How should we choose the right oil tank semi-trailer?
Typically, a fuel tank trailer consists of a chassis frame and a transverse fuel tank, and the interior is usually composed of separate compartments. Each compartment can store different fuels. These carriages usually store and transport different types of liquids.
HOW MUCH FUEL DOES A TANKER TRAILER HOLD?
The average capacity of most oil tank semi-trailers is between 30 and 60 cubic meters, equivalent to 30,000 to 60,000 liters. (7,952- 15,850 US gallons)
The ultimate load-bearing capacity of oil tanker trailers largely depends on the design and structure of each trailer.
The key factors determining how much oil a tanker trailer can carry are the materials used in its manufacturing, its structural design, the size of the tanker, the thickness of the trailer wall, the built-in compartments, and the strength of the tanker trailer frame.
All these factors will have an impact on the final weight of the oil tanker trailer, which in turn affects the size of the oil tanker trailer and its ability to transport fuel. The following are some factors related to the carrying capacity of oil tanker trailers.
Oil tanker trailers are made of different materials, and the size and capacity of the oil tanks also vary. Using lighter fuel tank materials can hold more fuel than using heavier ones.
The commonly used materials in the manufacturing of oil tanker trailers are aluminium and steel. The most significant difference in properties between these two materials is related to the weight factor.
Generally speaking, steel is heavier than aluminium. Therefore, for oil tanker trailers of the same size, using these different materials will result in different weight-bearing capacities.
The following is a comparison of the capacity of aluminum oil tanker trailers and carbon steel oil tanker trailers.
Carbon Steel Fuel Tanker Semi Trailer
Carbon Steel Fuel Tanker Semi Trailer：
Aluminum is relatively expensive and has a high cost, so many buyers do not choose aluminum fuel tank trailers as their first choice.
Aluminum tank semi-trailers are suitable for transporting liquids such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, and other non-corrosive petroleum liquids, low-concentration weak acids and weak bases, methanol, ethanol, acetone, benzene and other organic solvents, edible oil, beer, fruit juice and other liquid foods. Aluminum is non-toxic and easy to clean, as well as low-temperature liquids such as liquefied natural gas. Aluminum has good low-temperature resistance.
Liquids that are not suitable for transportation by aluminum tank semi-trailers:
Strong acids (such as concentrated sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid) can corrode aluminium.
Strong bases (such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, aluminum will dissolve)
Halogens (such as liquid chlorine and bromine, which react vigorously with aluminium)
Oxidizing liquids (such as concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide, accelerate aluminum corrosion)
Although the initial cost of aluminum oil tanker trailers is higher, they have a longer service life than carbon steel oil tanker trailers. Compared with carbon steel oil tank semi-trailers, aluminum oil tank semi-trailers are more corrosion-resistant. Moreover, aluminum oil tank semi-trailers are easier to maintain and have a greater fuel carrying capacity. So in the long run, aluminum tanker trailers seem to be a good choice as well.
Aluminum Fuel Tanker Trailer
Aluminum Fuel Tanker Trailer：
When the dimensions of the carbon steel tanker trailer are the same as those of the aluminum tanker, the carbon steel tanker is heavier, thus having a smaller volume and a smaller load-bearing capacity than the aluminum tanker.
Due to the high density of carbon steel, carbon steel tank truck trailers often add weight to themselves. However, compared with aluminum tank truck trailers, carbon steel tank truck trailers are cheaper, have a more robust structure and offer a higher cost performance.
The liquids suitable for transportation by carbon steel semi-trailers:
Petroleum products such as: crude oil, heavy oil, asphalt (carbon steel can withstand high temperature and high pressure), gasoline, diesel (requires inner anti-corrosion coating to prevent sulfur corrosion), strong acids and alkalis such as: concentrated sulfuric acid (carbon steel can withstand it, but a dry environment is needed), sodium hydroxide (steel tank + anti-corrosion lining, such as rubber or epoxy coating), corrosive chemicals: Hydrochloric acid (with inner lining of plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic), liquid ammonia (steel pressure-resistant, but requires a dedicated pressure tank), high-temperature/high-pressure media such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, requires pressure vessel certification)
Liquids that carbon steel semi-trailers are not suitable for transporting:
High-purity chemicals (such as electronic-grade acids, steel tanks may be contaminated), food/medical-grade liquids (stainless steel or aluminum tanks are required to avoid iron ion contamination), seawater/brine (which can easily cause steel corrosion, special coatings are needed)
The commonly used steel for carbon steel tank truck trailers is 4-6mm Q235 steel. Q235 steel has greater toughness and higher elongation, and is less prone to breakage.
Carbon steel tank truck trailers usually have a larger weight capacity than aluminum tank truck trailers. This is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing a trailer. Due to the manufacturing process and the price of metals, carbon steel tank trailers are cheaper than aluminum tank trailers.
Steel is easier to manufacture than aluminium, especially in terms of welding. However, aluminium is more corrosion-resistant than steel. On the other hand, aluminium has a greater capacity because of its light weight. The main challenges of aluminium tanker trailers are cost and manufacturing process, as aluminium is more expensive and welding is more complex.
However, if you are considering how to transport more fuel, then an aluminum tanker trailer will be your best choice.
How to choose the thickness of the tank for an oil tanker？
The choice of a thick bottom tank depends on how much fuel you are going to transport at one time. If it's only a small amount, your tanker trailer may not need a very thick tank wall. Please remember that this has nothing to do with the material of the tank you choose. Whether it is a carbon steel tanker trailer or an aluminum tanker trailer.
If you want to transport a large amount of fuel, please remember: Large-capacity fuel tanks require thicker materials to withstand pressure, and ensuring the safety of the fuel tank is the most important.
More fuel will generate more pressure, so you need to use the appropriate thickness of the fuel tank trailer to withstand the pressure produced by the fuel.
The working principle of Multi-Compartments
COMPARTMENTS AND BAFFLES：
The capacity of the gas tanker trailer determines the number of compartments of the tanker and the maximum capacity of each compartment.
The function of the baffle is to prevent the liquid from shaking violently during transportation and to avoid any impact on the safety of the driver due to the shaking of the liquid.
Therefore, the size of the oil tanker trailer definitely depends on the number of compartments.
Each compartment can be accessed through the manhole cover at the top, facilitating inspection and maintenance work. Storage tanks with large compartments (usually over 2.5 meters) should be equipped with baffles.
If the storage tank is large in length and multiple baffles need to be installed, the spacing requirement of 2.5M between the baffles should be met. The effective surface area of each baffle should be at least 70% of the maximum area of the tank's cross-section.
This means that the final capacity of the storage tank will determine the configuration and design of the tank truck. Therefore, when choosing an oil tanker trailer, determine the volume of fuel you need to transport based on your own requirements to select the capacity that suits you, and then proceed to the next step of selection.
Oil Tanker Trailer Main Beam
Oil Tanker Trailer Main Beam：
The greater the demand for fuel capacity, the greater the strength and weight of the tank body. Therefore, oil tank trailers require a stronger main frame to bear a greater capacity.
The main frame should be closely combined with the fuel tank. This tight connection ensures the balance and stability of the entire oil tanker trailer structure. In this case, the center of gravity will be as low as possible to ensure safe operation.
High-strength materials should be adopted. Sufficient strength is needed to withstand the weight of high-capacity fuel. Inspect the trailer manufacturer to determine whether the frame is structurally sufficient to support it.
The frame requires a sturdy design and high-quality welding. High-quality welding is crucial for ensuring the good strength of the frame. Under the guidance of experts, carry out standard welding inspection procedures to ensure that the frame of your tanker trailer is well constructed.
The main beam of an oil tank trailer, also known as the chassis frame or load-bearing girder, is the primary structural component that provides strength, stability, and support to the entire vehicle. Typically constructed from high-strength steel or aluminum alloy, the main beam runs longitudinally along the length of the trailer, distributing the weight of the tank, cargo, and additional components evenly across the axles. Its key role is to withstand bending, torsional, and dynamic loads during transportation, ensuring structural integrity under heavy payloads and rough road conditions.
The advantages of a well-designed main beam include enhanced durability, as it resists deformation and fatigue over long-term use, improved safety by maintaining stability during sharp turns or sudden braking, and optimized weight distribution, which helps comply with legal axle load limits. Additionally, advanced manufacturing techniques—such as robotic welding and precision cutting—ensure consistent quality, reducing the risk of cracks or weld failures. Some modern designs incorporate lightweight materials (e.g., high-tensile steel) to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing strength. Overall, the main beam is critical for the trailer’s longevity, cargo security, and operational efficiency in the demanding logistics of liquid transport.
Automatic automatic welding machine for tank gantry ring
Automatic automatic welding machine for tank gantry ring：
The tank gantry ring automatic welding machine offers several significant advantages for welding oil tank semi-trailers.
Firstly, it ensures high precision and consistency in welding, as the automated system eliminates human error and maintains uniform weld quality throughout the entire circumference of the tank.
Secondly, the machine enhances productivity by operating continuously without fatigue, significantly reducing welding time compared to manual methods.
Thirdly, it improves safety by minimizing workers' exposure to hazardous welding environments, such as fumes, sparks, and high temperatures. Additionally, the gantry structure provides stability and support for large tanks, enabling seamless 360-degree welding without repositioning the workpiece.
The automated process also reduces material waste and rework, as it optimizes welding parameters like speed, heat input, and wire feed. Furthermore, the machine can handle various tank diameters and thicknesses with adjustable settings, making it versatile for different semi-trailer designs. Overall, this technology delivers stronger, leak-proof joints, lower labor costs, and faster production cycles, making it ideal for high-quality oil tank manufacturing.
A comparison between aluminum alloy oil tanks and carbon steel oil tanks
| Aspect | Aluminum Alloy Tanker | Carbon Steel Tanker |
|---|---|---|
| Material Properties | Lightweight (≈30-40% lighter than steel), corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic. | Heavy, high tensile strength, prone to rust without coatings. |
| Weight & Payload | ✔ Higher payload capacity due to reduced tare weight. ✔ Better fuel efficiency. | ✖ Lower payload (heavier structure). ✖ Higher fuel consumption. |
| Durability | ✔ Excellent corrosion resistance (ideal for chemicals, food-grade liquids). ✖ Softer material—more prone to dents/abrasions. | ✔ Superior impact resistance (handles rough roads better). ✖ Requires anti-rust coatings/paint. |
| Maintenance | ✔ Minimal upkeep (no rust). ✔ Longer lifespan in harsh environments. | ✖ Regular inspections/repainting needed. ✖ Vulnerable to pitting/corrosion. |
| Cost | ✖ Higher initial cost (material + fabrication). ✔ Lower lifetime costs (durability/fuel savings). | ✔ Lower upfront cost. ✖ Higher long-term maintenance expenses. |
| Welding & Fabrication | ✔ Easier to weld (cleaner joints). ✖ Requires specialized techniques (TIG/MIG). | ✔ Conventional welding methods suffice. ✖ Prone to weld corrosion if untreated. |
| Transport Media | • Fuels (diesel, gasoline) • Chemicals (non-corrosive) • Food-grade liquids (milk, edible oils) • Cryogenic liquids (LNG) | • Crude oil • Heavy fuels • Corrosive chemicals (with linings) • High-pressure gases |
| Environmental Impact | ✔ Fully recyclable, lower carbon footprint. | ✖ Energy-intensive production, but recyclable. |
Summarize：
Depending on the amount of fuel you need to transport, choosing the right tanker trailer requires considering many aspects. Your choice of tanker will be influenced by the following factors:
The construction materials, structural design, thickness requirements for different capacities, the number of required compartments, the quality of the structural frame, and the density of the fuel of the oil tanker trailer.
Steel and aluminium have been widely used in the construction of tanker trailers, but both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Aluminium has a higher capacity due to its light weight. The price of carbon steel is relatively low.
Your requirements will determine which tanker trailer you ultimately choose. The choice between steel and aluminum oil tanker trailers is entirely dependent on all the factors listed here, namely the capacity requirements of all oil tanker trailers.
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