{"operation":"document","citation":"11-0002","title":"Thompson Tank Inc. — Hazardous Materials Safety Interpretation","source_type":"guidance","agency":"Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration","status":"guidance","official":true,"published_on":"2011-05-11","effective_on":null,"summary":"11-0002 response to Thompson Tank Inc. concerning 178.345, 178.347, 180.407.","machine_formats":{"json":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0002.json","markdown":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0002.md"},"app_url":"https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-interpretation-11-0002","source_url":"https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/legacy/interpretations/Interpretations/2011/110002.pdf","body":"<<<PAGE 1>>>\n\nU.S. Department ofTransportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials\nSafety Administration\n1200 New Jersey Avenue. SE\nWashington. DC 20590\nVAY 1 1 20il\nMr. David Thompson\nThompson Tank Inc.\n8029 Phlox Street\nDowney, CA 90241\nRef. No.: 11-0002\nDear Mr. Thompson:\nThis is in response to your December 28, 20 I 0, letter requesting further clarification ofthe\nHazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) based on a letter issued by\nthis office (Ref. No. 10-0219) regarding inspection and use of non-DOT specification cargo\ntank motor vehicles constructed from glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) authorized by\nDepartment ofTransportation Special Permit, (DOT-SP) 11903. Your questions are restated\nand answered below:\nQ. Does DOT-SP 11903 require compliance with § 178.347-1(c)?\nA. No, § 178.347-1(c) does not apply to non-DOT specification glass fiber reinforced plastic\n(GFRP) cargo tanks manufactured in accordance with DOT SP-11903 paragraph 7.b(viii).\nSection VIn of the American Society ofMechanical Engineers (ASME Code) referenced in .\n§ 178.347-1 (c) contains design and manufacturing rules applicable to metallic pressure\nvessels and is not applicable to GFRP cargo tanks manufactured in accordance with DOT -SP\n11903.\nQ. If § 178.347-1(c) does not apply, is the internal maximum allowable working pressure\n(MA WP) unlimited?\nA. DOT -SP 11903 paragrph7.a states that the cargo tank must have a design pressure of 35\npsig. For the purposes of DOT-SP 11903, the design pressure is the same as the MAWP.\nQ. Is vacuum loading permissible without ASME certification?\nA. ASME certification (\"U\" stamp) is not required for vacuum loaded non-DOT specification\nGFRP cargo tanks manufactured in accordance with DOT-SP 11903.\nQ. Will the DOT correct the applicable special permits that specifically require compliance\nwith § 178.347-1(c)?\nA. As stated in the response to Question 1, no currently active DOT special permits that\nauthorize the manufacture, marking and sale of non-DOT specification GFRP cargo tanks\nrequire compliance with Section VIII of the ASME Code referenced in § 178.347-I(c).\n\n<<<PAGE 2>>>\n\nQ. Are GFRP cargo tank motor vehicles manufactured in accordance with DOT-SP 11903\nrequired to meet § 180.407(0(3), which requires thickness testing of the tank wall if affected\nby a lining or resin rich corrosion barrier failure?\nA. As specified in DOT-SP 11903 paragraph 7.c, non-DOT specification GFRP cargo tank\nmotor vehicles must meet the requirements in Subpart E of Part 180 for the periodic testing\nand inspection of DOT 407 and DOT 412 specification cargo tank motor vehicles. In our\nDecember 21,2010 letter to you, we stated that the lining inspection requirements of §\n180.407(0 do not apply since these cargo tanks do not have a liner. Instead, the cargo tank\nmotor vehicles authorized by DOT -SP 11903 are fabricated with a resin rich corrosion barrier\nthat is part of the GFRP construction.\nThe certificate of compliance you supplied with your letter states this particular non-DOT\nspecification GFRP cargo tank is equipped with a \"Durakane 51OA 40 BPO\" lining material.\nDurakane 510A 40 BPO is an epoxy vinyl ester resin. This material comprises the corrosion\nbarrier and not lining material as used in § 178.345-2.\nQ. Must we verify the minimum shell and head thickness specified on the DOT specification\nplate and in the manufacturer's certificate of compliance?\nA. Yes, in accordance with DOT -SP 11903 paragraph 7.c, during periodic inspection, the\nshell and head thickness must be measured in accordance with § 180.407(i).\nQ. Can this cargo tank comply with both DOT-SP 11903 and TC 412?\nA. If the TC 412 specification allows cargo tanks to be manufactured of GFRP, it is possible\nthat a cargo tank can comply with both DOT -SP 11903 and TC 412. DOT- SP 11903 requires\nconformance with all regulations applicable to a DOT 407 or DOT 412 cargo tank except as\nspecified. DOT specification cargo tanks made in the United States are generally recognized\nfor use in Canada as equivalents to the corresponding Transport Canada specifications.\nProvided Transport Canada recognizes the DOT special permit, this cargo tank would be\nsuitable for use in Canada.\nQ. Please define what the DOT considers to be the specific differences between an interior\nlining and a corrosion barrier.\nA. The application of a lining material is one option to protect a DOT specification cargo\ntank motor vehicle from corrosion or abrasion. Typical lining materials applied to the cargo\ntank wall are rubber, Kynar or polytetrafluoroethylene. A corrosion barrier serves the same\npurpose as a liner (Le. protect the cargo tank from attack by the lading). In the case of DOTSP\n11903 and other GFRP cargo tanks, the corrosion barrier is a thin resin rich area which is\npart of the cargo tank wall. The requirements of § 178.345-2( c )(2) do not apply to cargo\ntanks manufactured in accordance with DOT -SP 11903 (see DOT -SP 11903, paragraphs 4\nand 7.b(ii». While some persons may use the phrases \"lining material\" and \"corrosion\nbarrier\" interchangeably, for the purposes of the HMR, non-DOT specification GFRP cargo\ntanks manufactured in accordance with DOT -SP 11903 are considered unlined cargo tanks.\n\n<<<PAGE 3>>>\n\nQ. Can the visual examination only, as recommended by the cargo tank manufacturers,\nsatisfy the DOT requirements that the \"structural integrity of the GFRP cargo tank must be\ndetermined prior to the repair or the replacement of the corrosion barrier.\" Are we correct to\nassume that this requirement also applies to an interior lining?\nA. The non-DOT specification cargo tanks manufactured in accordance with DOT -SP 11903\nare subject to all requirements of Subpart E of Part 180 including an external and an internal\nvisual inspection, a pressure test, and a leakage test (see DOT-SP 11903 paragraph 7.c). In\naccordance with the table in § 180A07(c), if the cargo tank is equipped with a liner, the lining\nmust be inspected as required by § 180A07(f), and for unlined cargo tanks, the shell and head\nthickness must be measured in accordance with § 180A07(i).\nQ. When will the DOT inform the manufacturers of the GFRP cargo tanks of their\nresponsibilities and enforce compliance?\nA. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration independently reviews and\nevaluates the information provided in each special permit application and application for\nrenewal. This review includes a technical analysis, an evaluation of the past compliance\nhistory of the applicant (including incident history and enforcement actions) and coordination\nwith the other modal administrations to gather additional relevant information. If you are\naware of a manufacturer or inspection facility that does not comply with the HMR or the\nterms of a DOT special permit, you may file a complaint at\nhttp://www.phmsa.dot.govlhazmatJenforcement or contact our enforcement office directly at\n(202) 366-4700.\nI hope this answers your inquiry. Ifyou need additional assistance, please contact the\nStandards and Rulemaking Division at (202) 366-8553.\nSincerely,\nBenSupko\nChief, Standards Development\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n\n<<<PAGE 4>>>\n\nASME .D.O.T. CERTIFICATION\nmOMPSON TANK, INC. D.O.T. INSPECTIONS· TESTING\nDESIGN ENGINEERlNG· CONSTRUCTION\nDecember 28,2010\nU.S. Department of Transportation\nPHMSA Office of Hazardous Materials Standards\nAttn: PHH-10\nEast Building\n1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE\nWashington, D.C. 20590-0001\nAttention: Mr. Ben Supko\nActing Chief, Standards Development\nStandards and Rulemaking Division\n10-0219 Dated: December 21,2010\nRef. No.: Gentlemen:\nThank you for your prompt reply. My questions as you chose to paraphrase do not\naccurately represent my request for interpretations. I will attempt to be more specific.\nQ1. Is 178.347-1 (c) applicable as specifically required in DOT-SP-11903, Section b.,\nparagraph (viii), page 5?\nIf 178.347-c (c) is not applicable is the internal MAWP unlimited and is vacuum\nloading permissible without ASME Code Certification?\nWill DOT correct the applicable special permits that specifically require\ncompliance with 178.347-1 (c)?\nQ2. Are GFRP cargo tank motor vehicles manufactured in accordance with\nDOT -SP-11903 required to meet 180.407 (f) (3) which requires thickness testing\nofthe tank wall if affected by a lining or a resin rich corrosion barrier failure?\n,\nMust we verify the minimum shell and head thickness specified on the DOT\nSpecification Plate and in the manufacturer's Certificate of Compliance?\nWe have attached a copy of Comtank'S Manufacturer's Certificate of Compliance\nfor the 2008 FRP tank trailer, Serial No. ZC9LTAB28B075487 in question.\nSHIPPING: 8029 PHLOX STREET, DOWNEY, CA 90241\nMAILING: POST OFFICE BOX 790, LAKEWOOD, CA 90714-0790\nPHONE: (562) 869-7711 • FAX; (562) 869-7214 • OUT OF STATE; (800) 421-7545\n\n<<<PAGE 5>>>\n\nPlease note that the manufacturer's DOT Certificate of Compliance specifies the\nfollowing:\n1. Complies with TC 412 as shipped.\n2. Minimum shell thickness .50 inches.\nMinimum head thickness .75 inches.\n3. Lining Material Durakane 510A 40 BPO.\nQ3. Can this cargo tank comply with both DOT -SP-1193 and TC 412?\nQ4. Please define what DOT considers to be the specific differences between an\ninterior lining and a corrosion barrier.\nDerakane is a rather ineffective and economical lining material, only one ofmany,\nthat is applied to carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel and FRP cargo tanks. The\nDerakane lining applied to the interior of the above identified cargo tank has been\nreplaced or repaired many times in the past, twice in the last three months.\nQ5. Can the visual examination only, as recommended by the manufacturers, satisfy\nthe DOT requirement that \"the structural integrity ofthe GFRP cargo tank must\nbe determined prior to the repair or the replacement ofthe corrosion barrier.\" Are\nwe correct to assume that this requirement also applies to an interior lining?\nWe do not understand how a visual examination can verify the minimum\nthickness, or the structural integrity ofthe cargo tank wall, such as stress cracks,\nimpact damage, brittleness or laminations.\nThe manufacturers we have spoken with were unable to provide any\nrecommended procedures that they believe would ensure that the structural\nintegrity of the GFRP cargo tank motor vehicle had not been adversely affected.\nQ6. When will DOT inform the manufacturers ofthese GFRP cargo tanks of their\nresponsibilities and enforce compliance?\nPlease give this request your earliest consideration as other manufacturers, inspection and\nrepair facilities, in addition to ours, requires clarification to resume providing these\nservices to our customers.\n~---------------~\nDLT/cs\nPage 2 of2\n\n<<<PAGE 6>>>\n\n_-..,-\"\"I-\"\"... .,...-.,-,-----\"'\"--~#'---8\"-\".4\"''''-''',~~'''_~_'''\n___'''\"_~ .... SJ»\".,\",.$\"\n~ ~\n~ ,\nf COMPTANK CORPORATION\ni !\nCERTIFICA TE OF COMPUANCE\nI\nCapacity: 5500 U5 Gal\nSerial Number: 2cgLTA2B28B075487\n~ This certifies that to the extent of the work performed by the manufacturer, the\nf\nnew cargo tank identified below, as well as the fittings, valves, piping and ,\n, ~\nprotective devices were designed, constructed and tested in accordance with both ,\nt the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Specifications and\nI\n, ~\n;\nDOT SP 11903 along with Transport canada B620-2003 and TC 412 for cargo\n,\n,\n,\n~ tanks used for the transportation of hazardous materials and dangerous goods. i\ni,' Using 1-35# pressure relief vent and l ..SHg vacuum breaker per tank. ,\nI Vehicle Type: FRP TANK TRAILER\n,\nYear Fabricated:\n____2:m;O .. 08...x..___\n, ~\nI\n;\n, •\nDate Shipped: -----: ~\nl\nManufacturer:\nComptank Corporation\nCT # 0024 30817 Zone Rd # 8\n_~\n~\nI \nBothwell, Ontario\nDesign Certifying Engineer: l.M. Plecnlk\nCT # 7533 1250 Bellflower Blvd\nI \nLong Beach, CA\nRegistered Inspector: Harold Marcus Ltd.\nH ani Simpson I\nI\n,\n,\n,\n;\n~ _ t\nt\n,\n,\nt\n,\nCT # 15445 15124 Longwoods Rd.\n,\n, ~\n,\nBothwell, Ontario S\nI\nPressure test performed by: Benson Herr ,\n,\nI\n,\nI DOT 11903 as shipped\nMCARGO TANK COMPLIES WITH\nI\n~ CARGO TANK COMPLIES WITH\nI\nTC 412 lIS lhIppedu\n, ~\nt\n•\nt\n;\n,\nt\nI\nJ\nt\nII UTe 412 Certification does not include\nClass 3 l'lUlteriais for veuels manufactured\nafter August 1&. 2002\n,\nr\n,\nf:\n,\nSERIAL # 2CQL],A2E28E075487\nT.C.R.N. 25-0037\nT.C. ill ~\nD.O.T. SP119Q3 Orlglnaltestdate: Feb 15( 2008\nMAWP 35 PST :\nlEST PRESSURE 52 PSI Des. Temp Range Q:W F Max Lading Density 161bs/gal ~\nWELD MATERIAL NI.A SHELL MATERIAL FRP 510A HEAD MATERIAl rRP 510A i\nMIN. SHaL THICKNESS .50 In MIN. HEAD THICKNESS .ZS In MFO SHEU. THICKNESS...sQJn ~\nI\nMFO HEAD THICKNESS ~ EXPOSED SURFACE AREA 680 s 9 f t\nI\nTOTAL CAPAOTY - Utres 2181 U.S.G. 5680 MAX PAYLOAD 72 t 000 Ibs i\nMAX LOAD RATE 200 GPM @ 35 P5IG VAOJUM FULL ~\nMAX UNLOAD RATE 200 GPM @ 35 PSlG LINING MATERIAL Derakaoe 51 O~ 40 BPO ~\nC.T. CERTIFICATION DATE February 15 toe M.D.l.N. 04-12-16 cr MFR. QQ21 i\nHEATING SYSTEM PRESS XXXXX HEATING SYSTEM TEMP XXXXX S\nI C.T. DATE OF MANUFACTURE February 20Q8 EXEMPTION NO. SP 11903 i\n,\nf\n•\n~~~~~\n.'R.\n•\n•\n_____~\n__\n__\n______~_~\n____~r_~\n____~\n__\n_______\n__________.-.#,,~#J\nReglste~r ';;MO¥~\nlteuu not Installed at time of shipment\n{} Elcc:trical groulllbng for 0_ 3 rtUIIeoals per 8620-03 Section H H","truncated":false,"body_characters":13223}