When and how to carry out tank cleaning

Tank cleaning is one of the most important aspects of the high-quality service we offer our clients and comprises both food tank washing and the cleaning of other types of tankers. It is important because we recognise the superior quality of Italian agrifood industry liquid food products and the diversity of non-food products (biomass and by-products of food grade origin). We understand the value of the shipments you entrust us with. We can guarantee our clients the availability of efficient tanks and tank containers exclusively dedicated to food and non-food transport. In terms of food transport, we work to ensure that they are clean at all times because we know that the excellent products entrusted to us cannot lose any of their quality characteristics.

Why is it important to make sure that the shipping company guarantees the best possible tank cleaning service? Because many different liquids can be transported and each one has its own specific characteristics. Because no liquid must be contaminated. Because the system must comply with the stringent standards established by the regulations and satisfy the requirements of every different client. In short, every tank must be washed and disinfected after every delivery, both inside and out. Every time, like new. Not just to respect hygiene and safety parameters, but also to safeguard the quality of the product being transported.

Tank cleaning: protocols and procedures

The protocols and procedures in force are stringent and clearly define the operations and responsibilities for guaranteeing correct cleaning and disinfection. They also differ according to the liquid being transported. Knowing the last product that was delivered also enables us to apply the best possible cleaning standards.

In terms of European directives, the food industry must abide by detailed regulations. Bulk liquid foods must be transported in cargo compartments, containers and tanks reserved for food transport and the vehicles or containers used to transport the products must be able to store them at suitable temperatures. There are also stringent hygiene regulations in place with regard to vehicle transport: the tanks or containers must undergo regular cleaning and maintenance in order to protect the liquids from sources of contamination, and they must be designed in such a way as to permit easy cleaning and disinfection. A flexible system, also in terms of self-inspection, but one that requires a significant number of specific measures to be carried out.

It is also for this reason that we provide comprehensive tank cleaning services which are able to both satisfy the client’s requirements in terms of promptness and efficiency, and respect the system as regards safety and performance.

In terms of hygiene, we entrust our tanks and tank containers to the advanced platform of Transiberiana Servizi. We have chosen to partner with this organisation for its reliability and speed, secure in the knowledge that we have selected a centre specialising in both interior tank cleaning with high-pressure water jets and steam, as well as tank container heating using steam. It also offers an empty tank container storage service.

Interior tank cleaning: procedure

The next-generation station which we entrust with the cleaning of our tanks and tank containers is able to complete a cycle of high-temperature cleaning and sterilisation in just a few minutes. The facility is fitted with reaction-force rotating heads for the perfect cleaning of large spaces at 110 bars of pressure, and at temperatures of up to 85°C. The rotating heads make it possible to automate the washing and sterilisation process, shortening complete cycle times and improving results. They also make it easier to clean the internal walls, washing areas that are difficult for operators to access using the classic high-pressure cleaning hose. In other words, we take care of cleaning tanks, including the internal walls, via an operation that would not produce the same results if carried out any other way. 

Container and tank cleaning is performed with finely adjusted dispensers and suitable detergents that are also certified for food use. We guarantee the optimum sterilisation of our tanks and tank containers, respecting legal provisions and using steam.

External cleaning is just as important as interior tank cleaning. This is why the sterilisation phase is completed with external cleaning and the sealing of the upper openings and rear vent. The washing station is able to complete a cycle of high-temperature cleaning and sterilisation on tank containers, tanks in general, and silo trailers for powder products in only a few minutes.

In addition, the geographical location of Transiberiana Servizi (in Monopoli, province of Bari, along a road that connects the biggest towns of Apulia and joins up easily with the motorway network) enables us to complete the cleaning cycles at the end of every delivery or journey quickly and efficiently.

We therefore use a technologically advanced system in order to provide our clients with guarantees, speed and efficiency. But also because in the last few years we have completed a series of major investments that enable us to offer high levels of efficiency and reliability, proposing solutions that improve the safety and the eco-sustainability of the service sustainability of the service through intermodal transport, through a 100% next-generation fleet of vehicles all with euro 5 and euro 6 emission standards, and through an absolute foolproof washing service.

All of this while providing the client with a complete service for the transportation of bulk liquid foods (oil, milk, wine, water, juice) and non-food liquids that meets all legal parameters but also, and most importantly, safeguards the quality of the product. And this is what often makes the difference.

LAt the end of the day, taking care of tanks and containers is an integral part of our job. Care and attention that we focus on our vehicles and, as a consequence, the products of our clients.

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