Introduction of Air Tank for Truck & Semi-trailer

1. Definition of the air tank

The air tank is the gas storage device in the braking system of the semi-trailer and the tractor. The air tank is used to store the air compressed by the air compressor (air pump), which is used in automobile braking, whistle and other systems. As shown in Figure 1

Figure 1 Position of air tanks

2. Composition of the air tank

The air tank assembly includes the air tank body, air tank brackets, air inlets and outlets, and the drainage ports, as shown in Figure 2

                 Figure 2  Structure diagram of the air tank

3. Implementing standard of the air tank

Implementing according to QC/T 200-2015 performance requirements and test methods of air tank for automobile and trailer air brake device.

4.Main parameters for the air tank

1) Volume (L): the effective volume of the air tank

2) Working pressure (MPa): The rated working pressure of the air tank. The design pressure and test pressure of the air tank are generally higher than the working pressure.

3) Type: horizontal type

4) Design temperature (°C): common 150°C

5) Working medium: compressed air

5.Classification of the air tank

According to material classification, there are the following two types

The steel air tank, as shown in Figure 3

The aluminum alloy air tank, as shown in Figure 4

Figure 3 Steel air tank

 Figure 4 Aluminum alloy air tank

The difference between the aluminum alloy air tank and the steel air tank are as shown in Table 1

Table 1 The difference between the aluminum alloy air tank and the steel air tank

According to the number of spaces in the air tank, there are the following two types

Integral type: an air tank is an independent space. (Figure 5)

Split type: an air tank has two or more independent spaces. (Figure 6)

Note: Each independent space needs to be equipped with a drain valve.

Figure 5 Air tank with an independent space

Figure 6 Air tank with multiple independent spaces

6.Common malfunctions of air tanks and countermeasures

The steel air tank is rusted and needs to be replaced in severe cases.

Drainage failure of the air tank, such as too much impurities and sewage at the inter bottom, blocking the drain, and regular drainage or cleaning is required. Generally, the air tank needs to be drained every week or before each delivery of goods.

Welding problems. When there is air leakage from the air tank caused by welding problems, it needs to be replaced in time.

Compiled by  WONDEE Autoparts

2022-12-26