A tank truck that carries corrosive liquids, generally acids, and has a narrow diameter with external ribbing is designated as which type?

• A. MC 306/DOT 406
• B. MC 338
• C. MC 331
• D. MC 312/DOT 412

Answer: (D)

Corrosive liquids require a tank built to resist chemical attack and to maintain structural integrity under long, slender shell conditions. The designation for this type is a corrosive-liquid cargo tank, which uses a corrosion-resistant interior lining and external reinforcing ribs. The narrow diameter and these ribs are characteristic features that strengthen the shell and help it withstand internal stresses and torsion during transport of acids.

This design differs from the other tank types, which are built for different cargos: some are for flammable liquids at low pressure, others are for high-pressure gases, and others are for cryogenic liquids. Those designs don’t emphasize corrosion resistance or the ribbed, narrower shell, so they don’t fit the needs of transporting acids and similar corrosives.