PETROL DISTRIBUTORS WANT 4,000-GAL. LIMIT RAISED
Page 26
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TO take advantage of the higher gross weights now permitted, petroleum distributors are asking the Home Office to increase the present 4,000-gal. limit for low-flashpoint petroleum products laid down in the conveyance regulations. A figure of 5,500-gal. has been mentioned, and, certainly, over 5,000 gal. should be feasible within 28 tons gross; larger vehicles than this coact bring forecourt access problems.
Meanwhile at least one major oil company, Mobil Oil Co. Ltd., is testing a prototype multi-purpose 4,000-gal, articulated tanker outfit at its Coryton, Essex, terminal with an eye to the new C. and U. regulations. Already, this tanker will be able to carry 4,000 gal, of diesel or gas oil, as against 3.800 under the previous weight limits.
Drawn by an A.E.C. Mandator, the tank semi-trailer has Carrimore tandem, axle gear with air suspension, disc brakes and low-profile 18-19.5 single tyres. The Steel Barrel Co. tank is epoxy resin lined and the top operators are all
pneumatically controlled. A Wayne I.T.15 flowmeter and Godfrey Waterous H.I.530 cargo pump are fitted.
Also to be evaluated by Mobil is an even newer tanker with double-conical tank and a 250 g.p.m. flowmeter.