CELEX: 51974PC0877
Language: en
Date: 1974-06-18
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL DIRECTIVE on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning road and rail transport tanks used as measuring containers (submitted to the Council by the Commission)

ARCHIVES HISTORIQUES
DE LA COMMISSION
COLLECTION RELIEE DES
DOCUMENTS "COM"
COM (74) 877
Vol. 1974/0134
 ---pagebreak--- Disclaimer
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 ---pagebreak--- COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                             COM(74) 877 final
                                             Brussels , 18 June 1974
                                   Proposai for a
                                COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
                               t !■ » t
               on "the approximation of the laws of the Member
               States concerning road and rail transport tanks
                         used as measuring containers
                ( submitted to the Council "by the Commission)
    COÎï(74 ) 877 final
 ---pagebreak---                             EXPL/JJATORY HEMORMDUE
Lany tanks are used for "the road or rail , transport of beverages , petroleum
products or chemical liquids , which are of low viscosity at ambient
temperature and pressure .     Among them are some which have metrological
characteristics such that these tanks can be used to measure the volume of
their contents .    They are knew as "measuring container tanks " and their use
is so convenient that it is even regarded as an economic necessity in most
Member States .
It is obvious that such tanks constructed and inspected in one Member State
should be able to be sold and used in the other Member States , and above
all it is essential that the Community laws should be harmonized in order
that tanks being used for the international transport of liquids may be
regarded as "measuring container tanks " in the various Kember States , so
as to avoid multiple gauging operations for the purpose of avertaining and
checking the volume of liquid transported .
To show the economic importance of the problem , it will suffice to mentier
the principal products concerned.       In the first place , there are many
hydrocarbons : premium and regular gazoline , gas oil , kerosene , light and
heavy fuel–oil ; then beverages such      as wine , milk and beer ; and finally ,
innumerable chemical products , some of which are dangerous and corrosive
to varying degrees (this causes complications , particularly in measuring
operations ) .
          This Directive aims at eliminating technical barriers to the free
movement or road and rail tansport tanks in report of the metrological
requirements (*) which will qualify them as "measuring container tanks ".
                                             •      •                             <
   (*) It should be remembered on the one hand that the Council has
        already adopted a Directive concerning the gauging of ships'tanks
       '(Council Directive H° 71/349/EEC of 12 October 1971 » published in
        O . J. N° L 239/15 of 25 October 1971 ), and on the other share that
        on 31 December1 " 1971 the Gonrrission transmitted to ths^Council a
        proposal for a' Directive on " reinforced plastic tankg designed for
        transporting dangerous substances by road".
 ---pagebreak--- The accuracy of measurement of the rolume of liquid contained in a
measuring container tank depends essentially on three factors j
- The virtual invariability of the volume of the tank and that of its
   compartments , if any .
- The precision with which these volumes are known for a given filling
   level .
- The precision with which the level of the free surface of the liquid
   contained in the tank can be located under normal conditions of use .
After the various national laws in    force had been examined , the compara­
tive studies carried out by the Working Party convened by the Commission
 showed that it was possible , with a few adaptations , to retain the
various procedures used in the Member States ,, so that comparable and
acceptable accuracy of measurement might be obtained under fair economic
conditions of contraction and use .
For the measurement of the tank capacity , for example , the Directive provi­
des for two procedures :
                                      1
1.   In the first , the manufacture submits the tank for checking , completed
     and fully equipped , but without having determined its capacity .   The
     metrological servioe then performs an " EEC gauging" of the tank , i.e.
     determines its capacity up to certain filling levels , this operation
     being carried out by transferring water the volume of which is measured
     by specially calibrated instruments .    The measuring levels are marked
     by means of suitable devices ;
2.   In the second method , the manufacturer gauges the tank himself and submits
     it , complete with data and marks indicating the capacities anf filling
     levels , to the metrological service , which carries out an "EEC initial
     verification" of the container ;   i.e. , by means of a process similar
     to that used for EEC gauging , it verifies that the indicated capacities are
     accurate to within the tolerances and 'that the level marks are correctly
     positioned .
 ---pagebreak---                                    - 3 -
In both cases an " identification plate " must show the information
necessary for the use of the tank as a measuring container and must
bear the "EEC final initial verification mark" provided for by the
outline Directive on measuring instruments and methods of metrological
control , adopted by the Council on 26 July 1971 ( OJ L 2L2/l , 6 September
1971 ).
The gauging operations can also give rise to the granting of a gauging
certificate (mendatory in the case of rail tankers ) incorporating a
centimetric table , which is indispensable in order to enable these
measuring containers to be used throughout the entire measuring zone .
Although the draft Directive was favourably received by the vast majority
of the experts , some differences of opinion did arise .    It would be
appropriate to mention the most important ones .
1.  The experts of one Member State wanted measuring container tanks to
    be made subject to pattern approval in view of the complexity of these
    vessels , the multiplicity of types , the possibilities of fraud and the
    different interpretations that could be placed upon the Directive by
    the inspectors of the various services .    The Commission , like the other
    experts , thought that this practice , which was not applied in the other
    member States , would complicate important procedures without bringing
    any definite advantages .    It was felt to bo sufficient if the metrolo­
    gical services of the Member States were empowered to require the cons­
    tructor to provide all relevant information on the construction of the
    tanks , either at the time of the EEC gauging operations or at the time
     of EEC initial verification .
2.  Whereas , in the interests of more accurate marking of the level , the
     Directive prescribes that road transport tanks shall have an " expansion
     chamber" or " dome " of constant centimetric volume , the experts of another
     Llember State would have preferred , for reasons of design sofety , that
    this device were not mandatory and would have been satisfied with a
     lesser accuracy .   The other experts and the Commission thought that the
     accuracy provided for by the Directive was indispensable , which meant
    that it was necessary to use a dome or expansion chamber , and that it
    was possible , moreover , to construct sufficiently strong tanks incorpora­
    ting this device .                                                            ./
 ---pagebreak--- 3.  Finally , there was disagreement about the period of validity of the
    initial verification mark , which was fixed at four years for road
    transport tanks and ten years for the others .    Althrough these
    periods were accepted by the experts of seven I'ember States , the
    experts of one Member State would havo preferred these periods to be
    increasod-fo eight and twelve years respectively , while those of another
    countiy wanted them to be limited to two years .
-   To sum up , it should be noted that the Commission 's proposal defines
    a metrological standard ( i.e. , a level of manufacturing quality ancl a
    level of accuracy for determining the capacity of the containers and
    for measuring the volume of their contents under specific conditions )
    close to those which ar6 laid down in most of the Member States but
    which , owing to their varying specifications , have not hitherto
    permitted the indispensable reciprocal recognition of controls .
    Given the economic importance of trade involving this means of trrJis-
    port its adoption , will be a significant step towards the free movement
    of goods between the various Member States .
Consultation of the European Parliament and the Economic and Social Committee
Pursuant to Article 100 , second paragraph , the Opinion of these two bodies
is required , since implementation of the provisions of the Directive would
involue amendment of the legislation of certain Member States .
 ---pagebreak---                        AI'IKEX T0 EXPIANATOÏiY KSMGFiAMMJM
            LEGISLATION IN FORCE IN THE KMBER STATES RELATING TO
                  MEASURING GAUGES FOR TRUCKS AND TANK-CARS
BELGIQUE
Néant .
DANMARK
Intet ,
DEUTSCHLAND
- Gesetz über das Mess- und Eichwesen ( Eichgesetz ) vom 11 . Juli 1969
   ( Buudesgesetzbl . I S. 759 ) , geändert durch das Gesetz zur Andei-ung des
   Eichgesetzes vom 6 . Juli 1973 ( Bundesgesetzbl . I S. 716 ).
- §§ 291 - 300 der Eichordnung vom 2k. Januar 19^2 in der Fassung der
   Bekanntmachung vom 14. April 1965 ( Beilage zum Bundesenzeiger Nr . 100
   vom 1 . Juni 1965 )> zuletzt geändert durch die Fünfzehnte Verordnung
   zur Änderung der Eichordnung vom 26 . Juni 1970 ( Bundesgesetzbl . IS » 973 )«
FRANCE
- Ordonnance no .^5-2^05 du 13 octobre 19^5 relative .-au mesurage du
   volume des liquides ,
- Décret du 3 novembre 19^- portant réglaient d' administration publique
 . en ce qui concerne le contrôle des instruments de mesure .
- Décret no , 70-791 du 2 septembre 1970 relatif au mesurage des appareils
   et des vaisseaux affectés à la production, au logement et au transport
   de liquides soumis à un droit indirect .
- Circulaire no.l966 Bd.o du 6 février 1956, modifiée en 1963 et 1964,
   fixant les conditions de construction, de contrôle et d' emploi des
   citernes destinées au transport par route des produits pétroliers et
   utilisées comme récipients-mesures .
IRELAND
No législation .
ITALIA
- Regio Decreto 14 gennaio 1926 , n.112, col quale sono ammessi alla
   verificazione prima misure da 1000 litri montate su autocarri ,
   destinate a fornire i carburanti ai rivenditori .
- Regio Decreto 10 giugno 19'-+0, n . 865 , col quale si ammettono a
   verificazione prima e periodica misure metalliche per carburanti della
   capacità di 500 litri .
                                                                                • • •
 ---pagebreak---   - Decreto del Capo Provvisorio dello Stato 8 aprile 1947 , numero 338,
     col quale sono ammesse alla verificazione metrica misure per carburanti
     della capacità di 2000 litri .
  - Legge 31 gennaio 1967, n.33 - Ammissione alla verificazione metrica
     delle misure per oli minerali in genere ed altri liquidi , della
     capacità di cinque , dieci , venti , venticinque , cinquanta e cento metri
     cubi .
  LUXEMBOURG
  - Loi du 17 mai 1882 sur les poids et mesures , modifiée par la Loi du
     28 décembre 1883 et complétée par la Loi du 26 janvier 1922 ainsi que
     les arrêtés pris pour l' exécution de ces lois .
■ NEDERLAND
  - Wet op de meetmiddelen ( ijkwet 1937 )*
     Formele bepalingen : in de handel gebruikte meetmiddelen moeten worden
     geijkt en gestempeld .
  - Regeling inzake het ijken van meetmiddelen ( ijkreglement ) .
     Verdere formele bepalingen : vaststellen van ijkmerken, verplichtingen
     van aanvragers tot ijken .
  - Bepalingen betreffende het ijken van meetmiddelen ( Ij kbeschikking ) .
   ■ Technische voorschriften in het bijzonder voor "neetreservoirs".
  UNITED KINGD0M
  No législation .
 ---pagebreak---                         PROPOSAI» FOR A COUNCÏL DIRECTIVE
                on the approximation of the laws of the Member
                States concerning road and rail transport tanks
                         used as measuring containers
                 (presented to the Council by the Commission )
THE COUNCIL OP THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community ,
and in particular Article 100 thereof ,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ,
Having regard to the Opinion of the European Parliament ,
Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
Whereas in several Member States mandatory provisions define the methods
whereby road and rail transport tanks used as measuring containers can "be
gauged and verified ;   whereas these requirements differ from one Member
State to another ;   whereas by reason of their disparity they hinder reco­
gnition by all Member States of the result of measurements carried out by one
of them ;
Whereas those obstacles to the establishment and functioning of the common
market can be diminished , or even eliminated , if the same provisions are
adopted by all Member States , either in addition to or in place of their exis­
ting legislation ;
1-Tiereas the Community provisions relating to the gauging and verification
methods defined in this Directive ensure that road and rail transport tanks
which are used as measuring containers and are gauged and verified by these
methods indicate , in a lasting manner and with sufficient accuracy , the amount
of liquid transported in them ;
 ---pagebreak--- Hhereas the gauging and verification of road and rail transport tanks used
as measuring containers can be treated in the same way as the initial
verification procedure for measuring instruments ; and whereas certain
provisions of the Council Directive of 2.6 July 1971 on the approximation
of the laws of the Member States concerning common provisions for measuring
instruments and methods of metrological control (l) can therefore be applied
in this case ,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE :
                                                                 -
(l ) OJ N° L 202 of 6 September 1971 » P» !•
 ---pagebreak---                                    -3 -
                               Article  1
This Directive applies to mobile tanks used for the transport of liquids ,
whether containers or tanks permantly or temporarily mounted on a road or
rail vehicle , the capacity of which is determined or checked by a Member
State in accordance with the provisions set out in the .Annexes hereto in
order to permit measurement of the volume of liquid they contain .
They are called " SEC measuring container tanks ".
This Directive does not apply to casks or barrels .
                               Article  2
This Directive relates ralely to those ESC measuring container tanks which
are expressly constructed for the reception , transport and delivery , at
atmospheric pressure , of liquids the quantities of which are determined in
units of volume .
Such tanks shall not require ESC pattern approval bui shall be subject to
metrological control consisting either of an ESC gauging or of an SEC ini­
tial verification under the conditions laid down in the Annexes hereto .
                               Article  3
The Member States shall not refuse , prohibit or restrict the sale and use of
measuring container tanks bearing the EEC initial verification mark.    They
shall accord to EEC marks and certificates the same status as to their own
national marks and certificates .
 ---pagebreak---                                 - 4 -
                              Article  4
Member States shall put into force the laws , regulations and administra­
tive provisions needed in order to comply with this Directive within
aighteen months after its notification ar-d shall forthwith inform the
Commission thereof .
Member States shall ensure that the texts of the provisions of national
law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directive are communi­
cated to the Commission .
                              Article  5
This Directive is addressed to the Member States .
 ---pagebreak---                                  -MNEX  -I
                                Chapter    I
                        General Rsmarks - Définition
1.1 . ESC gaugin#
      EEC gauging covers all the operations carried out by a Member Sate
      to determine the capacity of a measuring container tank up to a given
      filling level under the conditions laid down in this Directive .
1.2 . EEC initial vérification
      EEC initial verification means checking and confirming that a new or
      reconditioned measuring container tank , or one whose EEC marks are no
      longer valid , meets the requirements of this Directive .
1.3 . Nominal capacity "V
      Each compartment of an EEC measuring container tank for road transport
      is designated by its nominal capacity "V *' » which means the volume of
      liquid it is considered to contain at 20° C when it is filled to a given
      level , with the tank.placed in the reference position defined in Section
      2.4 .
1.4 < Total capacity "V.
      The total capacity of a measuring container is the maximum volume of
      liquid which it can contain , at 20° C , • until . it overflows , with the
      tank placed in the reference position defined in paragraph 2.4 .
                                                                                 /.
 ---pagebreak---                                                              »• n ; ^
                                                                    «y .
                                                                         r
                                                                         X
1.5 . Reference point and plane " P" - Reference plane "R"
      In the upper part of the tank , there shall be defined an easily
      accessible reference point " P", which is clearly marked in such
      a way that it cannot be defaced and in such a way that it is a
      permanent feature of the tank .  The horizontal plane passing through
      this reference point is termed the reference plane " P".
      A horizontal reference plane " R" may also be defined , in relation to
      which the levels of the free liquid surface are read .     Points " P" and
      " R" may coincide .
1.6 . Reading line
      The reading line is the line against which the liquid level in the
      tajik is read . It must pass as close as possible to the centre of
      gravity of the free liquid surface and its position must be determined.
      Normally , the reading line is vertical , but if the tank is constructed
      with a pronounced incline this line may itself be inclined ;         in such
      a case its position must be determined by an appropriate gauge-guide
      device .
1.7 . Total reference height " H"
      The total reference height "H" is the distance measured alonf the
      reading line between the point where this line meets the reference
      plane " P' and the foot of this line in the tank.
1.8 . Ullage
      Ullage is the distance along the reading line between its intersection
      with the free surface of the liquid and with the reference plane " R".
1.9 . Sensitivity
      The sensitivity of a measuring container tank in the vicinity of a
      filling level is the quotient obtained by dividing the change in height
      of this level by the corresponding variation in the volume of liquid
      measured . The variation in height is expressed in millimetres and the
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 3 -
                                                                jUSITEX I
       variation in volume either in metres or cubic decimetres or in
       thousandths of the volume of liquid measured.
1.10.  Métrologie al checking error
       The metrological checking error is given by the total of the maximum
       errors that can occur in the determination , during SEC gauging on
       EEC initial verification , of the capacity corresponding to the filling
       levels measured .
1.11 . P.eading error
       The reading error means the maximum error that can occur in the
       det emanation of the liquid level .           5
1.12 . ilaximuni permisse ble error on anv volume mo^.sursd
       This is the maximum error , plus or minus , that is permissible in the
       measurement of the volume contained , account , takes in particular of
       the gauging error , the reading error , .any dimensional in stability of
       the tank , and the tank 's inclination with respect to the reference
       position .
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 4 -
          •  '                                                 MNEX I
                                   Chapter   II
                               G eneral requirements
2.1 .   Unit s
        The units of measurement used shall be those laid down "by the
       Council Directive of 18 October 1971 relating to units of measure­
       ment , as amended by Annex I of the Act concerning the Conditions
        of Accession and the Adjustments to the Treaties ( l ).
2. 2 . Higidity
       Tanks and tank compartments must be so constructed that they are
       virtually non-aeformable and retain their metro logical characteris­
        tics .   In order to satisfy these requirements :
        a) the total reference height "H" shall not vary by more than l/lOO ,
            with a minimum of 1 mm , whether the vessel be empty , partly filled
            or full ;
       b ) the characteristic dimensions of a compartment when empty ,
            partly filled or full , must not vary by more than l/lOOO, with a
            minimum of 1 mm ;
        c ) the total capacity of a compartment must not vary by more than
            l/lOOO whether the neighbouring compartments be empty of full ; -
        d) the tank may be made of any metal , alloy or synthetic material
            that is suitable for the type of liquid transported .     These
            materials must possess sufficient durability , stability and
            strength and a coefficient of linear extension not exceeding
            25.10 ^ Kelvin at 20° C.
2.3 .  Résistance to détérioration
        The material used for the walls , pipework and all components m
        contact with the liquid or liquids contained must not deteriorate
       under normal conditions of use .       Suitable linings may be used in
        order to satisfy this requirement .
                                                                               ./•
( 1 ) O.J. !T° L 73 - 27 I larch 1972 , p. 119 and 120.
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 5 -
                                                              ÂFWEX I
2.4»  Reference position
      The reference position of an SEC measuring container tank is the
      position it occupies , with all its compartments filled :
      a) when the cradle of the container or of the independent tank, or
          the vehicle on which the tank is mounted , or the entire tractor
          and semi-trailer unit on which the tank is mounted rests on a flat
          and horizontal surface ;
      b) When the rail tanker rests on horizontal railway track.
                        /
      All measuring wontainer tanks must be placed in the reference position
      before EEC gauging or initial verification operations are carried out .
2.5 . Filling and emptying
      Eacn compartment of an EEC measuring container tank shall be shaped
      and constructed in such a way that it can , without any special manoeuvre ,
      be filled to overflowing without the formation of air pockets below
      the filling level and be completely empties by gravity in all normal
      positions of use , save in the case of exceptional conditions of use
      which render the foregoing requirements inapplicable (notably emptying
      by suction ).
      Channels , mouldings and/or vent pipes of adequate cross-section may be
      usod to satisfy these requirements .
      .Any baffles and stiffeners inside a compartment must be so shaped and
      perforated that they do not interfere with the filling and emptying
      and do not cause any differences in level in the various sections of
      the compartment during these two operations.
      The complete emptiness of the compartment or. compartments . must be easily
      verifiable .
2.6 . Dome - Expansion chamber
      A dome or expansion chamber is a chamber with vertical side-walls which
      is situated in the upper part of an EEC measuring container tank.
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 6 -
                                                            ANNEE I
2.7 . Dipstick
      A dipstick is a graduated measure which , when inserted into the
      liquid along the reading line , enables the level of the liquid
      to be read off .   This instrument must ne specially designed for
      this purpose .
      A dipstick for measuring ullages shall consist of j
      - a measure graduât ed xn mm ;
      - a handle , whose lower part is a flat measure perpendicular to the
         former , which when in use rests on the reference plane " R" in the up­
         per part of the tank , thus ensuring the correct position of the scale .
      These " millimetric dipsticks" must meet the requirements relating to
      measurements of length in precision class I or II as defined in the
      Council Directive of 19 November 1973 and must be EEC-inspected and
      stamped .
      In the position of use , the bottom of the scale ( zero ) must coincide
      with the reference plane " R".
2.8 . Performance of EEC gauging or initial verification operations
      Before these operations are performed on new measuring container tanks ,
      the metrology services of the Member States may require the constructor
      or his representative to supply all such information on the construction
      of these measuring container tanks as they may consider desirable .
      The capacity of compartments shall be determined by decanting water
      or other suitable liquid , the volume of which shall be measured with
      ths aid of gauges or metering equipment specially calibrated for this
      purpose .
      The gauging and verification operations shall be carried out in such a
      way and the instruments used shall have an accuracy such that the rela­
      tive errors in the determination of capacities do not exceed plus or
      minus two thousandths ( 2/1000) of the volume measured.
2.9 . Approval of EEC gauging and initial verification operations
      An identification plate shall be affixed to each tank or tank compartment
      as near as possible to the level-measuring devices ;   this plate shall be
 ---pagebreak---                                              - 7 -
                                                                     ANNEX I
         made of resistant material and shall state the information specified in
         sections 3.10 and 4.5 .   " In particular , it shall bear the SEC final
         init ial verification mark /
         Furthermore , lead seals bearing the EEC mark (EEC partial initial veri­
         fication mark) shall be set in such a way as to prevent removal of the
         plate and of all the fixed devices used to measure the total reference
         height "II" and the liquid levels .
         The type and the characteristics of the EEC initial verification marks
         shall be as laid down in Article 10 , paragraph 2 and Annexe II , section
         3 , of the Council I/irective of 26 July 1971 on the approximation of the
         laws of the Member States relating to common provisions for both measu­
         ring instruments and methods of metrological control .     Article 12 of this
         Directive applies mutatis mutandis .
2 . 10 . EEC gauging certificate         ' '  ~
         The results of gauging operations may be entered on an EEC gauging certi­
         ficate incorporating a diagram and where necessary , all relevant informa­
         tion concerning the use of the measuring container .
         This certificate is required for rail tankers when the level is measured
         by means of a device graduated in units of lengh and the measurement is
         taken at a place other than ,in a dome whose, volume ( in cubic cm) is
         constant . . In this case it will incorporate a table showing the volume
         in litres or cubic decimetres corresponding to the ullages, expressed in
         centimetres and millimetres .
         This document shall be prepared in accordance with Annex II .
                                                                                     /
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 8 -
                                                               .JNNEX I
                                   Chapter III
          Special requirements concerning independent measuring container
          tanks or measuring container tnnks mounted permanently or
                            temporarily on road vehicles
3.1 .  Construction and use
       These measuring containers must incorporate a dome or expansion chamber
       of sufficient size to allov; measurement in accordance with section 3.6 .
       below .
       The conditions prescribed by regulations other than metrological regula­
       tions must be compleed with so that the use of the tank as a measuring
       container is not adversely affected .
       Tests associated with the application of these provisions and likely to
       alter the metrological characteristics must be carried out before EEC
       gauging or SEC initial verification .
3 . 2. Ascertainment of the reference position
       The reference position must be ascertainable by any suitable means such
       as a spirit level incorporated in the tank, if the latter has at least
       one compartment more than one metre in length .
3.3 .  Outlet orifice
       Each compartment shall have an outlet orifice situated at its lowest
       point and a single discharge pipe with no by-pass , as short and straight
       as possible , with no counterslope and provided at its extremity with
       a closure' which delimits the capacity of the compartment in a downward
       direction .
       The measured volume shall extend down the discharge pipe as far as the
       first fluid-tight closure . When there are several fluid-tight closures ,
       as in the case of road tankers designed for the transport of dangerous
       substances , the volume of the pipe between these various devices shall
       not form part of the measured volume .
 ---pagebreak---                                                            ANNEX I
In this case , the identification plate shall "bear the words :
" exclu&ing discharge pipe".
Bottom valves situated at the inlet of the discharge pipe shall ,
as a general rule , be permissible but their position must be easily-
discernible .   The measured volume shall extend as far as the terminal
valve .
Manifolds linking the extremeties of the discharge pipes of several
compartments may be used when national regulations permit them .
In this case they must be removable in order to comply with the
regulations of Member States "which prohibit their use .
Where a road-tanker measuring container is equipped with a measuring
unit , the compartment outlets may be linked by a removable manifold in
such a way that each compartment can be emptied individually , by gravity
if necessary .
Where a road-tanker measuring container is equipped with a pump for
emptying by entire compartment , the equipment shall be completely
empty at the end of the operation .
Permissible piping and internal components
Heating , pipes , vent pipes , spillage drain pipes and conduits for brake
lines , lighting circuits , etc . which run through compartments and through
recessess in the outer wall used as steps , are permissible provided that
their presence does not impede filling , emptying or the reading of levels
and is not liable to impair gauging and measuring operations .     All these
components shall be mentioned on the gauging certificate , if any.
Internal compensators and hollow bodies are prohibited .
Nommai capacities
Only compartments with a capacity of not less than 100 litres shall be
acceptable as measuring containers .
iChe value of the nominal capacity should preferably be a whole multiple
of 100 litres .
For 100 to 1000 litres inclusive , however , it may be a multiple of 1 li­
tre ;   for more than 1000 but not more than - 5000 litres it may be a
multiple of 5 litres ;   thereafter it may be a multiple of 10 litres .
 ---pagebreak---                                     - 10 -
                                                               ANNEX I
3.6 . Measurement
      The volume of the liquid shall be measured by ascertaining the level
      in the dome or in the expansion chamber by one of the following methods :
      a) At least two vertical reading windows , placed in the wall of the
           dome or expansion chamber and bearing a mark corresponding to the
           nominal capacity and a scale graduated in units of volume on
           either side of this mark .   These two windows must be situated
           symmetrically with respect to the vertical longitudinal plane of
           symmetry of the tank .
      b ) A fixed marking device situated inside the dome or expansion chamber ,
           visible from above either directly or through a horizontal transpa­
           rent window and consisting
           - either of raised marks on the inside wall situated opposite each
             other and perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal plane of
             symmetry of the tank ,
           - or of one or more graduations in units of volume marked on a
             conical funnel the axis of which coincides with the reading line ,
             or on an inclined plate as close as possible to the reading line .
           The slope of the generatrices of the funnel or of the inclined plate
           must not exceed 65° to the horizontal .
           The mark corresponding to the nominal oapacity must be within 10 mil­
           limetres of the mid-height of the dome .
      c ) A millimetric dipstick conforming to the requirements of section 2.7 *
           above .
           The levels are read by means of a dipstrick along the reading line ,
           which must pass substantially through the locus of the centres of
           gravity of the horizontal sections of the tank throughout the zone
           in which liquid levels can be read .
         • The zero of the dipstick must be in the reference plane " R" defined
           in section 1.5 » above .
           The reference plane " R" shall be formed by a well-defined reference
           surface which is so placed that there is no obstacle to the insertion
           of the dipstrick . , This reference surface may consist :
           - either of the upper faces of two non-deformable , flat , projecting
             parts securely fixed below the plane of the upper edge of the orifice ,
 ---pagebreak---                                      - 11 -
                                                               AN1TEX I
      - or of two smooth areas in the plane of the upper edge of the orifice ,
      - or by the upper edge of the dipstick guide . -
      The three methods described above must allow measurement of at least
      the volumes between 99 $ and- 101 i° of the nominal capcity "V "•
      For methods a) and b ) , the interval between the axes of two consecutive
      lines , knewn as the " scale interval ", must correspond to a volume not
      greater than one-thousandth of "V "•
      All parts the position of which affects measurement must be rendered irre­
      movable by stamping the EEC sealing mark on them.
      Extrenal level tubes must not be used for measuring the volume of liquid.
3.7 . Inclination
      For inclinations of the position of use of up to 5 fc in        direction
      with respect to the reference position :
      a) All requirements relating to complete filling and complete emptying
          must be fully complied with ,
      b ) The level of the liquid must be visible and readable .    The devices
          mentioned in section 3.6 . above , particularly the windows , the funnel
          or inclined plate and the graduated scales , must be dimensioned accor­
          dingly .
3.8 . Sensitivity and range of measurement
      At all points where a level can be determined by one of the methods des­
      cribed in section 3.6 . above , the sensitivity must be not less than 2mm
      for one-thousandth of the volume measured .
      Hence the range of measurement has to be limited by fixing in each spe­
      cific case a threshold value for the height of liquid measured and a
      corresponding minimum volume .
      Below this value the compartment must not be used as a measuring contai­
      ner .
3.9 . Maximum permissible relative error in service
      The maximum permissible relative error for any volume measured shall be
      set at plus or minus five-thousandths ( 5/l000 ) of that volume .
                                                                                   •/.
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 12 -
                                                               MI EX I
3.10 . Identification plate
       The identification plate referred to in section 2.9 . shall state the
       following information :
       a) The identifcation number issued by the authority which carried out
           the EEC gauging or EEC initial verification ;
       b) For each compartment :
           - the nominal capacity "V 11 and the corresponding ullage ;
           - the average centimetric volume in the dome or expansion chamber;
           - the total reference height "H" and the total capacity "V^"?
       c ) The name and address of the manufacturer , the year of manufacture and
           the serial number of the compartment ;
       d) The date of the last metrological inspection ;
       e ) The EEC final initial verification mark;
       f) IJhether or not the discharge pipe is included ; optionally , informa­
           tion stating or restricting the liquid or liquids to be contained ;
           the name and address of the owner.
3.11 . Gauging certificate
       When this certificate is drawn up , under the conditions laid down in
       section 2.10 , it shall include all the information appearing on the
       identification plate and , where appropriate , additional requirements .
3.12 . Validit.y
       The ESC initial verification marks and the gauging certificates and
       tables shall cease to be valid , the metrological inspection shall be
       carried out again and the identification plate replaced either :
       a) after a period of four years , or
       b ) as soon as the tank has been subjected to a pressure test or has
           undergone deformation , repair or conversion (chassis replacement ,
           etc ,.), and in particular if the total reference height "H" has
           varied by more than one*-thousandth.
                                                                                •A
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 13 -
                                                                 ANN3K I
                                    Chnpter IV
                  Special requirements in respact of measuring container
                            tanks mounted on rail vehicles
4.1 .   Construction and use
        The International Union of Railways , the railway companies and the
        official inspection services lay down construction and filling
         (expansion volume ) conditions for rail tankers in order to ensure
        transport without overloading or other risks .     These conditions must
        be complied with , but in such a way that the use of the tank as a
        measuring container is not impaired .
        Tests associated with the application of these requirements must ba
        carried out before gauging .
4.2 .   Inclination
        All the general requirements relating to complete filling and complete
        emptying must be fully complied with for inclinations of the unit of up
        to 2 Jo in any direction with respect to the reference 'position .
4.3 .   Outlets
      . Each . tank or each compartment shall have a single outlet clearly situa­
        ted substantially at the mid point of the lower generatrix.      The dis­
        charge pipe shall have two outlets , one on each side of the vehicle ,
        located at the extremities of a straight horizontal pips .which is
        perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wagon and is joined
        at its mid-point by the single vertical discharge pipe from the tank.
        The volume measured shall extend down the discharge pipe as far as the
        first fluid-tight closure .    When there are several successive fluid-tight
        closures , as in the case of railtankors designed for the transport of
        dangerous substances , the volume of the pipe between these various devices
        shall not form part of the measured volume .    In this case , the identifi­
        cation plate shall bear the words": •'excluding "discharge pipe ".
 ---pagebreak---                                        - 14 -
                                                                  /JîNEX I
      Bottom valves situated at the inlet of the discharge pipe shall , as
      or general rule , be permissible but their position must be easily
      discernible and they are never to be considered fluid-tight .
      The measured volume shall extend as far as the .terminal value .
4.4 . -Jicillary pipinc
      Heating pipes inside the tank are permissible provided that their pre­
      sence does not impede   filling , emptying or the reading of levels and
      is not liable to impair gauging and measuring operations ,      These pipes
      shall be mentioned on the gauging certificate , if any .
      Internal compensators and hollow bodies are prohibited .
4.5 . Ke ?,sûrement
      The level of the liquid shall be established from the ullage as measured
      by a dipstick along the reading line the position of which shall be clear­
      ly indicated on the gauging certificate and which passes substantially
      through the centre of gravity of the free surface of the liquid .
      A special orifice , separate from the filling orifice , may be provided
      for this purpose .
      The reference point or plane " P" and the reference plane " R" defined in
      section 1.5 » as well as the dipstick manufactured in accordance with
      section 2.7 ., shall bear the ESC verification marks mentioned in section
      2.9 .
4.6 . Sensitivity
      The sensitivity in the vicinity of any filling level shall be not less
      than two millimetres per thousandth of the volume of liquid contained .
      Hence the range of measurement has to be limited by fixing in each spe­
      cific case a threshold value for the height of liquid measured and a
      corresponding minimum volume .
      Below this value the tank must not be used as a measuring container .
4.7 . Maximum permissible relative error in service
      The maximum permissible relative error for any volume measured shall be
      set at plus or minus three ( thousandths ( 3/l000 ) of that volume .
 ---pagebreak---                                       - 15 -
        ' '                                                      iuMSX I
4.8 . Identification plate
      The identification plate referred to in section 2.9 « shall state
      the following information :
      a) the identification number issued by the authority which carried
            out the EEC gauging or EEC initial verification ;
      b ) the registration number of the wagon ;
      c) for each compartment , the total reference length "H" and the
            total capacity "V^";
      d) the names and addresses of the owner and of the manufacturer,
            the serial number and the year of manufacture of the tank;
      e) the date of the last metrological inspection ;
      f) the ESC final initial verification mark;
      g) whether or not the discharge pipe is included;
            optionally , information stating or restricting the liquid or
            liquids to be oontained .
      On the same plate or on a separate plate located either close to the
      former or inside the cover of the filling orifice and rendered
      irremovable by means of an EEC sealing mark , the gauging-certificate
      table shall be legibly and indelibly reproduced .
4.9 . Gauging certificate
      The competent authority of the Member State shall issue a gauging
      certificate drawn up in accordance with the requirements of section
      2.10 .;    model of this certificate is attached in iinnex II .
      The certificate shall include all the particulars appearing on the
      identification plate , together with a centimentric table showing
      the volumes corresponding to the ullages , starting from a minimum
      measurable volume which is defined under the sensitivity conditions
      specified in section 4.6 .      The certificate shall remain valid for
      10 years ;    it shall be cancelled if the tank is modified or repaired
      or if the chassis is replaced .
                                                                              ./
 ---pagebreak---                                         16 -
                                                              ilNNEX I
4.10 . Valirlity
                                                                               9
       The SBC initial verification marks , gauging certificates and gauging
       tables shall cease to be valid , the metrological inspection shall
       be carried out again and the identification plate replaced either t
       a) after a period of 10 years , or
       b ) after the tank has been subjected to a pessure test or has
           undergone deformation , repair or conversion (chassis replacement ,
           etc .), and in particular if the total reference height "H* has
           varied by more than one-thousandth.
 ---pagebreak---                            ANNEX  II
      DIRECTIVE CONCERNING MEASURINO-C CNTAINER TAMKS
       Gauging certificate for measuring containers
                  mounted on rail vehicles
The certificate shall mdicate :
1.  The issuing authority and a serial number}
2.  The registration number of the wagon ;
3.  The names and addresses of the manufacturer and of the owner ;
4.  The date of issue :
5.  The status and signatire of the operator , together with the
    seal of the authority concerned ;
6.  The reference point or plane "P", the reading line and the
    total reference height "H" in millimetres ;
7.  The total capacity
8.  3y means of a centimetric table , the volume of liquid in cubic
    decimetres or litres , as a function of the ullage .  This table
    shall be restricted to the minimum measurable volume ( this
    shall be explicitly stated);
9.  By means of a sketch , the meaning of the symbols " P", " H", " V. "