Abstract: A temperature-controlled tank body having an integrated heat transfer panel is disclosed. The tank body may be mounted to a truck, trailer, or other mobile equipment and used for transporting a fluid at a temperature that is greater than that of the ambient environment. In an illustrative embodiment, the tank includes a barrel segment having a first sheet and an adjacent second sheet. The first sheet is joined to the second sheet along a first edge and a second, opposing edge. The first sheet is also joined to the second sheet at a plurality of locations between the first edge and second, opposing edge and enclosed at the ends to form a fluidly-sealed area. The tank includes a fluid inlet to facilitate pressurization of the fluidly-sealed area to generate a hydroformed cavity between the first sheet and the second sheet.

Abstract: A trailer having an aerodynamic skirt that includes a valve access panel is disclosed. The trailer includes a tank for transporting cargo and a valve at the base of the tank for accessing unloading the cargo from the trailer. The aerodynamic skirt extends along a first side of the trailer body that includes the valve and a valve access panel that is configured to cover the valve when closed and to allow access to the valve when open. The apparatus also includes a trailer brake interlock that is communicatively coupled to the valve access panel and a trailer brake to restrict motion of the trailer when the valve access panel is open and to permit motion of the trailer when the valve access panel is closed.

Abstract: A trailer having an aerodynamic skirt that includes a valve access panel is disclosed. The trailer includes a tank for transporting cargo and a valve at the base of the tank for accessing unloading the cargo from the trailer. The aerodynamic skirt extends along a first side of the trailer body that includes the valve and a valve access panel that is configured to cover the valve when closed and to allow access to the valve when open. The apparatus also includes a trailer brake interlock that is communicatively coupled to the valve access panel and a trailer brake to restrict motion of the trailer when the valve access panel is open and to permit motion of the trailer when the valve access panel is closed.

Abstract: A tank trailer for transporting corrosive fluids is disclosed that includes a chassis and one or more cradle supports supporting a corrosion-resistant tank. The chassis is formed from a first material that is a high-strength material. The corrosion-resistant tank has a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of ring supports, with each such ring support surrounding and reinforcing at least a portion of the cylindrical body. The ring supports may be formed from a material that is the same as, or similar to, the first material used to form the chassis. The first material and second material are joined at interfaces between (1) the cylindrical body and the cradle supports and (2) the cylindrical body and the ring supports. The interfaces comprise a third material that is compatible with the first material and the second material.

Abstract: A tank trailer for transporting corrosive fluids is disclosed that includes a chassis and one or more cradle supports supporting a corrosion-resistant tank. The chassis is formed from a first material that is a high-strength material. The corrosion-resistant tank has a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of ring supports, with each such ring support surrounding and reinforcing at least a portion of the cylindrical body. The ring supports may be formed from a material that is the same as, or similar to, the first material used to form the chassis. The first material and second material are joined at interfaces between (1) the cylindrical body and the cradle supports and (2) the cylindrical body and the ring supports. The interfaces comprise a third material that is compatible with the first material and the second material.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled tank body having an integrated heat transfer panel is disclosed. The tank body may be mounted to a truck, trailer, or other mobile equipment and used for transporting a fluid at a temperature that is greater than that of the ambient environment. In an illustrative embodiment, the tank includes a barrel segment having a first sheet and an adjacent second sheet. The first sheet is joined to the second sheet along a first edge and a second, opposing edge. The first sheet is also joined to the second sheet at a plurality of locations between the first edge and second, opposing edge and enclosed at the ends to form a fluidly-sealed area. The tank includes a fluid inlet to facilitate pressurization of the fluidly-sealed area to generate a hydroformed cavity between the first sheet and the second sheet.

Abstract: A container for use in transporting particulate materials includes a plurality of product compartments, with each such compartment having a material outlet in communication therewith through which particulate material in the compartment may be discharged. The container also includes a gas-tight bulkhead separating a pair of adjacent product compartments, and an unloading system that is adapted for removal of particulate materials from the product compartments. The unloading system includes a source for supplying a pressurizing gas, and one or more top air conduits connecting the pressurizing gas source to the product compartments for conveying pressurizing gas to the product compartments. The unloading system also includes a material conveying conduit that is in fluid communication with one or more of the material outlets and which includes a discharge end through which particulate material may be unloaded.