No climbing on latest safety tanker

Feb. 1, 2002
ABSOLUTELY no climbing is possible on this new petroleum transporter from Stokota in Belgium. The cylindrical tank with a conical nose section has no

ABSOLUTELY no climbing is possible on this new petroleum transporter from Stokota in Belgium. The cylindrical tank with a conical nose section has no ladder and no walkway. They are not needed because the tank is always bottom-loaded. Liquid level is precisely measured by a computerized electronic dipstick called Dipcheck.

The four-compartment aluminum tank has a capacity of 42,500 liters (11,230 gallons) for operation in countries that have a 44-stone (97,000-lb) gross combination weight allowed on five axles. Tank shell thickness is 5.2 mm (.205"). The four 20" aluminum manhole covers are recessed into the cylindrical tank for safety and have lockable rain covers.

The aluminum chassis is integrated with the tank so that the tank is nested between the wheels for a low center of gravity. The tank bottom is 909 mm (36") above the road surface, and the top of the tank is 3,269 mm (129") high. Overall length is 11,350 mm (37' 3"). The tank rides on three 9-tonne (20,000-lb) axles and six 385/65R22.5 tires.

Stokota says the total weight reduction of this prototype tank is 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), which allows an extra load volume of 2,000 liters of gasoline (530 gallons). Some of that weight reduction is gained by eliminating the two meters normally required for dispensing both gasoline and diesel fuel. Even greater accuracy is gained by switching to the new Dipcheck system, and it can save up to 400 kg (880 lb).

Dipcheck has an ultrasound sensor in each compartment. Pulses are beamed through the liquid so the liquid surface functions as a mirror and catches the echo. The time differential between the sending and receiving of the echo is equal to the height of the liquid column. A temperature sensor is in each discharge line to compute average fluid temperature. Load density is also measured so that the computer can translate the liquid level into precise volume. It can compensate for an inclination/angle (lean over) of up to five degrees.

Joery van Dipte of Dipcheck Dialco in the Netherlands says this electronic measuring system is expensive, but even cash-strapped middle European countries are specifying the new system to get control of their costs. The Stokota tank trailer on display at Trailer 2001, for example, will be delivered to a company in the Czech Republic. Dipcheck — DIAL Alpeco Benelux BV, Celsiusstraat 5, 3316 AC Dordrecht, the Netherlands. Stokota NV, Dijkstraat 23, B-9160 Lokeren, Belgium.