000 kg. This feature is particularly suitable for the storage and/or transport of heavy liquids, i.e. with a density of about 1.0 - 1.7 kg/l, which can significantly increase the weight of the load.

[0026] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the corner castings (7) of the tank are made of material with an elastic limit of at least 600 N/mm<2>.

[0027] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the corner castings (7) of the tank are made of steel.

[0028] Angle castings (7) at the end of the tank frame are usually dimensioned according to ISO norms for use on tanks weighing 38 to 40 tons, but in this invention they are dimensioned for higher tonnages (more than 40 up to a maximum of 75 tons). When a better quality of material is used, namely steel, an elastic limit of at least 600 N/mm<2> is suitable to prevent such a heavy tank vessel from being permanently deformed when, for example, it is lifted by a crane.

[0029] In the preferred technical solution of the invention, three support seats (19, also known as support points) are provided at the bottom of the tank:

• one at a distance of 1.6 m to 2.2 m from the front frame;

• one at a distance of 1.6 m to 2.2 m from the rear frame;

• one central one under the tank;

where said supporting seats (19) preferably have a free height of 12 mm above the bottom surface of the frame.

[0030] When the tank is placed on a railway wagon, these supporting seats usually do not touch the upper side of the wagon, given the free height of 12 mm.

[0031] When the tank is mounted on transport means, e.g. truck trailer, the supporting seats will touch the vehicles. This offers optimum support for the tanks during storage and transport, especially thanks to the central support seat.

[0032] An inventive aspect of this modularity of the present invention is that the chassis or wagon can be further used for other activities while the tank is being loaded, unloaded, moved on site, repaired or cleaned (eg after unloading chemicals). As a result, the chassis or wagon is no longer occupied by such tank(s) during such periods. Modularity further offers the possibility of transporting empty tanks by truck to facilities for maintenance and cleaning. This solution is flexible and cheap and to some extent will allow the device to be used for multiple purposes (different types of goods).

[0033] The development and use of the present invention will be the key to the reorganization and flexibility of on-site logistics, including transportation and temporary storage at the first and last mile. Handling such tanks will greatly increase the utilization of the device and significantly reduce the round trip time.

[0034] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the corner castings (7) of the tank are equipped with lifting holes for the passage of the swivel lock for attaching the tank to the chassis or wagon (at the bottom) or the terminal for the tank (in the upper part), the lifting holes are suitable for allowing the expansion of the material of the vessel (2) of the tank under the influence of heat.

[0035] For example: when in the case of a 40-foot or 45-foot tank, the temperature difference between the environment and the inside of the tank is 100°C, the stainless steel tank wall can be expected to expand by about 20-25 mm.

[0036] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the tank is at least 6058 mm (20 feet) long, preferably 7820 mm (26 feet), 9144 mm (30 feet), 12192 mm (40 feet), 13716 mm (45 feet), 15240 mm (50 feet) or more than 50 feet long, at least 2438 mm (8 feet) wide, preferably 2550 mm or more than 2550 mm wide and at least 2438 mm (8 feet) high, preferably 2591 mm (8.6 feet), 2895 mm (9.5 feet) or more than 2895 mm high.

[0037] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the volume of the tank is at least 24000 l, preferably at least 30000 l, even more preferably at least 37500 l, even more preferably at least 50000 l, even more preferably at least 60000 l, even more preferably at least 81500 l, and most preferably at least 95500 l.

[0038] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the weight of the filled tank is at least 40 tons, more preferably at least 50 tons, even more preferably at least 60 tons, even more preferably at least 70 tons and most preferably at least 75 tons. In one technical solution with 75 tons, the tank has a carrying capacity twice that of a normal tank and comparable to the capacity of a rail tank car according to the known concept, i.e. wagon containing the tank vessel as an integrated unit.

[0039] Another inventive aspect of the present invention is that the tank is designed for optimal handling and storage of goods. This principle is known in conventional intermodal transport, but the tank in question offers even better efficiency in terms of storage and transport. Larger tonnages enable e.g. faster delivery of cargo, especially in cases where the subject invention allows delivery with one tank, while more than one tank is needed to deliver the same weight of cargo with smaller tanks (with lower tonnage). In this way, conventional rail transport appears to be as flexible and fast as combined transport, without jeopardizing the advantages offered by the existing, high capacity of conventional rail transport.

[0040] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, at least one shaft is located in the shell or at the front end of said tank vessel.

[0041] In the preferred technical solution, two more shafts are provided, so that the tank can be optimally cleaned.

[0042] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, one or more outlet valves are provided at the end or on the left and/or right side of the tank.

[0043] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, a slight slope is provided on the tank along the longitudinal direction, preferably a slope of 0.1°, which corresponds to a slope of 20-25 mm over the entire length of the tank of 45 feet, or even more preferably a slope of 0.3°, which corresponds to a slope of 50-60 mm over the entire length of the tank of 45 feet. This slope in particular enables improved discharge through the outlet valve (21) at the lowest end of the tank, e.g. when the tank is immovably mounted on the wagon.

[0044] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the tank can be insulated.

[0045] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the tank can be heated.

[0046] In another aspect, the invention relates to a tank in the form of a box with 4 castings on the bottom for storage and/or transport of solids, where the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 40000 kg. With this, 2 of the 4 castings on the bottom belong to the front frame, and the other 2 belong to the rear frame, and all four are located in the bottom corners of their respective frames. In one technical solution of the invention, the maximum gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 40,000 kg. In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 50,000 kg. In an even more preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 60,000 kg. In an even more preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is greater than 70,000 kg. In the most preferred technical solution of the invention, the gross weight of the tank in the form of a box is 75,000 kg. This feature is particularly suitable for storing and/or transporting large or heavy loads, for example steel coils. Hereby, in view of the fact that no more than four bottom castings are present, the bottom corner castings are adapted to carry very large weights.

[0047] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the corner castings (7) of the tank in the form of a box are made of steel. By using a better quality of material, for example steel, an elastic limit of at least 600 N/mm<2> is suitable to prevent such a heavy box tank from being permanently deformed when, for example, it is lifted by a crane.

[0048] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, corner castings (7) of the tank in the form of a box are equipped with lifting openings for the passage of the swivel lock for attaching the tank to the chassis or wagon (at the bottom) or the tank terminal (in the upper part).

[0049] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a wagon adapted for receiving a tank as described herein. Hereby, said wagon is capable of carrying said tank, and said wagon is optimized for compactness, fast braking and low noise, with a TSI noise level preferably below 78 dB(A). According to one technical solution of the subject invention with a tank weight of 75 tons, the ability to carry said tank requires the ability to carry up to 75 tons on four corner castings at the bottom of the tank. Also here, in view of the fact that no more than four bottom corner castings are present, the bottom corner castings are adapted to carry very large weights.

[0050] In a preferred technical solution, said wagon is optimized for compactness. Here, the optimization of compactness includes aspects of physical dimensions, as well as the reduced weight of the wagon, taking into account the load to be carried. In one technical solution, the wagon is adapted to transport the first load, a single 45-foot tank, or the second load, which is a combination of a 20-foot and a 26-foot tank. In the case of said first or second load, the length of said wagon is preferably between 14.8 and 15.8 meters, more preferably between 15 and 15.6 meters, most preferably about 15.3 meters, where the latter corresponds to a load length of 46 feet. However, for the mentioned first and second load, the loading height is preferably between 90 cm and 130 cm, even more preferably between 100 cm and 120 cm, most preferably around 110 cm. In terms of weight, still for said first and second loads, the wagon weight or tare weight is preferably between 13 tons and 19 tons, more preferably between 15 and 17 tons, most preferably around 16 tons. The compact design of the wagons provides important advantages in terms of logistics.

[0051] In a preferred technical solution, said wagon is optimized for improved braking, preferably with a disc brake. This brake improvement includes aspects of power, but also noise. In particular, due to the high load requirements, it is important to ensure that timely and powerful braking is possible. In a preferred technical solution, the improved brakes include automatic brake check equipment. In addition, noise levels can be reduced by improved braking, as explained below.

[0052] In a preferred technical solution, said wagon is optimized for low noise, with a TSI noise level preferably below 78 dB(A). This refers to European Union noise regulations for new or upgraded interoperable rolling stock, with standards known as Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI).

[0053] Of all noise sources, braking and squealing when cornering are specific sources of distracting and disturbing noise. Disc brakes are used in the preferred technical solution, as they provide greater noise reduction potential than common current technologies, such as composite brake blocks. Disc brakes are superior to the aforementioned composite brake blocks, as they allow for reduced wheel wear and are compatible with other options to improve the acoustic properties of the wheels. In a further preferred technical solution, the acoustic properties of the wheels and wagons are further improved by using acoustic absorbers and/or highly efficient noise dampening devices and/or axle linings to reduce vibrational noise and/or by installing substructure insulation.

[0054] In this way, the mentioned wagons are adapted to a reduced TSI noise level, preferably below 78 dB(A). Noise reduction is important to protect the health and quality of life of people living near railways. Rail traffic noise and public resistance to increased traffic and new noise infrastructure are major obstacles to achieving the environmental goal of shifting traffic to less carbon-intensive modes of transport such as rail.

[0055] An important aspect of the present invention is the combined use of said tank or tank in the form of a box with a wagon adapted for this purpose. For the large loads that are the subject of this invention, existing train transport concepts have always relied on a wagon containing a tank vessel as an integrated unit. Contrary to this, the present invention enables the separation of the vessel containing the goods (tank module) from the chassis (wagon module). The wagon module or wagon related to the subject invention contains a chassis, but does not contain a vessel. Instead, the wagon was adapted to accept a tank. This modularity brings a cost advantage. The tank module can be designed for optimal handling and storage. This principle is known from conventional intermodal transport. On the other hand, the wagon module can be further used for operations while the tank is loaded, unloaded, moved on site, repaired or cleaned.

The tank does not occupy the wagon longer than strictly necessary. Thanks to this modularity, the subject invention allows for a significant increase in the use of the equipment as round trip times can be significantly shortened. Greater use of equipment will lead to shorter innovation cycles, and therefore to faster integration of the latest standards, including safety. In general, fewer wagons are needed. Using a crane improves supply and cleaning, and repairs can be carried out faster.

[0056] Modularization further provides the possibility that empty modules can be transported by truck to facilities for maintenance and cleaning. The advantage of trucking is that it is flexible. Furthermore, modularization enables to a certain extent the use of equipment for multiple purposes (multiple types of goods). Today, wagons containing the tank vessel as an integrated unit are largely used on a dedicated basis due to the lack of cleaning possibilities, which necessitates empty transport to the loading point.

[0057] In a third aspect, the invention relates to the use of a tank or tank in the form of a box, as described herein, for subsequent transport and/or storage, where said tank or tank in the form of a box is mounted on a wagon and any of the following: truck chassis, tank terminal. As such, tanks can be used for rail transport, inland waterways and (when empty) also for road transport.

[0058] According to the first technical solution of the mentioned use, the tank is handled and it is filled at the first tank terminal in the first step. In the second step, the tank is transported by train on a wagon to another tank terminal. In the third step, the tank is handled and unloaded at the specified second tank terminal. In the fourth step, the specified tank is driven by truck in an empty state to the cleaning facility.

[0059] In the second technical solution of the specified use, the first, second and third steps are identical to the corresponding steps in the first technical solution of the specified use. However, the fourth step does not involve trucking, as the tanker is held near another tank terminal and cleaned at that location.

[0060] According to the third technical solution of the mentioned use, the tank is handled and filled at the first tank terminal in the first step. In the second step, the tank is transported by train to the first shipping terminal that contains the tank handling facilities. In the third step, the tanker is shipped by barge to another shipping terminal that contains tank handling facilities.

In the fourth step, the tanker is taken by train to another tank terminal. In the fifth step, the tank is cleaned at or near the second tank terminal.

[0061] In further technical solutions of the mentioned use, short distances, e.g. between the tank terminal and the cleaning facility, they can be bridged by train (filled or empty tanks) or truck (empty tanks). In addition, temporary storage in the wagon may be included between handling. Alternatively, tank containers can stand alone (without wagons) during temporary storage.

[0062] In a preferred technical solution of the invention, the first tank contains two frames (front frame and rear frame) on its outer parts. Each of said frames is adapted to carry heavy weights and is adapted to stack another tank on top of said tank. In this way, said frames can be adapted to be in contact with the frames of the second tank when said second tank is mounted on the first tank. Preferably, said second tank also includes two frames adapted for stacking the tank thereon. This allows the third tank to be stacked on top of the second, etc. The aforementioned stacking is advantageous, especially when the tanks are placed in the tank depot for storage. By stacking tanks, the area required for storage is reduced, freeing up rail capacity that would otherwise be occupied by loaded tanks.

[0063] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a system for storage and/or transport of gas, liquid and/or solid material with a tank or tank in the form of a box according to any of the patent claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the tank or tank in the form of a box is located on a chassis, wagon or terminal for tanks.

EXAMPLES

[0064] The invention will now be further described by the following examples, without limitation thereof.

[0065] Figure 1 is a side view of the tank along the longitudinal axis, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a plane view of the tank along the longitudinal axis of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

[0067] Figure 3 is a rear view of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

[0068] Figure 4 is a distant view of the tank, according to the preferred technical solution of the invention.

[0069] The tank (1) is equipped with an elongated, generally cylindrical vessel (2) of the tank and a frame, which contains two side frames (4) attached to the vessel (2) of the tank, the tank (1), wherein the front frame is attached near the front end, and the rear frame is attached near the rear end. These side frames (4) carry the vessel (2) of the tank. The vessel (2) of the tank consists of various welded parts. The cistern (1) is equipped with an inlet and outlet connection (valve) (21), which is the last one visible from the rear in Figure 3.

[0070] The front and rear frames (4) carry the vessel (2) of the tank. Additional support can be obtained by means of three support seats (19) which are connected to the vessel (2) of the tank. Each frame (4) has two upper and two lower corner moldings (7). Both side frames (4) consist of upper transverse supports (15) and lower transverse supports (14) and corner supports (16) which are placed between corner castings (7).

[0071] In this technical solution of the tank (1), the shaft (10) is provided in the shell of the vessel (2) of the tank. The manhole (10) is sealed using manhole screws (11) with the manhole cover (12).

[0072] It is assumed that the subject invention is not limited to the technical solutions described above and that some changes or modifications can be added to the described examples without re-evaluating the attached patent claims.

Claims (9)

Patent claims 1. A tank (1) for storing and/or transporting gas and/or liquid, where the tank (1) comprises a frame and an elongated, generally cylindrical vessel (2) of the tank having a front end (13) and a rear end (13) connected by a shell and further equipped with a shaft (10) and at least one outlet valve (21), where the frame comprises two side frames (4), of which the front frame (4) is attached to the vessel (2) of the tank near said front end front end (13), and of which the rear frame (4) is attached to the vessel (2) of the tank near said rear front end (13), said front frame (4) and said rear frame (4) further comprising 2 or 4 corner castings (7) each, said corner castings (7) having lifting holes, adapted for the passage of a turn lock, and the tank (1) is at least 40 feet long, and the tank (1) has a volume of at least 50,000 l and a maximum gross weight of more than 40,000 kg, up to a maximum of 75,000 kg, characterized by the fact that the front and rear front ends (13) protrude at a distance from the front and rear frames (4), whereby the distance is not greater than 40% of the length of the vessel (2) of the tank, and that the said corner castings (7) are made of steel material with an elastic limit of at least 600 N/mm<2>. 2. Tank (1) according to patent claim 1, characterized in that three supporting seats (19) are provided on the underside of the tank: - one at a distance of 1.6 m to 2.2 m from the front frame; - one at a distance of 1.6 m to 2.2 m from the rear frame; - one central one under the container; where said support seats (19) have a free height of 12 mm above the bottom surface of the frame. 3. Tank (1) according to any one of patent claims 1-2, characterized in that two or more shafts (10) are provided in the shell or at the front end of the vessel (2) of the tank. 4. Tank (1) according to any one of patent claims 1-3, characterized in that one or more outlet valves are provided at the front end (13) or on the left and/or right side of the tank. 5. The cistern (1) according to any one of patent claims 1-4, characterized in that the cistern is provided with a slight slope in the longitudinal direction. 6. Tank (1) according to any one of patent claims 1-5, characterized in that the tank is insulated and/or adapted for heating. 7. The use of the tank (1) for intermodal transport, at least including rail transport, and in which the tank (1) corresponds to any of patent claims 1 - 6, and said use includes: - handling and filling of said tank (1) at the first tank terminal, and - transportation of the filled tank (1) by train from the mentioned first tank terminal to the second tank terminal, during which the tank (1) is placed on the chassis of the tank wagon module adapted to receive the tank (1), where during the said transport by train only one tank (1) is provided on the tank car module, the tank (1) being filled to a gross weight of at least 40000 kg, and where the tank (1) is separated from the tank car module, at the said first or second tank terminal for filling, discharging, moving on site, repairing or cleaning the tank. 8. Use according to the previous patent claim 7, which further comprises the steps of handling and emptying said tank (1) at said second tank terminal, where the empty tank (1) is separately taken to a facility for maintenance and cleaning on the chassis of an independent heavy road vehicle adapted to receive the tank (1). 9. Use according to any of claims 7-8, where said tank (1) is filled with a liquid of density between 1.0 kg/l and 1.7 kg/l.