CHARLOTTE—Kraft Tank Corporation and its equipment partners introduced the Omni Tanker composite tank trailer during National Tank Truck Carriers’ Tank Truck Week here at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Kraft is the exclusive distributor of the innovative new advanced-composite, “armored thermoplastic” chemical tank trailer built by Australian tank trailer and container manufacturer Omni in a collaboration with Polar Tank—a part of Engineered Transportation International—SAF-Holland, ConMet, and Drōv Technologies, which powers the Tank Ai smart trailer system in Polar and Heil trailers.
The patented Omni technology features a completely seamless inner tank constructed with chemically resistant thermoplastic that boasts a high-strength, carbon fiber composite makeup with a “high-integrity” interface between the materials. The use of lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber composites for the barrel structure helps to maximize the trailer’s payload capacity and efficiency, Kraft said.
“Ultimately, what do you want to do?” asked Brian Pursley, Kraft Tank director of sales, during a demonstration Tuesday inside the convention center’s exhibit hall. “You want to have a trailer that is versatile, safe, and reliable. This trailer provides that. By being able to haul products with an easy-wash out SOP, you’re able to do backhauls and redeploy assets. You don’t have to have a dedicated trailer for one product.
“The versatility of this trailer is one of its biggest advantages.”
The tank’s thermoplastic interior delivers a thick and flexible layer that provides “exceptional” durability for hazardous cargoes, resulting in minimal maintenance and no need for relining. It can be washed out easily, prevents contamination, and keeps chemical cargo pure, maximizing tank utilization in seasonal peaks.
The new composite tank trailer is equipped with SAF-Holland’s CBX AeroBeam fixed-frame air ride suspension system, providing a design technology built upon the supplier’s weight-saving, cast beam trailing-arm. This top-mount design meets the demand for durability, while also providing a low overall system weight, explained Lucas Groenewoud, SAF-Holland national account manager. The suspension system also features SwingAlign, an economical solution for quick and easy axle re-alignment.
The axle brake technology includes Haldex disc brakes and brake actuators with the ConMet’s lightweight, aluminum PSP7 wheel hub. ConMet’s PreSet Plus system secures the wheels, improves wheel end clamp load, makes installation and hub removal easier, and enhances safety. The bearing spacer is precisely machined, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and its tapered roller bearings reduce stress and friction for a longer life. The wheel seals protect the hub in harsh conditions, helping ensure smooth operation. The advanced wheel hub assembly boasts simplified installation, high performance, and low maintenance, according to Randy Long, ConMet national fleet sales manager.
The Omni tank on display at Tank Truck Week also featured the full Tank Ai smart trailer system and user interface with electronic tire inflation and deflation, multiple cameras and sensors, GPS tracking, and more.
