In Brief
Spitzer silo trailer TDT inspection is mandatory every 2 years (periodic) and every 6 years (extended + pressure test at 1.25×MOP). The inspector checks: vessel condition, PT weld test (EN ISO 3452), safety valve calibration, dome seals, ADR marking, and service documentation. Most common reasons for failure: weld cracks (visible only under PT), defective pressure relief valve, missing repair protocols. Preparation time at PHS Magnum: 1–2 working days. TDT certificates issued in Poland are recognised EU-wide on the basis of ADR (Chapter 6.8) and TPED 2010/35/EU. Location: Chorula, 4 km from A4 motorway, 180 km from German border.
Spitzer Trailer TDT Inspection: Full Guide
Every Spitzer silo trailer is a pressure vessel under Polish law (Dz.U. 2023 pos. 757) and EU Directive PED 2014/68/EU. This means mandatory technical inspections by the TDT (Transportowy Dozór Techniczny) at fixed intervals.
Inspection Schedule
| Inspection type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Periodic inspection (PI) | Every 2 years |
| Extended inspection + pressure test | Every 6 years |
| Post-repair inspection | Once after any pressure vessel repair |
| Post-accident inspection | Once after any structural incident |
What the TDT Inspector Checks
- Vessel condition — visual inspection of the outer shell and welds
- PT weld inspection — dye penetrant test of weld seams (EN ISO 3452)
- Armature and safety valves — calibration certificates for pressure relief valves
- Seals and hatches — dome seals, discharge port seals, no visible damage
- ADR marking — valid orange plates, UN hazard labels if applicable
- Documentation — service book, repair protocols since last inspection
Preparing for Inspection: Step by Step
- Interior cleaning — pressure wash to remove all cargo residues
- Pre-inspection check — visual assessment of vessel and armature
- PT weld testing — dye penetrant inspection of all welds (report for the inspector)
- Safety valve replacement or recertification — if no valid certificate
- Seal replacement — dome seals, discharge ports, Camlock couplings
- Pressure test — 1.0 × MOP (periodic) or 1.25 × MOP (extended)
- Document package — compile all protocols for the inspector
After the Inspection
A passed TDT inspection results in:
- TDT certificate valid for 2 or 6 years
- PT inspection report
- Updated trailer service book
- Next inspection date sticker
German Operators: Cross-Border Recognition
TDT certificates issued in Poland are recognised within the EU under the mutual recognition principle for pressure vessel inspections. German operators using Spitzer trailers serviced at our facility in Chorula (180 km from the German border, motorway A4) receive all documentation in Polish and German.
Related: Spitzer trailer service · Spare parts · TDT inspections · Repair & renovation
