Whales take to water
Page 16
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by Bryan Jarvis • Two new vacuum-filled sludge handling tanker semitrailers, built by Whale Tankers for Northumbrian Water, are designed to reduce working noise levels, cut operational times and be more stable in transit.
Both 22,730-litre (5,000 gal) tankers have unusually low cen
tres of gravity thanks to a rearward tapering chassis. This gives them a sturdier, deeper front end and a lower, lighter rear section.
Hydraulically driven 420cfm
(714m3/hr) liquid ring exhausters have sound insulation panels over the drive-shafts to help cut noise when loading.
"Vacuum loading," says Northumbrian's transport supervisor Brian Lee, "is up to 50% quicker than with our previous tankers. The lower noise factor is more important though, especially when dealing with burst mains in residential areas at night".
The triaxle semi has Hendrickson air suspension with a front lifting axle.