The unusual polygonal shape of the tank led to its nickname the Polytank
L-Tank and Polytank
Propower designed the L-Tank to solve a frequent and costly problem experienced by railway companies.
Containers are stacked two high on railway gondolas. Although not always possible, temperature controlled containers were placed on the top level to prevent damaging fuel tanks. Damage occurred from impact with the gondola bulkhead during loading in a very tight space. Dented metal was not the only consequence. It caused fuel spillage and content spoilage due to insufficient fuel. Often reefers had to occupy the bottom level despite the risks involved.
The problem was brought to Propower’s attention in June of 2005. A prototype L-shaped fuel tank was submitted and the final design was accepted within weeks. The railway issued a directive in that Refrigerated Intermodal Containers could now be stacked as needed.
Industry wide acceptance of this Propower design has saved both carriers and container owners a lot of frustration and a great deal of cost.
Another unique challenge undertaken by Propower was the design of an intermodal fuel tank that could share space with a structural beam. The fuel volume target had to be achieved in the allotted space despite the encroachment of the structural member. To complicate matters, suppliers were faced with a very short timeline to submit designs. Some manufacturers were not able to react quickly enough to offer proposals.
Propower undertook the challenge by:
- Designing a tank and bracket assembly that avoided the beam
- Achieving the fuel volume capacity with a unique design
- Ordering/ coordinating material delivery to meet schedule
- Having a completely new die-set machined to produce tank-heads
- Shipping the first units in 3 weeks
The tank and bracket assembly fit perfectly…Propower met the challenge and was awarded the contract!
The unusual shape of the tank eventually led to its nickname – "The Polytank".