Which term describes a tank car designed to handle compressed gases?

• A. Cryogenic tank car
• B. General service tank car
• C. Pressure tank car
• D. Non-pressurized tank car

Answer: (C)

When a tank car is designed to handle compressed gases, its construction must withstand and regulate internal pressure. A pressure tank car is built to contain contents at higher-than-ambient pressures, with reinforced shells and fittings, plus safety relief devices and venting to manage the gas safely. This distinguishes it from other types: a cryogenic tank car is designed for extremely low temperatures rather than high pressure, a general service tank car is a versatile design not specifically optimized for pressurized contents, and a non-pressurized tank car isn’t built to contain internal pressure at all. Therefore, the term that describes a tank car designed for compressed gases is pressure tank car.