Fuel tanker trailer are mainly used for transport liquid and oil. The tank body is generally made of carbon steel sheet, and it can also be made of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, polyethylene and other materials. Usually, this type of tanker comes with different fuel storage compartments with a delivery pipe attached to the storage compartment of the tanker facilitating transfer of fuel. 

 

How many Litres does a fuel tanker carry?

TITAN fuel tanker trailer can be designed in different capacities: 30 cubics, 40 cubics, 50 cubics, etc. To carry 40,000 litres, 45,000 litres, 54,000 litres, up to 90,000 litres of liquid.

Most customers choose from 35 m3 to 50 m3 of fuel tanker trailer. The ultimate capacity of the tanker is heavily dependent on the design and construction of each tanker.

Regardless of the total capacity of the tanker, there will be compartments in each one of them to enhance the transportation of fuel from one destination to another. It is also important to note that these compartments usually have unequal volume capacities for storing and transporting fuel of different types and composition.

The key determining aspects of how much a tanker can hold in terms of fuel capacity is the material used in its construction, the structure design, the thickness of the tanker walls, the built-in compartments and the strength of the frame upon which the tanker rests.

4 axle 90000 liters fuel tanker trailer drawing

 

Structural influence

Different shapes have different upper limits. This determines how well fuel can be balanced in them to facilitate safe fuel transportation. 

For instance, the Ellipse structures have a lower gravity center. So it can be longer than the round and round square structures. Enhanced stability implies an ability to withstand a heavier load and manage loading, transportation and offloading operations without concerns of tipping over and causing accidents.

Ideally, fuel tank trailers are available in different shapes such as ellipse, and rectangular shapes. The shape of the fuel tanker determines how stable and balanced the tanker will be during operations.

 

3 axle 50000 liters fuel tanker trailer drawing

 

Material impact

The two common materials used in the construction tankers are aluminum and steel. The most striking difference in characteristics between these two has to everything to do with the weight factor.

Ideally, steel is heavier than aluminum hence same tanker sizes of these different materials will lead to different weight carrying capacities.

So how do we choose materials for oil tank trailers?

 

1. Carbon steel

A fuel tanker of a steel construction with a comparable size to that of an aluminum construction will weigh more hence providing less room for fuel. Due to the size and density, the steel tends to add a substantial weight onto the tanker construction. But steel fuel tankers are more economical and provide a stronger construction that that of the aluminum types.

Actually, it is not the carrying capacity that is affected alone. A reduction in total weight of the fuel tanker trailer leads to a reduction in transportation costs since the consumption rate also goes down.

Therefore, adjustments can be made to replace the more fuel needed for a steel tanker with the loaded weight hence enhancing the efficiency of transportation.

 

2. Aluminum alloy

Fuel tanker manufacturing companies have been looking for ways to enhance efficiency in fuel transportation especially with the development of lighter components. The philosophy of innovation is a reduction in weight of the fuel tanker to create room for more fuel to be carried onboard.

In an effort to realize this, aluminum is one of the basic materials that have been used. Although this is a perfect weight reduction approach, many manufacturing companies have shelved the opportunity owing to an increased production cost.

While the initial production aluminum fuel tankers may be high, it offers a longer term service than their steel counterparts because Aluminum does not corrode easily as carbon steel would.

 

Carbon steel VS aluminum alloy fuel tankers

 

3. Choosing between carbon steel and aluminum fuel tankers

Steel fuel tankers are usually a stronger construction in terms of withstanding weight compared to those of an aluminum construction. This is an important factor to note in your choice of the fuel tanker trailer you would want.

The steel option is cheaper compared to the aluminum one due to the manufacturing processes involved. It is easier to manufacture with steel than aluminum especially on welding possibilities. However, steel is easily corroded unlike aluminum.

On the other hand, aluminum offers the best fuel capacity by volume due to its light weight. The main challenge with an aluminum tanker is the costs due to complexities involved in welding aluminum.

However, if you are making a consideration of how much of fuel to transport at ago, then this would be the best option for you. It will increase your cost efficiencies during operations.

 

Thickness of tank body

How much of fuel do you want to transport in one trip? If it is just a small amount, you may not need a thick wall for your fuel tanker. 

Whether it is a steel fuel tanker or aluminum one doesn’t matter. When it comes to the amount of fuel to be transported, the thickness of the tanker is the next factor to consider.

If you want to transport big amount of fuel, then remember that oil tank trailer with a large capacity need thicker material plate to work under pressure and most importantly, keep the tank safer.

 

Through the video below, you can learn about different types of fuel tanker semi trailers (like 3 axle fuel tanker, 4 axle storage tanker trailer, stainless steel tanker trailer, acid tanker trailer, fuel tanker with flatbed trailer, fuel tank full trailer)

And the process, testing, packaging and customer feedback, etc.

 

If you want more information about our semi-trailer, please click “Fuel Tanker Trailer“. 

 

And you can also look at other articles and videos on our website.