CDL Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME)Bulk Tanks and Other ContainersHard
A driver is transporting a bulk quantity of a hazardous material that is a liquid. The material has a specific gravity of 1.2 and a maximum filling density of 90%. The tank has a water capacity of 10,000 gallons. What is the maximum permitted weight of this hazardous material that can be loaded into the tank?
- A90,000 pounds
- B108,000 pounds
- C83,200 pounds
- D75,000 pounds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 90,000 pounds
First, calculate the weight of water the tank can hold: 10,000 gallons * 8.32 lbs/gallon = 83,200 pounds. Next, calculate the weight of the hazardous material at full capacity based on its specific gravity: 83,200 pounds * 1.2 = 99,840 pounds. Finally, apply the maximum filling density: 99,840 pounds * 0.90 = 89,856 pounds. The closest answer is 90,000 pounds.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This value incorrectly applies the specific gravity and filling density or misses a step.
- C. This is the weight of water in the tank, not the hazardous material.
- D. This value does not correctly apply all factors (specific gravity and filling density).
Bulk Tank Filling Limit Calculation
The maximum weight of a liquid hazardous material that can be loaded into a tank. It is calculated by multiplying the tank's water capacity (in pounds) by the material's specific gravity and then by its maximum permitted filling density.
- Water weighs approximately 8.32 lbs/gallon.
- Specific gravity adjusts for material density.
- Filling density accounts for expansion (outage).
Memory trick: Water's weight times specific density, then density percentage.