Coded vacuum tanks are used to haul and dispose hazardous material and are largely used in the downstream segment of the oil and gas industry for pumping and disposal of hazardous waste.
These coded vacuum tanks are built and certified to a specific set of rigorous safety standards, typically outlined by organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Coded vacuum tanks must conform to DOT407 or DOT412 specifications.
The tanks are constructed to withstand high internal and external pressures, and they are built with additional safety features to prevent spills and protect the public in the event of an accident. The welds are often X-rayed and the entire tank undergoes rigorous hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing.
Coded tanks are built in carbon steel or stainless steel and are more expensive than their non-coded counterparts.
Capacity of these tanks ranges from 1,000 gallons to 5,400 gallons.
Coded vacuum tank trucks are essential for industries that deal with hazardous and regulated waste, including:
- Oil and Gas: Transporting crude oil, drilling muds, and other hazardous byproducts from drilling sites.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Hauling chemical waste, acids, and other corrosive liquids from industrial plants.
- Environmental Remediation: Cleaning up hazardous material spills, contaminated soil, and industrial sludge.
- Municipal and Industrial Waste: Handling and transporting a variety of hazardous sludges and waste streams.
Coded vacuum tanks with capacities above 2,500 gallons are typically mounted on Class 8 truck chassis.