How Hoyer Group improved tank container valve seals with Nord-Lock washers
Transporting liquids and gases across a continent is no simple task, and to reduce the risk of costly leakage, every bolted joint in a tank container must be carefully secured. Leading logistics provider the Hoyer Group understands this challenge better than most. This case study explains how they improved the performance tank container valves, improving their seal and reducing the risk of leakage thanks to the addition of Nord-Lock washers.
Tank containers play a vital role in global logistics by facilitating the transport of fuels, chemicals, foods and more. But to avoid accidents that put people and the environment in jeopardy, it’s crucial the transport of these liquids is managed safely and efficiently.
Founded in Hamburg 80 years ago, the Hoyer Group has vast experience in handling chemical products, foodstuffs, gas and mineral oil. Today, this global market leader in moving liquids by road, rail and sea operates over 30,000 tank containers and over 2,000 tank trailers worldwide.
Moving thousands of containers across the world is no small matter. Effective logistics requires balancing the intense scrutiny on timeliness and operational reach with an equally important focus on safety and risk management. Equipment failure or damaged cargo not only has an impact in terms of cost, it can also create hazards and other reputational issues.
The problem: securing valves on gas tank containers for best-in-class logistics
The Hoyer Group prides itself on providing high-quality, safe and secure services in all areas of logistics. On the recommendation of a customer, they started employing Nord-Lock stainless steel washers on their tank containers used in Europe.
Frits Bakker from the engineering department at Hoyer Nederland BV in Rotterdam explained the background to deciding upon Nord-Lock’s solution:
“We faced a problem with valves on gas containers, and a customer advised us to try Nord-lock washers”.
“Using these washers and a different seal material solved the problem. After this we started to fit them on the bottom valves of our tank containers,” he added.
The outcome: Lowered risk of tank container leakage with Nord-Lock washers
The Hoyer Group uses Nord-Lock stainless steel Original washers, as well as X-series washers, the latter adding extra stability for applications where joints have shortened clamp lengths or multiple clamped parts that can increase the risk of slackening.
A standard guideline makes it simple to fit the washers on specific parts during maintenance. According to Bakker, the Nord-Lock washers help the Hoyer Group to avoid costly critical situations:
“Obviously on tank containers it is vital that leakages don’t occur. In this respect the washers are very reliable”.
KEY TAKEAWAYSUse case:
Reliably secured valves on Hoyer Group’s tank containers
Client:
The Hoyer Group
Location:
European continent
Benefits gained:
• Reliably secured valves on Hoyer Group’s tank containers
• Standardized fitting process during maintenance
• Reduced risk of leakage from tank containers
