Interpretation Response #99-0043 ([Stolt Nielsen Inc.] [Mr. John J. Cario])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Stolt Nielsen Inc.
Individual Name: Mr. John J. Cario
Location State: TX Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
April 4, 2000
Mr. John J. Cario Ref. No. 99-0043
Hazardous Materials Officer
Stolt Nielsen Inc.
15602 Jacintoport Blvd.
Houston, TX 77213-6438
Dear Mr. Cario:
This is in response to your letter requesting clarification on minimum thickness requirements for specification IM portable tanks as specified in 49 CFR 178.270-5 and special provision T26. Your questions are paraphrased and answered below.
Ql. If the maximum cross-sectional dimensions of a specification IM 101 or IM 102 portable tank exceeds 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) is the specified minimum thickness 6.35mm (0.250 inches).
Al. Yes. In addition, for each hazardous material that makes reference to special provision T26 a minimum thickness of 6.35mm is required regardless of the tank's cross sectional dimensions.
Q2. Is the minimum thickness specified in T26 the same as the standard minimum thickness in § 178.270-5(b)(2)?
A2. Yes, they both require a minimum thickness of 6.35 mm (0.250 inches).
Q3. If the answer to Q2 is yes, can § 178.270-5(c) be used to calculate the minimum thickness for the shell and heads instead of § 178.270-5(d).
A3. The answer is yes. Section 178.270(d) applies when other than the standard minimum thickness of the reference mild steel is specified for a tank. For example, special provision T27 requires a minimum shell thickness of 8.0mm (0.315 inch) mild steel, therefore requiring the use of the formula specified in § 178.270-5(d).
I hope this information satisfies your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Thomas G. Allan
Senior Transportation Specialist
Office of Hazardous Materials Standards
178.270