Size compartments around the deliveries, not the customer count
A compartment can separate a product or reserve a quantity for a delivery, but every division also adds structure, valves, piping, cleaning and inspection work. One compartment per customer is therefore not a useful starting rule.
Map the products, realistic drop quantities, route sequence and remaining load after each delivery. More small compartments do not automatically create more flexibility. The full and partial load cases need the tank designer’s review.
Check whether separation survives the piping arrangement
A bulkhead separates space inside the tank. Shared loading or discharge paths can still create a contamination route unless identification and operating controls preserve the intended segregation. Review the tank and transfer circuit together.
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| Decision | What to establish | Condition or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Segregation | Separate products when compatibility and quality controls require it. | A bulkhead does not replace controlled piping and identification. |
| Drop pattern | Match compartment sizes to realistic customer deliveries. | Too many small compartments can reduce usable flexibility. |
| System complexity | Count valves, pipes, meters, cleaning and inspection points. | Every added path requires control and maintenance. |
| Load cases | Check full and partial compartment axle and stability conditions. | The controlling case may not be the full-load case. |
Build a compartment demand schedule before drawing the tank
Compartment count follows delivery segregation and drop quantities, not a preference for more sections.
The schedule defines delivery demand, but it does not yet define tank capacity or exactly three compartments. Piping, discharge order, structural design and operating allowances still control.
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| Step | Calculation or condition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nominal scheduled volume | 3,000 + 5,000 + 4,000 | 12,000 L |
| Segregation check | Separate incompatible products and required drops | At least the documented delivery groups |
| Mass and fill check | Each compartment volume × product density | Compare with tank and axle limits |
- Delivery A: 3,000 L of product 1
- Delivery B: 5,000 L of product 2
- Delivery C: 4,000 L of product 1
Illustrative deliveries only. A qualified tank designer and destination requirements control compartment design and loading.
Give the designer the delivery sequence and cleaning requirements
Include the usable quantity of each product, receiving connections and proposed pump-and-meter arrangement. Ask for the valve and piping scope, identification method, relevant axle and stability cases, and cleaning controls before approving the divisions.
Information to prepare for this review
- Products and segregation requirements
- Customer drop sizes and route sequence
- Required usable volume per product
- Loading and discharge connections
- Pump, meter and piping arrangement
- Partial-load mass and axle cases
Records to request and keep
- Product and delivery matrix
- Controlled compartment and piping drawing
- Valve and discharge identification schedule
- Full and partial load calculations
Common mistakes and what to check instead
- Adding one compartment per customer: Model route sequence, drop size and usable capacity first.
- Ignoring shared piping contamination paths: Review the whole loading and discharge circuit.
- Checking only full-load mass: Verify relevant partial compartment cases.
Scope of this guide
Compartment rules and permitted products vary by jurisdiction and design.
The tank designer and qualified dangerous-goods specialists control the final arrangement.
Do not approve an arrangement with unresolved segregation, identification, load-case or cleaning controls.
Sources and applicability
Controls the project-input, quotation, approval and inspection workflow described in this guide.
Provides public checklists and worksheets; the signed project documents remain controlling.
Defines the relevant product family and published configuration boundaries. Project-specific ratings require the selected OEM documents.
Official U.S. reference for continuing qualification and maintenance of hazardous-material packagings. It is not a global approval basis.
Primary U.S. metrology reference with a dedicated vehicle-tank meter code. Local legal-metrology requirements may differ.