A U.S.-based alliance that engineers, designs and builds disaster-resistant, reinforced concrete domes has completed the first of three Severe Accident Management “FLEX” equipment storage buildings for Atlanta-based Southern Co. The 138-ft. diameter, 38-ft. tall structure affords 15,400 sq. ft. of ground and 2,500 sq. ft. of mezzanine storage at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Plant in Columbia, Ala.
Hydronix Ltd. has re-engineered its digital moisture sensors to take advantage of increased microprocessor speeds and memory, and released a new Hydro-Com sensor calibration and configuration software version. The latter is based on a client-server framework and supports multi-company, multi-site sensor locations simplifying enterprise wide solutions.
For Delaware Valley Concrete (DVC), it was never an issue if the company would add compressed natural gas (CNG) -powered mixers to its fleet, but when and what design. The Hatboro, Pa., producer’s core values hold sustainability efforts in high regard, and management is not afraid to try emerging technologies and gain a competitive edge wherever possible.
Heavy-duty truck manufacturers and component suppliers see record or near-record shipments in 2015, thanks to strong on-highway market activity, coupled with vocational segment recovery, to which growing concrete mixer and dump truck demand are contributing.
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Designed for on- and off-road work in construction and other applications requiring frequent shifting, a rugged version of the I-Shift equal to severe-duty applications is now available for Volvo D11- or D13-powered VHD vocational models.
Introduction of the I-Shift for severe-duty applications continues what company officials cite as leadership in transmission technology that began in 2007, when Volvo became the first OEM to bring an integrated automated manual transmission to the North American market. A record 75 percent of Volvo trucks sold in 2014 were spec’d with an I-Shift.
Completely redesigned, the 48-ft. Freedom trailer is rated for a 52,000-lb. load concentrated in four feet, with an optional main beam configuration affording 60,000-lb. rating. It is nearly 1,200 lb. lighter than a comparable steel/aluminum combo trailer, and available with low- or high-camber. Features new to the trailer include a lighter, stiffer beam assembly that has been re-contoured for improved swing clearance; sure-grip floor surface for increased traction and load stability; extended full-length rub rail; streamlined wiring harness assembly; and, low profile turn signals.
After a year of product engineering and collaboration, Iowa-based Link Manufacturing Ltd. announced at the Mid-America Trucking Show a multi-year manufacturing agreement for Volvo Trucks’ new 6×2 program. It centers on a lift axle configuration featuring Link’s robust 20K DuraMax axle with a modified 9-in. drop center. Other features include patented adjustable mounting brackets; compact frame mounting; unique air bag locations to ensure rapid axle deployment; and, open designed lift spring, greatly reducing road debris entrapment.
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Extended Life Coolant–Nitrite Free (ELC NF) joins the Shell Rotella coolant portfolio as the companion to Ultra ELC. Both are targeted to a growing segment of commercial vehicles that are moving to nitrite free engine antifreeze/coolants to better protect aluminum components.
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Two new technology products are set to improve vehicle diagnostics and productivity. TruckTech+ will be available for new Kenworth Class 8 trucks specified with the Paccar MX-13 engine starting this summer. Customers will benefit from real-time vehicle health monitoring by telematics provider PeopleNet, whose system allows the MX-13 engine to “talk” with the fleet manager, Kenworth call center and dealer to optimize truck productivity.
New two-speed drive is specifically designed to deliver reliable cooling for construction and other severe operating conditions. While on/off fan drive models offer durability and fuel efficiency for over-the-road applications, BorgWarner engineers note, the K32 DuroSpeed suits severe service vehicles by reducing fan engagements—boosting reliability and lowering noise.