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SAFETY DEVICES FOR TANK WAGONS

15th April 1924, Page 28
15th April 1924
Page 28
Page 28, 15th April 1924 — SAFETY DEVICES FOR TANK WAGONS
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TN VIEW of the increasing use wide is being made of tank wagons for the carrying of petrol and other inflammable liquids, details of some of the safety devices which have been employed in America on vehicles of this type may be of interest, as they have resulted from several destructive fires in that country -which have shown the need for every . precaution to be taken.

The latest tanks are divided into three compartments, each having an individual expansion dome with a cap, not screwed, but provided with an expanding lock device which entirely prevents the Cap loosening unintentionally under the effects of vibration or other causes.

In each dome is adusible plug, which melts at a temperature of 185 degrees F., and if a fire occurs outside the tank, and the heat is sufficient to melt the plug, a valve within the dome immediately B28

closes, whilst the plug itself is equipped -with a fire screen to prevent flames front gaining access to the contents. Behind the tank is a, bucket box, and the taps cannot he operated until the lid of this boa has been raised and a special lever pulled down. It is in,. pon.sible to close this lid while the handle is down, and the shut-off valves, which,, are separate from the taps, remain open only so long as the lever is in this position. At the same time, the ignition of-the engine is cut off, so that it. cannot be started until everything is closed up.

The connection between the lever and the valves is by Ineans of a link of fusible metal, and if a fire accurs at the rear end of the vehicle this link melts, and the . valves are closed automatically, thereby stopping the flow of petrol into the outlet pipes even if the taps be open. This link is so sensitive that it can be melted by the beat from. a match.

A tripping mechanism, connected to the emergency valves, is also provided in the driver's cab, and should there be a fire at the back, and by any chance the fusible link fails to act, the petrol can be immediately shut off by releasfng this trip. Inciaentally, after making delivery, the driver must pull the trip, thus ensuring the closing of the an,xillax), valves, before the engine of the vehicle can be stopped, We have not yet learnt of any serious fires in connection with the use of tank wag,ona in this country, and -we know that great precautions are taken when they are being loaded and also while making deliveries. One safety device which does not,. appear to be employed in America is the steel guard between cab and tank which is enforced here.

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