TNI Autumn: Braid Bulk Liquid Logistics
Containerised shipping is becoming ever more competitive, with increasing regulations and cost pressures it is more important than ever to be informed on the market. One of the key areas to consider is the packaging of bulk liquid products. Braid Group is a logistics company that specialises in liquid logistics, and offers both Flexitank and ISO tank solutions. Braid talks to Tank News International about its offerings.
Flexitanks offer an increased payload on other standard packaging methods such as pails, cans, drums or IBCs (intermediate bulk container), explains Braid. This reduces the number of 20ft containers needed to ship large quantities of liquids, reduces man power, and crucially translates into a favourable cost per tonne. A Flexitank in a container can also be utilised as “rotating stock” for temporary liquid storage.
“Braid Flexitanks are suitable to carry a vast range of non-hazardous liquid cargoes. We currently ship wine, juices, edible oils, base oils, lubricants, latex, and many other industrial and food based liquids. Our Flexitanks are engineered specifically for the different categories of products, and with capacities ranging from 14 kilolitres to 24 kilolitres, compatibility with our customer’s non-dangerous goods (non-DG) liquid products is assured.”
Through its science-led approach to design, Braid has developed solutions to challenging logistics conditions: Hot-fill tanks for high loading temperatures, aseptically steamable and sterile equipment, anti-oxidisation barriers and high viscosity discharge systems.
The company was faced with handling products with melting points higher than ambient temperature and so developed special heating pads that aid discharge operations. The discharge residue in Hexopure Flexitanks is comparable with road tankers and tank containers.
“Our Flexitanks, manufactured with Hexopure Technology, come with a global manufacturing guarantee, experienced emergency response programs, and global acceptance by all shipping lines and railway operators (including USA and China).”
Braid Flexitanks are strong, safe, and taint-free because of its Hexopure technology, which is the process by which it creates its proprietary polymer blends that are the core of every Braid Flexitank.
These state-of-the-art polymer blends are formulated to address the specific needs of liquid cargoes:
FORTIFLEX – Engineered to transport a wide range of non-hazardous industrial liquid products. STERGUARD – Protects liquid food cargo with our proprietary polythene blend.
VINPRO – Specifically formulated to safeguard the quality of wine whilst in transit.
DEWLOCK – Designed to transport mineral water in its pristine state.
While some knowledge and equipment is required to support a Flexitank logistics system, the company also offers full technical support and logistics services from source to destination. “From container selection and fitting, full freight and logistics, and to responsible disposal at destination, we pride ourselves on our full service offering to give our customers peace of mind.”
Aligned with and complimenting Braid as a logistics company that specialises in liquid logistics, it also owns and operates a fleet of dedicated food grade ISO tanks. Its ISO tanks and network have achieved the ISO 22000 certification for dealing with food safety. Braid emphasises the importance of food safety management through the traceability of its cargo history, the quality of cleaning processes and its ability to protect food safety throughout the entire supply chain.
Braid ISO tanks are suitable to carry wide ranging of food grade products including alcoholic beverages, edible oils, pharma-grade oleo chemicals, food ingredients, caramel colours and syrups.
The standard capacity of Braid ISO tanks is 26,000 litres with payloads up to 32,435 kilograms. The tank shell is constructed out of stainless steel with steam heating surface area up to 13.23m2, and is insulated with Rockwool designed for all weather conditions.
For more information visit www.braidco.com
23rd August 2019
