Transporting liquids like water, chemicals, waste or fuels requires specialized equipment designed for handling fluids safely and efficiently. Trailers and bowsers are two common types of liquid transportation vehicles used for commercial and industrial applications.
Trailers
Trailers attached to trucks are frequently used for moving liquid materials by road. Tanker trailers consist of a large cylindrically shaped storage vessel mounted on a chassis with wheels. The tank is made of stainless steel or reinforced plastics like polyethylene.
Standard tank trailer capacities range from 5,000 to 20,000 liters. They use specialized valves and pipe fittings to load and unload liquids. Bulkheads inside separate compartments for hauling different fluids. Baffles reduce sloshing. Trailers use air-powered or hydraulic suspension.
A tractor unit tows the full tanker trailer to transport liquid cargo like fuels, solvents, water or industrial liquids to customer sites. The driver operates valves and hoses to pump in or drain out contents. Tank trailers suitable for food-grade products feature interior linings and access points for cleaning.
Bowsers
Also called tankers or tank wagons, bowsers are portable self-contained liquid storage units. Smaller bowsers have capacities between 500 to 5,000 liters. Large units hold 10,000 to 50,000 liters. Common construction materials are plastic, stainless steel or aluminum.
Bowsers consist of the storage tank with built-in wheels and axles for mobility. Lighter units can be towed short distances by a heavy-duty vehicle. Many feature extendable legs for stabilization when stationary.
Flexible hose lines with pump connections allow swift filling and emptying. Access points and valves enable cleaning, maintenance and interior inspections. Bowsers often include level gauges and air vents. Some models have built-in pumps for transferring liquids.
Key Applications
Trailers and bowsers serve diverse liquid transportation uses:
- Delivering fuels like gasoline and heating oil
- Transporting and spraying water for mining uses
- Moving chemicals between industrial facilities
- Supplying drinking water to remote sites
- Pumping out septic and wastewater systems
- Supporting emergency response with water and chemicals
With capacities suited for commercial-scale volumes plus versatility to access sites, trailers and bowsers are vital for safely transporting essential liquids. Custom options like insulation, heating and pressurization allow these vehicles to fit specialized haulage needs.
