Shipping Containers Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Chemical Stores’

Depending on what is to be stored in the containers the shipping container can be adapted specifically for purpose.   For example, should the chemicals be in easily handled, the chemical store can have the cheaper option of a bunded floor.  However, should the chemicals/hazardous goods be in large barrels then a sub floor sump can be put in.   There is the option of metal shelving, additonal insulation and ventilation - all of which can be put in according to the specific requirements.  Sizes range from 8ft to 40ft.

The addition of a lock cowl or lock box, together with a heavy duty, high security padlock makes the chemical store/agricultural store extremely safe from non-authorised access.   This gives flexibility as to where the store is to be sited.

chemical store with sump

chemical store with bund

There are many types of shipping container conversions, some of which we have detailed in previous posts.   One of the most common, but maybe one of the most technical is for chemical or hazardous good storage.

Chemical stores are a specialist conversion that have to take into account what is actually going to be stored in them.   At the very least they normally will have a bunded aluminium anti spark floor so that spillage is kept within the container and there is no danger of a spark from the metal floor igniting any flammable liquid.

chemical store with bund

This is fine for storing items that do not weigh very much but very difficult if the agricultural store is designed to store large barrels of liquid - such as diesel on a building site for example.   For that a sump is fitted below the floor level with meshed guttering around the sides of the floor for any spilt liquid to drain through.

chemical store guttering

This obviously makes it much easier to move the barrels in and out of the container as there is no need to lift them over the raised bund - although it does make the chemical store more expensive as it is much more work to fit this sunken sump.  Any liquid spills can be drained away through the use of a tap on the outside of the container so they can be safely disposed of.

Chemical or Dangerous Good Stores are, as I said, a particularly technical area of container conversion and in our next blog we will deal with some more of the elements that need to be considered when customising the chemical store for use.

We have been looking at how shipping containers make good homes and so today I thought that it would be fun if we had a look at some of the more eclectic uses that shipping containers have been put to.

Adam Kalkin’s developed the absolutely amazing concept above showing what can be done with shipping containers.  It was originally used in Italy at the 52nd Venice Biennial as a coffee stand by Illy but has subsequently traveled to the USA and elsewhere where it always makes an impact!  Not many cargo containers are able to do this at the touch of a button!

At the other end of the scale - at least technologically speaking - we have an example of a high rise building in Zürich which looks exactly like what it is - 17 old and rusty cargo containers.

The company has a strong ecological product ethos and so have used a shipping container conversion to make their 85ft high Freitag Shop.  It is connected by staircases and has a viewing platform at the top.

But shipping containers of whatever size don’t have to always be converted into anything quite as spectacular as the examples pictured above.  They are often found in much more everyday settings.  Our local garage has converted a 40 foot ISO container into a car wash which works very well.  Simon, our website guy, was out and about this weekend when he spotted this 20 foot shipping container providing shelter and security for a cash machine.  Thank you to him for taking a photo with his mobile!

But let us not forget the more everyday cargo container conversions.  These include chemical stores, refrigerated containers, smoking shelters, insulated containers, recording studios, tack rooms, p.e. equipment stores, offices, classrooms, roadside cafes, mess rooms and canteens to name but a few!

So, from the extraordinary to the everyday shipping containers can provide solutions on many different levels as a ecologically friendly, adaptable and highly transportable option for whatever conversion you are considering.

CS Shipping Containers provide steel shipping and storage  containers for sale and hire to individuals and companies in all parts of the UK. Our clients have a broad spectrum of storage needs which we are only too happy to help and advise on. Our containers can be delivered to you at your convenience or, if preferred, can be collected from our nearest  depot.

We offer a wide range of ex-factory and second user storage containers for sale, ideal for the storage of everything from industrial products to on-site sports equipment etc. To keep your container theft proof, we also offer security accessories, such as padlocks and lockboxes. Other products include moisture traps and ‘Grafo’ anti-condensation coating.

Our units can be converted to meet most customer requirements, for example they can be modified into office accommodation, workshops and garages, chemical stores, smoking shelters and even observatories and recording studios.

Our customers’ needs are varied. We supply individuals, small business, education, agricultural, construction and corporate clients.