Google Brands Facebook Yelp

Category: Pneumatic Trailer

What Is a Pneumatic Trailer and How Does It Work?

Gina Stanphill |

Insulated,colored,truck.,dry,bulk,or,pneumatic,hopper,trailer.What Is a Pneumatic Trailer and How Does It Work?

Pneumatic trailers are a type of commercial trailer that are commonly used to transport materials that are dry, granular, and flowable. They are used primarily to transport commodities such as cement, sand, grains, flour, and plastic pellets. If you have ever seen a large commercial vehicle on the road that has a conical shape and a series of connections running along the sides, you have likely seen a pneumatic trailer. In this article, we’ll explain what a pneumatic trailer is and how it works.

What Is a Pneumatic Trailer?

A pneumatic trailer, also known as a dry bulk trailer or tanker, is a specialized commercial trailer that is used for hauling dry, fluidizable materials like grain, fertilizers, and other types of bulk commodities. They come in different sizes and configurations, ranging from smaller tankers to larger tankers that can carry up to 3,000 cubic feet of material.

Pneumatic trailers are composed of a large cylinder that is mounted on a trailer frame. The cylinder has a number of internal compartments that are used to transport various types of materials. The trailer is self-contained and is powered by a compressor that is mounted on the tractor, which supplies pressurized air to move the material out of the trailer’s compartments.

How Does a Pneumatic Trailer Work?

When a pneumatic trailer is being loaded with material, the commodity is fed into the top of the cylinder. The material then enters the individual compartments where it is held until it is ready to be unloaded.

The pneumatic trailer’s compressor will start to generate air pressure, which is used to push the material out of the compartments. The compressor typically generates air pressure between 10 and 20 PSI, which is enough to move most types of materials.

Once the material has left the compartment, it is transferred to a hose that is connected to the side of the pneumatic trailer. The hose is then connected to a storage bin or other container where the material will be stored until it is needed.

Pneumatic trailers can be unloaded in a variety of ways depending on the type of material being transported. For example, some materials like sand or grain can be unloaded by gravity, while others like cement require a powerful blower to remove the material from the trailer.

Advantages of Using a Pneumatic Trailer

There are several advantages to using a pneumatic trailer to transport bulk materials. One of the most significant advantages is their ability to unload quickly. Unlike other types of trailers that require manual unloading, pneumatic trailers can be unloaded automatically, which can save a significant amount of time and reduce labor costs.

Another advantage is that pneumatic trailers are designed to carry a wide range of materials, from lightweight powders to dense aggregates. This versatility makes them an ideal option for hauling multiple types of materials on the same haul.

Pneumatic trailers are also safe and reliable, as they are designed to withstand the rigors of transportation. They are equipped with heavy-duty brakes, suspension systems, and other features that ensure they can handle rough roads and extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

Pneumatic trailers are a crucial tool in the transportation industry, especially when it comes to transporting materials that are dry, granular, and flowable. Their ability to transport multiple commodities and unload materials quickly and efficiently has made them an integral part of the bulk transportation industry.

If you are in need of transporting dry bulk materials, a pneumatic trailer is an excellent option to consider. By understanding how it works and its advantages, you will be better suited to decide if it is the right option for your specific transportation needs.

Got questions about pneumatic trailers? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

The Different Types of Pneumatic Trailer Parts

Gina Stanphill |

Pneumatic Tank TrailerPneumatic trailers are commonly used in the transportation of a variety of materials such as sand, cement, and grains. These trailers rely on air pressure to move the cargo out of the container through a series of hoses and valves. While the operation seems simple, these trailers use a vast array of different parts, each of which contributes to the proper functioning of the trailer as a whole. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of pneumatic trailer parts.

Valves

A pneumatic trailer usually has different types of valves that regulate airflow and the flow of materials from the container to the delivery point. The primary valve is the main discharge valve, which is usually located at the bottom of the trailer. The main valve is responsible for regulating the flow of material from the container to the hose connected to the delivery point. These valves can be manual or pneumatic and are made for different types of products. Other valves include air supply valves, check valves, and safety relief valves.

Hoses

Pneumatic trailers use hoses to transfer the material from the container to the delivery point. These hoses come in varying sizes and materials, depending on the type of product being transported and the distance to be covered. The hoses’ diameter is crucial as it determines the amount of material that can be transferred in a specific amount of time. Additionally, the hoses need to be made from durable materials that can handle the harsh conditions of being used in a pneumatic trailer.

Blower

A pneumatic trailer’s main workhorse is the blower unit, which is responsible for creating the initial air pressure that pushes the material out of the container and into the delivery hose. A typical blower is often powered by a diesel engine, which supplies the necessary torque required. The blower unit has numerous components that work together to create the necessary air pressure, such as vanes, rotor, and a housing unit. These components need to be regularly maintained and replaced to ensure that the blower remains efficient.

Manifold

The manifold is a component of the pneumatic trailer that connects the hoses to the blower unit. A pneumatic trailer usually has several hoses that connect to the manifold, allowing for the simultaneous transfer of cargo. The manifold also serves as a temporary storage unit for the product, allowing for versatile delivery times. These components are usually made from aluminum, which ensures that they are rust-free and resistant to wear and tear.

Cargo Tank

The cargo tank is the primary storage unit in a pneumatic trailer that holds the product being transported. These tanks come in different shapes and sizes, but they are usually cylindrical in shape. The tank’s internal surface is typically coated with a layer of enamel that prevents the product from sticking to the walls and corroding the metal. The tanks also come with pressure gauges that indicate the amount of material being transported and the pressure within the tank.

Fill and Vent Pipes

The fill and vent pipes are crucial for loading and unloading the product from the cargo tank. The fill pipe is usually a large diameter pipe that allows for quick filling of the tank. The vent pipe, on the other hand, is used to release pressure from the tank during loading and unloading. Both pipes need to be well-maintained and free of debris to allow for seamless operation.

A pneumatic trailer is a complex piece of equipment that uses different types of components to carry out its functions. From the valves, hoses, blower, manifold, cargo tank to the fill and vent pipes, every component is essential to the operation of the pneumatic trailer. Regular maintenance and replacement of these parts ensure that the trailer operates efficiently and safely!