IS 13187: 1991

1.About:
 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
 Draft finalized by the Chemical Engineering Plants and Related Equipment Sectional Committee.
 Approved by the Heavy Mechanical Engineering Division Council.
 Applicable for: Road tankers for light petroleum products.
Note: The term light petroleum products includes commercial naphtha, gasoline, and
kerosene and diesel oil (aviation turbine fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oil, or any special
petroleum product is excluded from the scope)
 The liquids considered here for this purpose are to be stable at ambient conditions. It excludes any
unstable product, LPG, etc.

2.Objective:
 The objective of this standard is to set safe practice for construction of road tankers used for
bulk transportation of light petroleum products in India.
 The design of the road tanker including the tank, the vehicle and vehicle accessories, etc. , shall meet
all requirements laid down by Statutory Authorities, Indian Law and Motor Vehicle Regulations.

3.Scope:
 1.1This standard covers basic requirements for the design, construction,
inspection, filling ratio of tankers and design of vehicles and ancillary equipment.
 1.2 This specification is meant mainly for tankers for light petroleum products
like commercial Naphtha, Gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, etc. The products like
aviation turbine fuel which require special precautions for purity and heavy
products, such as lubricating oils, fuel oils, etc., are not covered in this standard.
Also, unstable products and LPG are excluded from the scope of this standard.

TANK DESIGN:
 3.1 Following design code and regulations in their latest edition are to be
followed:
a) Motor Vehicles Regulations of both Central and State Governments of
Operation (RTO)
b) Petroleum Rules for 'Design and Construction of Tank Vehicles for
Transporting Petroleum in Bulk
c) IS 2825: 1969 for fabrication, welding, inspection and testing
d) Any statutory requirements of agencies like CCE, Central Excise, CPWD and
SMPV rules etc.

3.2 Tank Capacity

3.2.1 The maximum liquid carrying capacity and dimensions of a road tanker are to be
determined
by the current Motor Vehicles Regulation and by tank filling criteria outlined in
4 of this specification. Both the requirements shall be satisfied. However, the
maximum Liquid Carrying
Capacity shall not be more than 25 kiloliters (kl) and maximum compartment
size shall not be more than 5 kl with oil tight partition. Following tank-truck
size could be used as a guide.
Tank-Truck Size Compartments
12 kl 3 × 4 kl each
16 kl 4 × 4 kl each

NOTE — Figures 1 and 2 provide some guidelines for the design of truck
mounted and trailer mounted road tankers respectively.
3.2.2 The maximum width of any tank and its service equipment/accessories
shall be such that it does not project beyond the overall width of the vehicle on
which it is mounted or by which it is being towed. The minimum allowable road
clearance of any tank component or protection devices located between any two
adjacent axles on a vehicle or a vehicle combination shall be at least 12.5 mm
for each 300 mm separating such axles and in no case shall this clearance be
less than 300 mm.
3.2.3 Materials
The different parts of the tanker shall be made froiai the materials as given in Table
1.
Table 1 Materials for Construction of Tankers
(Clause 3.2.3)
SI No. Part name Conforming to IS No.
(1) (2) (3)
i) Shell Gr Fe-330 of IS 1079: 1988 or superior grade
ii) Saddle, baffle, cleat, IS 226: 1975, IS 2062: 1984
Stiffener, flange,
Cover, structural
Component
iii) Bolting IS 1367: 1979
iv) Gaskets IS 2712: 1979, 3 mm thick, full face

V) Pipes IS 1239 (Part 1): 1979, IS 1978: 1982

vi) Forgings IS 2004: 1978, IS 1875: 1978

3.2.3.1 Other suitable equivalent materials may be used for the pressure parts as
agreed upon by
the purchaser, manufacturer and the inspecting authority. All grades of steel
used in fabrication
shall be of weld able quality.
3.2.4 Thickness of Metal
3.2.4.1 Minimum thickness of tank ends, partitions, baffles and stiffeners shall
not be less than
2 mm for tanks having volume capacity up to and including 21 liters per
centimeter and 2.7 mm for tanks having volume capacity exceeding 21 liters per
 centimeter, provided that the thickness of tank ends shall in no case be less than
the thickness of the tank shell as specified in 3.2.4.2.
3.2.4.2 The thickness of tank shell shall be related to the volume capacity of the tank
expressed in litres per centimetre and the distance between partitions, baffles or
other stiffeners as well as to the radii of shell curvature as specified in the Table
2.

Distance Between Attachment of Partition, Baffle and Stiffeners

Shell radius & Capacities of Tanks Up to and Above 90 cm Up Above 135 cm

Including to and Including
90 cm 135 cm

(1) (2) (3) (4)

a) Minimum thickness for tanks having shell radius
up to 175 cm and volume capacity:
i) up to 21 liters per centimeter 2.0 mm 2.0 mm 2.0 mm
ii) above 21 up to 27 litres per centimetre 2.0 mm 2.6 mm 2.6 mm
iii) above 27 litres per centimetre 2.6 mm 2.6 mm 2.6 mm

b) Minimum thickness for tanks having shell radius

exceeding 175 cm but not exceeding 225 cm and
volume capacity:
i) up to 21 litres per centimetre
2.0 mm 2.0 mm 2.6 mm
ii) above 21 up to 27 litres per centimetre
2.6 mm 2.6 mm 2.6 mm
iii) above 27 litres per centimetre
2.6 mm 2.6 mm 3.3 mm
c) Minimum thickness for tanks having shell radius
exceeding 225 cm but not exceeding 310 cm and
volume capacity:
i) up to 21 litres per centimetre
ii) above 21 up to 27 litres per centimetre 2.6 mm 2.6 mm 2.6 mm
iii) above 27 litres per centimetre 2.6 mm 2.6 mm 3.3 mm
2.6 mm 3.3 mm 3.3 mm
d) Minimum thickness for tanks having shell radius
exceeding 310 cm and volume capacity:
i) up to 21 litres per centimetre
ii) above 21up to 27 litres per centimetre
iii) above 27 litres per centimetre 2.6 mm 3.3 mm 3.3 mm
3.3 mm 3.3 mm 3.3 mm
3.3 mm 3.3 mm 3.3 mm

NOTE — If the tank has other than circular cross section, the radius for the purpose of this table
shall be the maximum for that portion of the cross section under consideration.

3.2.5 Joints
All joints of the tank, including shell, heads, partitions, baffles and stiffeners shall be
welded in accordance with recognized good engineering practice as per IS 2825 :
1969 and the efficiency of any joint shall not be less than 85 percent of the adjacent
metal so joined. Full penetration butt weld with 10 percent radiography shall be
adopted.

3.2.6 Design Pressure

3.2.6.1 The pressure used for computing the minimum shell thickness shall not be
less than the vapour pressure at 55°C of lightest liquid petroleum that shall be
transported. A corrosion allowance of 0.5 mm shall be provided above the calculated
thickness.
3.2.6.2 The design stress shall include an allowance equal to 3 g, Min, to enable the
tank to withstand shocks normally encountered during movement on road such as
acceleration and deceleration: where g = acceleration due to gravity.

3.2.6.3 When the tank is self-supporting type the tank design shall provide to take
care of the additional stresses normally induced on the chassis frame.

3.2.6.4 All tankers shall be designed to withstand the most severe combined stresses
which they may be subjected to, induced due to pressure of the product the pumping
pressure and shock loading caused by transport conditions.

3.2.6.5 The maximum temperature for the purpose of design shall be considered to
55°C
(Bulk liquid). Outside solar radiation shall be considered to compute the
maximum heat input for design of Pressure relief system.

3.3 Connecting Points and Manholes

3.3.1 Connecting points shall be constructed as machined or forged pads and
provided with studs for flanged fittings.
3.3.2 Threaded connections may be provided with suitably designed pad nozzle with
gaskets.
3.3.3 Every compartment shall be fitted with a manhole with flange.
3.4 Anchoring of Tank
3.4.1 The tank shall be securely anchored to the vehicle in a manner that will not:
a) introduce undue concentration of stresses;
b) impair the stability and performance of the vehicle; and
c) allow any movement between the tank and the vehicle due to starting, stopping
and turning.
3.4.2 All stops and anchors used to anchor a tank to the vehicle shall be installed so as
to be readily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

4 TANK FILLING CRITERIA

4.1 The maximum quantity of liquid filled in any tank shall be such that the tank is
not more than 97 percent full, considering the expansion of the contents with rise in
temperature up to the maximum design temperature of the tank.

5 TANKER ACCESSORIES
5.1 Discharge Faucet
5.1.1 Each compartment of tank shall be fitted with a properly designed discharge
faucet. The discharge end of the faucet shall be threaded or designed so as to permit
the hose being tightly coupled to it.
5.2 Emergency Discharge Control
5.2.1 The outlet of each compartment of the tank shall have an efficient and reliable
shut-off valve located inside the shell or in a sum forming an integral part of the shell.
5.2.2 The operating mechanism for the shut-off valve shall be provided with a
secondary control in an easily accessible position but remote from all fill openings
and discharge faucets.
5.2.3 The secondary control as given in 5.2.2 shall be provided with a fusible section
which will permit the shut-off valve to close automatically in the event of a fire.
5.2.4 A shear section which will break under strain shall be provided between the
internal shut-off valve and the discharge faucet. The shear section shall be located as
close as possible to the internal shut-off valve.

5.3 Normal Venting

5.3.1 Every compartment of the tank shall be fitted with an inaependent, vacuum and
pressure operated vent with an effective opening of 3 cm2 Min, the opening being
covered with two layers of non-corroding metal wire gauge having not less than 11
meshes per centimetre.
5.3.2 The vent shall be arranged so as to limit the pressure within the compartment to
0.021 N/mm2 and the vacuum equivalent to 5 centimetre water column.
5.3.3 The vent shall be designed so as to prevent loss of liquid through it, in the event
of
vehicle-upset.

5.4 Emergency Venting for Fire Exposure

5.4.1 In addition to normal venting, every compartment of the tank shall be fitted with
an
emergency venting facility which shall be of fusible type so as to provide a minimum
fire venting opening having a net area in square centimetres equal to 8 plus 4.3 times
the gross capacity of the compartment in kilolitres.
5.4.2 The emergency vent shall be designed so as to prevent loss of liquid through the
vent in the case of vehicle upset except in the case of pressure rise during upset
position.
5.4.3 Fusible vents shall be actuated by elements which will operate at a temperature
not
exceeding 93°C.

5.5 Top Filling Pipe

5.5.1 The inner end of the filling pipe shall be fitted with a proper type of splash
deflector and the outer end threaded or designed so as to ensure leak-proof connection
with the filling hose.
5.5.2 Top filling pipe, if provided, shall be carried down nearly to the bottom of the
tank.
5.5.3 The outer end of the filling pipe shall be fitted with an oil-light locker cap.
5.6 Tank Ganging Arrangement
5.6.1 Each compartment shall be fitted with a dip pipe or any other approved tank
gauging device.
5.6.2 The dip pipe, if provided, shall be carried up to the bottom of the tank and all
openings in the dip pipe, except the capped top openings, shall be covered with two
layers of wire gauge having not less than 11 meshes per centimetre.
5.6.3 The dip pipe shall be fitted with an oil tight locker cap.

5.7 Tanker Overturn Protection

5.7.1 All tank top fittings shall be protected from damage in the event of overturning
of the vehicle chassis on which it is mounted.
5.7.2 Protection to tank top fittings shall be provided by enclosing them within the
contour of the shell or within a rigid covering welded to the tank shell.

6 TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE
6.1 General
6.1.1 The transportation vehicle together with their carrying tankers and equipment
must
comply with appropriate legislation.
6.1.2 A trailor shall have not less than four wheels. The distance between the centres
of the foremost and rearmost wheels on the same side of the trailor shall not be less
than 60 percent of its overall length.
6.1.3 Height of any part of vehicle including the tanker and its components shall not
exceed 4.1 metres with inflated tyres.
6.1.4 Maximum weight of liquid for which the vehicle is designed shall not exceed
the difference between the unladen weight of vehicle and maximum gross weight
permitted for that class of vehicle under the appropriate transport regulations.
6.1.5 There shall be a clear space of at least 150 mm between the tank and the back of
the cab or fire resisting shield.
6.1.6 The rear of the tank shall be protected with robust steel guards or by the frame
of the vehicle, situated at least 75 mm to the rear of the rearmost part of the tank and
extended on each side of the vehicle to at least the maximum width of the tank.
6.1.7 As far as possible combustible material shall not be used for making the cabin.

6.2 Design Safety Requirements — Mechanical

6.2.1 The engine of the vehicle shall be of an internal combustion type.
6.2.2 Where the fuel system is gravity-fed type, a quick action cut-off-valve shall be
fitted to the fuel feed pipe in an easily accessible and clearly marked position.

6.3 Design Safety Requirements — Electrical

6.3.1 The Metrical system of the vehicle shall have following features:
a) The batteries shall be at an easily accessible position. If placed elsewhere than
under the bonnet of the engine, they must be secured in cases having vents and
electrically insulated walls.
b) A readily accessible cut-off switch shall be provided of not less than 300 A
rating.
c) Wiring so fixed and protected as to minimise accidental damage or undue
wear.
d) With the exception of the ignition circuit, the pressure on any circuit shall not
exceed 24 volts.
e) All electrical circuits shall be wired independent of the chasis, except starter
and ignition high voltage circuits which may use the chasis as the earth return.
When an earth return is used, adequate steps shall be taken to ensure electrical
continuity and where necessary, components shall be bonded by copper straps
or
tapes of adequate capacity and strength. All conductors shall have a wide
margin
of safety to prevent overheating and shall be adequately insulated.
f) All circuits other than the starter and ignition high voltage circuits, charging
circuits and solenoid operated stop controls shall be protected against
overloading
by fuses or automatic cut-outs. The wiring shall be firmly attached and so
placed that the conductors are protected against jolting, stones thrown up and
heat
from the exhaust.
g) Electrical conductors behind drivers's cab must consist of cables protected by
flexible seamless and rust proof casings.
h) The whole electrical equipment shall be designed, installed and protected in
such a way so as not to cause any fire or short circuit in the normal conditions
of use of the vehicle and so as to reduce the risk of either occurrence in the
event of equipment being jolted or strained to a minimum.
j) Screw-in bulbs shall not be used except in safe areas classified by statutory
code.
k) The tanker including its service equipment shall be electrically bonded to the
vehicle and the vehicle shall be properly earthed.
m) The transport vehicle shall be fitted with direction indicators showing a
flashing
amber light and otherwise complying with the requirements of road vehicle lighting
regulations. An emergency warning flashing device which may be operated so as to
cause all the the direction indicators on the vehicle and its trailor to flash
simultaneously on both sides shall be provided.
n) The engine and exhaust system together with all electrical generator,
motors,batteries, switch gears, fuses, etc, of a motor vehicle shall be effectively
screened from the tank. A fire resisting shield shall be provided between the cab and
the tank or the above shall be housed in an approved fire resisting compartment.

6.4 Tool Kit/Accessories

6.4.1 Every truck shall be provided with tools and accessories sufficient in
number and sizes to take care of on the spot minor jobs.

6.5 First-Aid Kit

6.5.1 A first-aid box shall be provided in each truck and kept in an easily
ccessible place in the truck.
7 FIRE PROTECTION
7.1 One serviceable fire extinguisher of dry chemical type of 9 to 10 kg capacity shall
be provided on each side of the vehicle, which shall be accessible from outside the
cab. The seal, nozzle dust cap and the trigger mechanism of the extinguisher should be
checked daily. The weight of the CO2 cartridge, condition of the powder, cover gasket
and hose pipe should be checked every month. The clamps on the bracket provided for
the fire extinguisher, should allow for their easy removal and puttin g back.
Alternatively
any latest more effective fire extinguisher of equivalent capacity (using inert gas
like halon, etc) may also be used subject to agreement between the purchaser
and the supplier and approved by Inspection Authority.

7.2 A person while inside or attending any vehicle conveying flammable oil
shall not smoke or use matches or lighters.

7.3 No fire, artificial light or article capable of causing fire or explosion shall be
taken or carried on any vehicle carrying flammable oil.

8 INSPECTION
8.1 Manufacturer of the tanker shall furnish detail of manufacturing facilities,
design capability, past experience in executing similar jobs,etc.
8.2 Tank shall be inspected during manufacture, additions/alterations or repair
on the equipment.

9 TESTING
9.1 The tanker and all its components like valve, fitting, accessories and joints shall be
tested in accordance with the relevant code of construction.The tank shall be cleaned
and dried by blowing dry air after testing to prevent corrosion.
9.2 The testing shall be done by a competent person and a suitable record shall
be kept.

10 MARKING
10.1 Each tanker used for transportation of petroleum shall, whether loaded or empty,
be
conspicuously marked on each side and rear thereof in letters at least 7 cm high on a
background of sharply contrasting colour the word 'FLAMMABLE' and the common
name of the flammable liquid being transported, for example, 'MOTOR SPIRIT',
'KEROSENE', etc.

11 EXTERNAL PAINTING
11.1 Tanker shall be adequately painted externally to prevent corrosion arising from
atmospheric influence. Painting shall be carried out as per following:
a) Surface Preparation This shall be done with the help of blast cleanins.
b) Primer Epoxy zinc chromate primer 2 coats. Dry Film Thickness, 35 microns/coat,
Min.
c) Finish Coat Acrylic polyurethane paint 2 coats. Dry film thickness, 30 to 40
microns/coat, Min.
12 CERTIFICATION
12.1 A certificate shall be issued for each tanker after inspection and testing by the
inspecting authority. The initial certificate will remain valid for 5 years and
subsequently revalidation of certificate should be obtained from inspection/ competent
authority once in 2 years.