Process Safety and Environmental Protection, Vol.80, No.B4, 181-185, 2002
The effect of baffle design on longitudinal liquid movement in road tankers - An experimental investigation
The effects of baffle design and number on longitudinal liquid movement in road tankers has been studied experimentally using a one-sixth scale model of a cryogenic road tanker. A number of baffle types have been investigated, including solid dished, oblique, spiral, round, and perforated designs. Time-series analysis of the forces on the tank and the pressures inside it during a typical stop showed a decreasing benefit with more than three baffles. The perforated baffles reduce liquid surging most effectively compared with all other types of baffle tested here. This perforated arrangement has the added advantage of being lightweight, enabling the tanker payload to be increased without compromising safety.