Tank chassis
Encyclopedia
Tank container chassis, also referred to as tank chassis, drop frame chassis or tank trailers, are a form of intermodal transportation for portable bulk liquid containers or ISO tank containers. They are characteristically longer and have lower deck height ideal for transporting constantly shifting payloads. The invention of the tank container revolutionized the way bulk liquids were transported, stored, and handled worldwide. It has improved safety, reduced costs and brought with it the benefits of convenience and efficiency associated with a multi-modal transport system. Invariably the invention of the drop frame chassis followed soon after to accommodate this new type of intermodal container.
s provide a secure mounting mechanism for the tanks and eliminate the need for straps or chains. The lower center of gravity is crucial for reducing the chances of a roll over with the constant shifting weight of the liquid cargo. These chassis can also be fitted with additional accessories including: lift kits to facilitate product discharge, hose tubes, and hi/lo kits to carry two empty tanks.
, spread axle, tri-axle, and hi/lo combo configurations.
Tandem Axle Chassis were the industry standard initially. The closed tandem drop deck chassis typically have a GVWR of 65000 lb (29,484 kg). The quest to increase payload capacities spawned the tri-axle chassis with the ability to scale 42000 lb (19,051 kg). on the trailer axles. The addition of the third axle however added a significant increase to the tare weight of the chassis, thus limiting the permissible weight limits to comply with bridge laws. This led to the invention of the Spread Axle Chassis with a spread of 109 in (2,769 mm) allowing for the same weight to be dispersed on the rear axles of the trailer (42000 lb (19,051 kg)) as the tri-axle. This is the new industry standard with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 80000 lb (36,287 kg).
design from Fossey in 1966. The eighties and early nineties saw two different trends. One was a quest to make the tank container both lighter and have a greater capacity. Through the following decades tanks have evolved to become a lighter and more space efficient means of transporting bulk liquids.
Description
Though in the USA tank containers are typically the same dimensions (20 x. as a standard ISO ocean container, tank chassis are much longer than the typical 20 ft (6.1 m) container chassis. Tank chassis typically measure 40–43 ft (12.2–13.1 m) in length by 8 by 4 ft (2.4 by 1.2 m) wide x tall. This chassis has a standard drop-frame design providing a lower center of gravity than conventional trailers and an overall length suitable to legally scale most tanks. TwistlockTwistlock
A twistlock and corner casting together form a standardised rotating connector for securing shipping containers. The primary uses are for locking a container into place on container ship, semi-trailer truck or railway container train; and for lifting of the containers by container cranes and...
s provide a secure mounting mechanism for the tanks and eliminate the need for straps or chains. The lower center of gravity is crucial for reducing the chances of a roll over with the constant shifting weight of the liquid cargo. These chassis can also be fitted with additional accessories including: lift kits to facilitate product discharge, hose tubes, and hi/lo kits to carry two empty tanks.
Tank chassis types
The tank chassis has evolved over the past years to accommodate greater payload weights. The tank chassis comes in tandem axleAxle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
, spread axle, tri-axle, and hi/lo combo configurations.
Tandem Axle Chassis were the industry standard initially. The closed tandem drop deck chassis typically have a GVWR of 65000 lb (29,484 kg). The quest to increase payload capacities spawned the tri-axle chassis with the ability to scale 42000 lb (19,051 kg). on the trailer axles. The addition of the third axle however added a significant increase to the tare weight of the chassis, thus limiting the permissible weight limits to comply with bridge laws. This led to the invention of the Spread Axle Chassis with a spread of 109 in (2,769 mm) allowing for the same weight to be dispersed on the rear axles of the trailer (42000 lb (19,051 kg)) as the tri-axle. This is the new industry standard with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 80000 lb (36,287 kg).
History of the Tank Container
In response to the need for greater improved movement of bulk liquids, tank containers were invented in the mid 1960 by Bob Fossey who worked for Wiliams Fairclough in London. This first tank was a beam type designed in 1967 built onto a swap bodySwap body
A swap body is a standard freight container for road and rail transport.Basic standardization is set with Euronorms EN 283, EN 284 and EN 452 for construction and design, as well as EN 13044 for marking and identification. The panel responsible for developing standards is CEN/TC 119...
design from Fossey in 1966. The eighties and early nineties saw two different trends. One was a quest to make the tank container both lighter and have a greater capacity. Through the following decades tanks have evolved to become a lighter and more space efficient means of transporting bulk liquids.