Tieman enters the third dimension
21 Aug 06
Bonlac Foods Limited (BFL) has just taken delivery of two new Tieman bulk milk collection, 19 m B-Double combinations. Purpose built for carting milk around Tasmania, Tieman has eliminated the guesswork with the use of 3D modelling.
BFL collect and process milk from around 1400 dairy farmers in Victoria and Tasmania, feeding into seven BFL production lines that processs milk to produce consumer, commodity and specialty dairy products. With two of these lines located in Tasmania, these latest tankers needed to be purpose built for the job on hand.
3D modelling programs were used extensively during the design, allowing BFL to view the unit prior to build.
With the aim to create an innovative solution that addressed the transport need and offered a return on investment, BFL also needed to consider work related OH&S issues.
Making sure the pumping equipment was lightweight and its position located at such a height to eliminate drivers stretching or climbing over the tanks, Tieman worked closely with the client on all facets of design.
The pumping system module, located at the rear of the lead tanker and on the roadside, featues a 400 kg weight saving compared to a rear boot mounted system.
The equipment is all designed around the Tieman patented vertical stainless steel hose reel, which is fully supported and mounted on a unique, easy to remove and locate 'C' frame.
The reel also mechanically slews 180 degree to the kerbside, and, as it is vertically mounted, the hose is light, easy to clean and rewind and provides fast, full drainage.
The positioning of the pumping system also allows the tankers to be used independent of the prime mover, which is particularly handy when the truck is being serviced or repaired.
A major feature of the B-Double tanker is its high stability performance. This is due to Tieman's low profile semi-elliptical design, the lowest design on the market.
To gain the utmost stability, Tieman utilised Knorr Bremse Electronic Braking System (EBS) and BPW air suspension.
They also added BPW Eco Plus disc braked axles with BPW brake monitors and the Knorr Bremse TIMS unit to provide the operator with an up to date read out of all running gear, braking and stability functions.
BFL's Fleet Manager says that the trailers are flexible in their use and are stable on the road.
"Tassie has a lot of uneven, cambered roads that wind all over the place. So it is a real comfort to have both EBS and disc brakes available when you need them."
