The Cleaning Process in an ECD Compliant Tank Cleaning Station
Tank cleaning is an essential part of the supply chain for chemicals, foodstuffs, and other bulk liquid products. Once a tanker or tank container has been emptied, it must be cleaned properly before it can safely carry another product.
This cleaning process is not just about appearance. It is about safety, quality, and ensuring the tank meets legal and environmental requirements. If the cleaning is not done correctly, it can lead to contamination, rejected loads, delays, and serious safety risks.
In an ECD compliant cleaning station, the process follows recognised industry standards and is documented using the EFTCO Cleaning Document (ECD).
How Tanks Are Cleaned
Tanks can be cleaned using different methods depending on the previous load and the expected cleanliness level. Cleaning may involve:
Cold water wash
Hot water wash
Acidic cleaning agents
Alkaline cleaning agents
Surfactants (where needed for stubborn residues)
Steam cleaning (for higher standards such as Kosher cleaning)
In many cases, cleaning is straightforward. However, some products require extra care. This is why professional tanker cleaning stations are essential.
Food Tank Cleaning: Why It Needs Extra Care
If a tanker is used to transport food products, cleaning may be required more frequently — even if the same product is being carried again.
This is because small remaining residues can lead to biological degradation, unpleasant odours, and product contamination. A tank may look clean, but without correct cleaning methods, bacteria and residue can still remain.
Effluent Treatment: A Key Part of Tank Cleaning
One of the most important parts of tanker cleaning is how the station manages the waste produced during the wash process.
Each clean produces aqueous effluent (wash water) and sometimes gaseous effluent (vapours). The amount of wastewater can vary widely, from a few hundred litres to the full volume of a wash cycle for a large 25m³ tank.
Because tankers carry many different products, the resulting wastewater is unpredictable. This means professional tank cleaning stations must have adaptable systems to treat wastewater responsibly.
EFTCO affiliated cleaning stations actively support the development of greener, safer and more sustainable treatment solutions.
Why the Cleaning Process Must Be Documented
Because a cleaning station does not know what the next load will be, tanks are normally cleaned according to the official EFTCO definition of clean.
Additional services can be provided, but these must be specifically requested and agreed with the customer. The cleaning steps must then be recorded clearly on the ECD.
This ensures everyone in the supply chain understands what has been done.
The process in an ECD compliant cleaning station
