Product Code Database
A tank truck, gas truck, fuel truck, or tanker truck (American English) or tanker (British English) is a motor vehicle designed to carry or on roads. The largest such vehicles are similar to railroad , which are also designed to carry liquid loads. Many variants exist due to the wide variety of liquids that can be transported. Tank trucks tend to be large; they may be insulated or non-insulated; pressurized or non-pressurized; and designed for single or multiple loads (often by means of internal divisions in their tank). Some are semi-trailer trucks. They are difficult to drive and highly susceptible to vehicle rollover due to their high center of gravity and, when they are partially filled, to the free surface effect of liquid sloshing in the tank.
A tank truck is distinguished by its shape, usually a cylindrical tank lying horizontally upon the vehicle. Some less visible distinctions amongst tank trucks have to do with their intended use: compliance with human food regulations, refrigeration capability, acid resistance, pressurization capability, and more. The tanks themselves almost always contain multiple compartments or Slosh baffle to prevent load movement destabilizing the vehicle known as the "wave effect". This phenomenon is primarily caused by the movement of liquid within the tank. This movement can create waves that exert pressure against the tank's walls, leading to instability during sharp turns or sudden braking and chances of rollover accidents.
Tank trucks are constructed of various materials depending on what products they are hauling. These materials include Aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel, and fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP).
Some tank trucks are able to carry multiple products at once due to compartmentalization of the tank into multiple tank compartments. This allows for an increased number of delivery options. These trucks are commonly used to carry different grades of gasoline to service stations to carry all products needed in one trip.
Another common use is to deliver fuel such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to households, businesses, and industries. The smallest of these trucks usually carry about of LPG under pressure. Typically, LPG tank trucks carry up to of product (usually liquid propane), on a 2-axle bobtail truck. 3,500 US gallons and greater requires a 3-axle truck (tank wagon). Some companies use lightweight steel to carry more gallons on single-axle trucks. Notably, one US manufacturer has built a tank truck, fitting it on a single axle.
Tank trucks are also used to fuel aircraft at airports.
|
|
