Fuel Tank Refurbishment
Fuel tanks on large mobile equipment are constantly being damaged. This is due to excessive exposure to mud that builds up behind the bash plate causing structural damage to the tank.
This damage creates a hazard that puts maintenance personnel at risk of hand lacerations when attempting to access the area. Operational success is also jeopardised given the damaged area can create machine downtime.
Previous solutions involved a costly full tank replacement or for the sites to attempt to repair the tank themselves. One of our valued clients in the Pilbara contacted the team and we were happy to develop a long-lasting solution.
SOLUTION
The fuel tank was sent to Bend-tech’s facilities in Perth, Western Australia, where a full refurbishment and improvement of the fuel tank was carried out. This included:
- The tank being stripped back and NDT crack tested,
- repaired and pressure tested,
- blasted and coated in high-performance Armour Flex Coating, and
- a full report was then prepared for the client, detailing all of the repairs and testing completed.
The process also eliminates the need for bash plates, one of the key enablers of corrosion.
RESULT
The fuel tank along with Bend-tech’s optional transport frame was delivered back to site within 3 weeks. The response from our client could not be any more positive, and have since sent several more fuel tanks for refurbishment. This process will extend the life of fuel tanks while reducing the operational and physical risks associated.
The model of truck referred to is the Caterpillar 793F, though our refurbishment capability extends beyond this model. We also have 793F, 785D, 777F and D10T tanks stocked and ready for delivery and more currently in development. Please get in contact with one of our team today to discuss your options with Bend-tech’s brand new fuel tanks, repairs and refurbishment.
Bend-tech’s Fuel Tank Rotable Program is fully operational with many sites around Australia on-board. The way it works, we send a new fuel tank out to be swapped with your damaged tank, we make the necessary repairs, then send the refurbished tank back to your site ready to be changed in when required. For more information see our brochure.
