Used tank container: ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker
A used tank is an ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker housed in a standard 20-foot frame — volume of 24-26 m³ for transporting bulk liquids. The secondary market is driven by agrochemicals (wine, concentrated fruit juices, oils) and specialty chemicals (diluted acids, glycols). A five-year inspection (hydraulic pressure test) is mandatory — a used tank without an up-to-date test cannot be sold.
Price 2026 by status
A used tank is an ISO 6870 bulk liquid tanker housed in a standard 20-foot frame — volume of 24-26 m³ for transporting bulk liquids. The secondary market is driven by agrochemicals (wine, concentrated fruit juices, oils) and specialty chemicals (diluted acids, glycols). A five-year inspection (hydraulic pressure test) is mandatory — a used tank without an up-to-date test cannot be sold.
| Status | Price Excl. VAT | For what use |
|---|---|---|
| Used stainless steel tank 316L food grade (wines, juices) | 9 000 € – 18 000 € | Bulk wine making, concentrated juices, dairy products |
| Used epoxy-coated steel tank (standard chemicals) | 12 000 € – 25 000 € | Diluted acids, glycols, non-aggressive solvents |
| Used heated or insulated tank (sensitive goods) | 18 000 € – 35 000 € | Solidifying oils, liquid chocolate, syrups |
Excluding specific delivery (ADR transport if tank classified). Five-year test (CSC + IMDG) required. Tank decontamination before purchase if changing products.
For whom?
Bulk winemaker, concentrated food juice distributor, chemical class 3-8 ADR transporter. The used tank allows access to certified equipment at 30-50% of the new price, provided you accept the cost of decontamination (£1,500-4,000) when switching products.
Key points to remember
- ISO 6870 stainless steel 316L tank (food grade) or epoxy-coated steel (chemicals)
- Usable volume 24-26 m³ (depending on product density)
- Standard 20-foot ISO frame — handled by twist-lock
- Service pressure 4 bar, pressure test 6 bar every 5 years (mandatory)
- Top/bottom valves with PTFE or EPDM gaskets according to product
Frequently Asked Questions
What hazardous products can be transported in used tanks?+
Under ADR: classes 3 (flammable liquids such as ethanol, white spirit), class 8 (diluted corrosives such as acetic acid, soda < 30%), class 9 (miscellaneous materials). Classes 2 (compressed gases) and 5.1 (strong oxidisers) require a new pressure tank. Check material compatibility with the FDS.
How much does it cost to decontaminate a used tank between two products?+
Simple decontamination (water + food-grade detergent): €800-€1,500. Chemical decontamination (change ADR class): €2,500-€4,500 with an ADR-3.5 certificate. To switch from a chemical product to a food product: recommend NOT doing so, or require complete cleaning + gasket replacement.
Pressure test every 5 years: what can cause a used tank to fail?+
Four main causes: (1) internal pitting corrosion in the tank (old acid), (2) micro-cracks on longitudinal welds / rivets, (3) leaking valve gaskets at 6 bar pressure, (4) 20-foot frame deformed after port impacts. A failed tank is scrapped — dry loss.
Used tank for hire vs purchase: what to choose?+
For < 6 months of use or < 8 rotations/year: prefer hiring (€300-€600/month depending on product). For weekly rotation or permanent use: amortise a used purchase over 5-7 years. A hired heating tank is more cost-effective than purchasing due to externalised technical maintenance.
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