Practical application cases of aluminum alloy materials in tank trailers
Aluminum alloy materials are increasingly used in tank trailers, mainly due to their advantages of lightweight, high strength, and corrosion resistance. The following are some specific practical application cases:
1. Bulk cement transport semi-trailer
- Material selection: Al-Mg alloys (such as 5083 and 5454) are generally widely used as tank materials. 5083 is the most common aluminum-magnesium alloy with good welding performance, corrosion resistance and processing performance, and medium strength. 5454 aluminum alloy plate is suitable for use under high temperature conditions and has good strength and corrosion resistance at high temperatures.
- Structural design: The main structure (tank body, frame) and accessories are made of aluminum alloy materials, which significantly reduces the curb weight. Taking a 38m³ horizontal powder tank semi-trailer as an example, the curb weight of a powder tank semi-trailer with a high-strength steel structure is about 6.15-6.5t, while the curb weight of a powder tank semi-trailer with an aluminum alloy structure is about 5.0t, which is 1.2-1.5t lighter.
- Economic benefits: According to GB 1589-2016, the maximum total weight of a six-axle semi-trailer train shall not exceed 49t. The aluminum alloy powder tank semi-trailer has increased its effective load capacity and improved its economic benefits through lightweight design. For example, users in Jiangsu reported that they could earn about 100 yuan more per day for every additional ton of cement pulled, and users in Hunan reported that they could earn about 140 yuan more per day for every additional ton of cement pulled.
- Energy saving and emission reduction: For every 100kg reduction in vehicle weight, fuel consumption per 100 kilometers can be reduced by 0.6L, and every 1L of fuel saved can reduce CO₂ emissions by 2.3kg. Aluminum alloy powder tank semi-trailer reduces weight by 1.5t, travels 120,000 km per year, saves 5,400L of fuel, and reduces CO₂ emissions by 14.42t.
2. Oil tanker
- Material selection: 5182 is a special aluminum alloy plate for oil tanker. It is a new high-magnesium alloy developed in recent years for tanker storage and dangerous goods transportation that meets the requirements of ADR (European Convention for the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road).
- Structural design: Shengtong 50 cubic meter oil tanker semi-trailer is formed in one step using Alcoa high elongation 5182 plate. The tank body has high strength and good ductility. The tank body will not crack in the event of an accident, thus avoiding vehicle explosion due to oil leakage. The number of tank body welds is reduced, and the entire tank body can have at least three welds on both sides and in the length direction.
- Safety measures: The vehicle adopts BPW air suspension, which effectively absorbs the impact and shock caused by uneven road surfaces, protects axles, tires, parts, etc., and ensures a stable center of gravity of the trailer. One axle of the trailer is a front lifting axle, which can be lifted off the ground when empty, reducing tire wear and fuel consumption. The emergency shut-off device can automatically shut down for emergency leak-stopping when the vehicle pipeline is broken or leaking.
3. General powder tank semi-trailer
- Material selection: Al-Si alloys (such as 3003) are usually used as non-important strength parts such as tool box door panels, bottom plates, tank top walkways, etc. Al-Mg2Si alloys (such as 6061, 6063) are usually used as extruded aluminum profiles for pipelines, protection, beams and other structural parts on powder tank semi-trailers.
- Structural design: In the selection of frame materials, extruded aluminum profiles are widely used. For example, wing plate profiles such as triangular beams can be processed with 6061 aluminum alloy materials. Irregular shaped local webs or other components can choose 5083 or 5182 aluminum alloy materials.
- Accessories and accessories: When processing the accessories of the powder tank trailer, in addition to the pipeline and side protection, the rear protection, tank top walkway and other parts can be processed with aluminum alloy materials. In the design of modern powder tank trailers, the processing of accessories can also use a steel-aluminum hybrid structure to improve the overall performance.
Conclusion
The application of aluminum alloy materials in tank trailers not only significantly reduces the curb weight of the vehicle, improves economic benefits and fuel economy, but also enhances the safety and corrosion resistance of the vehicle. With the continuous advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, the application of aluminum alloy materials in tank trailers will become more and more extensive, becoming the mainstream trend of the future development of tank trailers.
