You’ve probably seen them on Alberta's highways. You might even be a bit intimidated by them, but there is nothing to fear. In fact, when you take a closer look at them, they are quite interesting. We’re talking about large semi-trucks. Perhaps its never crossed your mind, but transporting large tanks and pressure vessels filled with fuel require a great deal of engineering. Continue reading to find out how MaXfield designs and manufactures B-Trains, a secured trailer system for trucks in various industries.
As members of several provincial code committees in truck transportation MaXfield understands the regulations and emphasis placed on safely transporting large loads on Alberta highways. One of the safest ways to transport pressure vessels like the ones containing ammonia is to use what we call a B-train. Essentially, a B-train consists of two trailers combined by a semi-truck’s fifth wheel, enabling them to be up to 26 meters long. The fifth wheel is connected to the tail section which is directly above the lead trailer’s axles.
What makes the B-Train system advantageous in moving large loads is that it offers superior stability; however, they need to be tested continuously to ensure that they can support heavy loads. At MaXfield, not only do we design and manufacture large pressure vessels, we fabricate the actual transport units. The general driving public underestimate the size and weight of pressure assets like ones containing fuel. They need to make minimum codes to be on the road in the first place. The stability that the B-Train offers in transporting can be compromised if they are carrying loads that are too heavy or too wide. Transportation of loads that are one-off designs requires specific engineering to make sure they meet and exceed regulations. That’s why we engineer and manufacture B-Trains that are capable of moving large pressure vessels that we have fabricated at one of our facilities.
For us, safety is top priority at every stage, from design to manufacturing to transportation and to assembly in the field. At MaXfield we test and retest all our pressure assets and their transport units to ensure they arrive and perform safely. We don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to safety, right down to checking the running lights and the mud flaps on the transport vehicle.
To find out more about what MaXfield can build for you and safely transport, contact our office today at (403) 258-3680.
