Non-tipping . Bodies For Handling Powdered Cement
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Batch of International Articulated 'Outfits with Bromilow and Edwards Bodywork Incorporating Side Discharging Chutes RESOURCE in rendering suitable for a specific purpose something which is not precisely what is required, is being commonly demonstrated under the present conditions of shortage ot supply of not only spare parts but also complete vehicles. Much ingenuity is displayed in such cases, with the result that the technical interest may be greater than it would be in normal times.
A good example has come to our attention from B r o ft ilo w and Edwards, Ltd., Foundry Street, Bolton. This concern has just corn.; pleted the work of adapting a batch of International K8R 10-11-ton articulated outfits for handling dry powdered cement for use in aerodrome construction.
Only standard chassis, we understand, could be imported, and because of the length of the semi-trailers it was not practicable to install tipping equipment. The job, therefore, was to build and mount special non-tipping all-steel container bodies.
These measure 15 ft. long, 7 ft. wide and 3 ft. 6 iris, deep and have a capacity for about 10 tons of cement. Because of the na4are of the load, it was essential that the bodies should be constructed in such a manner that there was no possibility of the sides, ends or floors buckling. Moreover, they had to be absolutely powder-tight.
For the floors 135-in. steel plate was used and for the sides and ends
plate, the whole being electrically welded and reinforced throughout with heavy gauge rolled steel sections. Attached to the tops of the containers are rolled-section super-structures for carryirig tarpaulin covers. These are roped down to rings on the body sides. Thus the load is completely protected from wet. All interior seams and faints are continuously electric welded to prevent leakage of the powder.
On the off side of eagli body, four rectangular traps are incorporated, the doors being framed-up with angle section and fitted with gudgeon and cotter securing devices at both top and bottom. The hinges of the traps are at the top, and provision has been made for hooking up the doors when the load is to be cleared. All around the apertures,' on the inside, are canvas sealing strips, against which the weight of the load presses, so that the doors have dustproof joints.
Chutes have been made for attachment when the doors are opened for discharging the load on to the ground or to below ground level. , At each end of each body is a hardwood platform mounted on outrigger brackets. On these operatives can stand and are there conveniently situated for keeping the powdered cement moving, during discharge, with .scoops or long spades.
A difficulty arose in connection with the mudguards of the driving wheels, because the normal steel wing would not have passed under the trailer frame when the vehicle was rounding a corner. Accordingly, a special structure was built and canvas mudflaps secured to it. These enable turns to be negotiated without fouling.
On the trailing wheels, ordinary heavy-duty steel guards are used. All the vehicles were finished with gas. proof paint.