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TYRE INFLATION
Nitrogen Tyre Inflation: PCL Explains the Benefits
It is common knowledge that under inflated tyres cause more drag on the road surface which results in overworking of the engine, thus increasing fuel consumption as well as increasing the wear on the overall tyre tread. One way to prevent this happening is to use nitrogen as the inflation gas. Indeed according to a technical report entitled “Tyres
inflated with de-oxygenated air” published in 2000 by L. Sabino, a technical expert at the University of Bologna, if the oxygen concentration inside a tyre is reduced by 6%, the life of the tyre can be increased by as much as 22%.
The science behind this theory is based on the fact that two of the main gases found in normal air,
oxygen and carbon dioxide, contain very small molecules which enables them to penetrate or permeate rubber easily. Pure nitrogen molecules are larger and take much longer to penetrate rubber. This was proved in a 90- day static laboratory test carried out in 2009 by the US Department of Transportation, whereby the inflation pressure loss for new tyres inflated with nitrogen was approximately two-thirds of the loss rate of new tyres inflated with air.
A further reason to consider the use of nitrogen in tyre inflation is the reactive behaviour of oxygen in high temperatures. Oxygen molecules found in normal air, due to its moisture content, react to the temperature build-up when a tyre is in motion. This causes the oxygen molecules to emit more energy causing long term damage to the tyre casing, reducing the number of retreads that are possible and also increasing the chance of a blowout.
The reduction of fire risk is another key benefit of using nitrogen. Fire is essentially a chemical reaction which needs three things to be present so it can happen: heat, fuel, and oxygen. When a tyre is in motion it causes friction with the road surface which causes heat. Tyres are made from rubber which, when burnt, represents a fuel. Normal air inflated tyres, of course, contain 21% oxygen. However, by inflating with nitrogen the oxygen content is reduced to a level where the potential for combustion is almost nil.
All this information highlights that by inflating with nitrogen the road user or fleet manager can improve fuel economy, extend the tyre tread and casing life and increase road safety by preventing tyre blowouts As one of the world leaders in the
manufacture of nitrogen generation and inflation equipment PCL has launched a new product specifically designed for use in the commercial tyre market. The company’s brand new Nexus range offers superfast nitrogen generation and inflation solution for tyre service companies and fleet managers. This brings huge rewards for customers, who can benefit from nitrogen inflation without having to buy, store and handle bottles.
In addition, Nitrogen is extremely cost-effective to use with PCL’s Nexus. Simple to set up, with no training required, there is very little maintenance required; and with high grade filtration and high performance components, the lifetime costs are minimal.
Buyers can also be assured of a guaranteed inflation accuracy of up to ± 0.5% of full scale reading. Rugged and reliable, the units are mobile to allow efficient and flexible positioning and usage, and come with 90mm castors as standard.
Nitrogen generation is provided from Membrane technology, and Nexus incorporates high spec internal filtration and a nitrogen purity check point to ensure you are receiving high purity nitrogen. The internal tanks meet CE standards, and Nexus features a digital adjustable tank set pressure control via display parameters. Users will find the electronic preset tyre inflation easy to use, with a digital LCD displaying clear readings.
In short, Nexus – which means ‘the most central and important point’ – stands true to its name by incorporating world-leading technology into a modern yet simple housing.
LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT SERVICE
Poor wheel alignment increases tyre rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder. Your fuel economy goes down and your tyres wear more quickly. Routine wheel alignment with Steertrak will help bring your fuel and tyre bills under control, improve vehicle handling and reduce carbon emissions. Call us on 01684 276700 or visit www.steertrak.co.uk
QUALITY ASSURED MOBILE FLEET – WE COME TO YOU FULL HEALTH & SAFETY PROGRAM NATIONWIDE COVERAGE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SPECIALISTS PRECISION LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT
SAVE ON FUEL AND TYRES
Make wheel alignment a key part of your cost saving plan
01684 276900
www.steertrak.co.uk
Steertrak Ltd, Commercial House, Station Road Business Park, PRECISION LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 5DR www.steertrak.co.uk