Uncompromising Quality: The 4 Essential Tests Every TLS Special Container Must Pass Before Delivery

Before a TLS special container leaves the facility, it undergoes a meticulous gauntlet of inspections. This rigorous pre-delivery testing isn't just about compliance—it’s about guaranteeing structural integrity, safety, and longevity in the world’s most demanding environments.

Understanding these essential checks is key to knowing you're investing in reliable, high-performance equipment. Here is an in-depth look at the container pre-delivery tests that make TLS containers worthy of your trust.
 
1. The Welding Test: Guaranteeing Core Strength
The foundation of any container's reliability is its structure, and the strength of the welds is non-negotiable. The Welding Test is critical for ensuring the container’s structural stability. It verifies the quality and strength of every joint to prevent catastrophic failures.

Purpose and Method: This test aims to confirm the quality of all welded joints and detect internal defects like porosity or weak connections. We use Visual Inspection for surface flaws like cracks, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), which includes advanced techniques like ultrasonic, X-ray, or magnetic particle testing, to find hidden flaws.

When It Happens: Conducted immediately after the welding process is complete. Any defects must be addressed before assembly to save time and cost.
 
2. The Lifting Test: Assessing Load Resilience
A container must be able to handle the extreme forces applied during loading, unloading, and transit. The Lifting Test evaluates the container’s response to these stresses, ensuring its stability and the integrity of the critical lifting points.

Purpose and Method: The goal is to ensure the container can safely handle its designed load and unexpected stress during transportation. We perform a Load Test by applying forces that exceed the rated capacity to simulate worst-case scenarios. Crucially, a Lifting Point Check verifies the strength of the lifting ears against international safety standards.

When It Happens: This check is performed after structural welding and assembly but before applying any surface treatments, as the raw structure needs to prove its strength first.
 
3. The Watertightness Test: Protecting Your Investment
Cargo protection is paramount. The Watertightness Test is essential to confirm the container’s resilience against environmental factors—specifically water intrusion from rain, snow, or humidity.

Purpose and Method: This test checks the sealing capability against external moisture. We use a Rain Test, utilizing high-pressure water jets or simulated heavy rainfall to check for leaks. A focused Seal Check examines critical areas like door seals, welded seams, and joints to ensure they meet stringent water resistance standards.

When It Happens: The test is conducted after door seals are installed and welding is complete, but typically before final surface treatments, which allows easier identification and repair of any leakage points.
 
4. The Paint Test: Durability Meets Presentation
The external coating is more than just aesthetics; it's the container's first line of defense against corrosion and environmental damage. The Paint Test ensures the longevity and visual quality of the surface coating.

Purpose and Method: This test focuses on the coating's durability, adhesion, and appearance. We use an Adhesion Test (such as cross-cut or pull-off methods) to verify the paint’s bond to the container surface, ensuring it won't peel or flake. Film Thickness Measurement is taken with specialized gauges, as proper film thickness is essential for long-term protective quality. Finally, a thorough Visual Inspection checks for uniformity, bubbles, cracks, or peeling.

When It Happens: This test is performed after the painting process is complete to validate the container’s visual and protective qualities.
 
The Rigorous TLS Test Sequence: A Step-by-Step Guarantee
To maximize efficiency and quality assurance, TLS follows a precise, integrated inspection flow:
Welding Test→Watertightness Test (Preliminary)→Lifting Test→Surface Treatment & Painting→Watertightness Test (Final)

Only after successfully passing all these checks is the container accepted and prepared for delivery. This commitment to quality is what guarantees performance you can rely on for your most demanding applications.

TLS Offshore Containers / TLS Energy is a global supplier of standard and customised containerised solutions. 
Wherever you are in the world, TLS can help you. Please contact us.
 
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Written by Oliver

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