Thunder Creek Equipment‘s all-new Multi-Tank Trailers (MTT) are the first fuel and service trailers designed to legally transport bulk diesel on the road without requiring drivers to maintain a CDL or HAZMAT endorsement (Title 49 (CFR49)—local regulations may apply). The trailers are available in 460-, 690-, and 920-gallon capacities and retain the manufacturing quality and customization that Thunder Creek’s full line of trailers and bulk fluid handling solutions are known for—including bulk diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) storage and dispensing solutions that ensure fluid purity.
“This came from a very specific construction industry need to haul bulk fluids from jobsite to jobsite without CDL and HAZMAT licensing,” says Luke Van Wyk, general manager, Thunder Creek Equipment. “With the shortage of skilled labor in the construction market today and the difficulty in finding and retaining certified drivers, these new trailers allow any worker with a valid driver’s license to haul the trailers within federal regulations.”
This is made possible by isolating diesel in four, six, or eight separate 115-gallon, DOT-compliant non-bulk tanks. Tanks are joined by a manifold to a common pump, creating complete isolation during transport and controlled dispensing of fuel at the jobsite.
Thunder Creek MTT Trailers are built with 10-gauge steel and are supported by the company’s 3-year tank and frame warranty. Each trailer is built to maintain a low profile and is configured to provide optimal balance and a smooth ride at highway speeds, as well as in the most rugged off-highway conditions.
ENSURING DIESEL AND DEF PURITY
Today’s high-horsepower construction equipment requires excellent diesel and DEF purity to ensure efficient and continued operation. Thunder Creek MTT Trailers help contractors provide these bulk fluid solutions without the cost of a larger, full-sized fuel truck or third-party delivery service. MTT Trailers come standard with a 25-gallon-per-minute (gpm) pump, 10-micron fuel filter, and a 35-foot auto-retracting hose reel. Options include an ISO-compliant 4-micron fuel filter (ISO 4406) and 50-foot hose reel.
Thunder Creek MTT Trailers also provide industry-leading DEF handling and storage solutions that ensure optimal DEF quality to protect SCR systems. Each trailer can be outfitted with a 100-gallon DEF tank that features Thunder Creek’s closed DEF delivery system, including the patent-pending 2-in-1 DEF pumping system.
This system connects the DEF tank with the bulk DEF container through a closed coupler. On the jobsite, the coupler is replaced with a DEF nozzle for dispensing into the machine, ensuring minimal exposure to outside elements that can throw DEF out of compliance. Each DEF tank leaves the factory cleansed and sealed according to the ISO specification (ISO 22241).
FULLY CUSTOMIZED FOR SERVICE, JOBSITE FLEXIBILITY
Each MTT Trailer is available with an optional rear utility box to provide all of the tools and materials needed to complete regular daily maintenance activities. These utility boxes can be customized to each individual customer with the inclusion of toolboxes, a workbench with vise, and Thunder Creek’s 3-in-1 welder/generator/air compressor. Additional options/customizations include Thunder Creek’s WorkSight light tower, Field Max tires, 35-pound grease kit, aluminum wheels, solar battery charger, an electric/hydraulic jack, and a stainless steel trim/fender upgrade.
Featured Image: Thunder Creek MTT 460 Trailer
Above: Thunder Creek MTT 460 Trailer
AVOIDING DEF CONTAMINATION
One of the primary benefits of the MTT Trailer is the inclusion of Thunder Creek’s proprietary 2-in-1 closed DEF pumping system—a DEF solution that ensures the purity of DEF from the time it is filled from a bulk source to the moment it’s pumped into the machine’s DEF tank. But, why is this important?
Manufacturers of high horsepower diesel engines, specifically those 75 hp and above, are using SCR systems to meet emissions regulations. SCR technology is an after-treatment technology that involves a process where DEF is sprayed into the engine exhaust via a dosing mechanism. This produces a chemical reaction with nitrogen oxide (NOx), converting it to water and nitrogen (completely inert) before releasing it through the equipment’s exhaust pipe.
DEF is always comprised of 67.5 percent deionized water and 32.5 percent automotive-grade urea. This colorless fluid is not hazardous, but is highly sensitive to chemical impurities and is corrosive to certain metals such as steel, iron, zinc, nickel, copper, aluminum, and magnesium. Maintaining the integrity of DEF is imperative in order to protect Tier 4 engines.
As little as 1/10 of a teaspoon of many common elements is enough to bring an entire 5,000-gallon tank of DEF off-spec, according to the ISO 22241 standard. These contaminants include copper, zinc, chromium, nickel, iron, aluminum, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. Even something as simple as tap water can bring DEF off-spec. Contaminated DEF can cause any number of problems with today’s SCR systems, including:
- Increased DEF consumption in equipment
- Loss of its effectiveness to remove nitrogen oxide from engine exhaust
- Malfunctions with the SCR system
- The engine de-rating or shutting down
- Damaged equipment
- Voiding of the manufacturer’s warranty
Equipment using contaminated DEF will consume more fluid and be less effective at reducing emissions from the exhaust. Most importantly, contamination will damage the catalyst in the SCR system over time, potentially causing the engine to shut down and leave the machine idle. There are several engine manufacturers now stating that they will opt to decline warranty claims if the damage is tied back to contaminated DEF. Protecting the integrity of your investment (equipment) should always be top priority. Ensuring that DEF maintains its purity and is handled in an ISO-compliant way will do just that, and will ultimately help lower that machine’s total cost of ownership and ensure that it retains its resale value. ■
For More Information: For more information about the Multi-Tank Trailers from Thunder Creek Equipment, visit wwwthundercreek.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions – March 2016
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