ADR bulk provision AP11
Sets the VC3 standards for molten aluminium (UN 3257) in vats: insulation ≤ 130 °C, steel vats tested at 4 bar, inspections, vehicles, driver training.
AP11 defines what the country-of-origin standards under VC3 mean for bulk carriage of molten aluminium, UN 3257, in vats. Vats are insulated so the outer surface stays at or below 130 °C, positioned so other road users cannot touch them, secured per 7.5.7.1, and may skip Chapter 5.3 placards if the vehicle carries them. Fire and explosion risks from the hot metal and evolved gases must be prevented, e.g. with inert gas. Vats are steel, designed for a 4 bar test pressure to EN 13445-3:2014, with protected openings, a top guard taking a static load of twice the maximum permissible vat mass (2g), and leakproof closures and seals if a full vat overturns. An approved inspection body carries out type examination, initial, intermediate (at most six years), periodic (at least every twelve years or on relining) and exceptional inspections to EN 12972:2018 + A1:2024; vats carry a plate marked P or L. Operators keep a vat file, record lining work and check seals at each filling. Vehicles need a stability function approved under UN Regulation No. 131 and vats with discharge openings facing or opposite the direction of travel, and drivers need documented supplementary training.
| Value | Applies when |
|---|---|
| 130 °C | maximum vat surface temperature during carriage |
| 4 bar | vat design test pressure and hydraulic test pressure (without refractory lining) |
| 2g static load | protective device on top of the vat: twice the maximum permissible vat mass on the filling cover |
| six years interval | latest intermediate inspection after initial or periodic inspection |
| three months window | intermediate inspection may be done this far before the due date |
| twelve years interval | latest periodic inspection, or whenever the refractory lining is renewed |
Conditions
- 1. General: vat definition; insulation; positioning; securing per 7.5.7.1; Chapter 5.3 placards may be omitted on vats if on the vehicle.
- 2. Fire and explosion protection, e.g. inert gas.
- 3. Construction: steel, EN 13445-3:2014, 4 bar, forces of 6.8.2.1.2, protected openings, leakproof refractory lining, approved welding, overturn-proof seals.
- 4. Inspections and tests by an approved inspection body to EN 12972:2018 + A1:2024: type examination, initial, intermediate, periodic, exceptional.
- 5. Marking plate by analogy with 6.8.2.5.1 without approval number and external design pressure, suffix P (4.2, 4.4) or L (4.3).
- 6. Operation: vat file of reports; record lining renewal and repair; check seals at every filling.
- 7. Vehicles: stability function per UN Regulation No. 131; discharge openings facing or opposite to travel direction.
- 8. Driver training: supplementary training on vat risks on top of the 8.2.1.2 basic course, documented by the carrier.
| equipment | Vehicle stability function approved to UN Regulation No. 131, Vat identification plate (by analogy with 6.8.2.5.1) |
|---|---|
| documents | Vat file: type examination report and all test and inspection results, Record of refractory lining renewals and repairs, Carrier record of the driver supplementary training (date, duration, main topics), Test reports from the inspection body |
Note. The provision runs from page 594 to page 597; the AP11 label sits in the stacked margin on page 594 and the end of section 6 shares page 597 with the AP12 label, so its last lines are assigned to AP11 by content.
Refers to: VC3; 7.3.3.1; 7.5.7.1; Chapter 5.3; 6.8.2.1.2; 6.8.2.4.1; 6.8.2.4.4; 6.8.2.5.1; 8.2.1.2; EN 13445-3:2014; EN 12972:2018 + A1:2024; UN Regulation No. 131.
Carried by 1 Table A entry
Source: ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Volume II, section 7.3.3.2.7, AP11, page 594.
Paraphrase in FreightUtils' own words, not the official text. Not yet reviewed.
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