ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 - Certified

Dry Bulk Pneumatic Trailer
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual

© 2016 by Heil Trailer International, Co. All Rights Reserved.

This manual is intended to help ensure the safe and efficient
operation of your Heil Trailer and products. IF INCORRECTLY USED,
OPERATED, MAINTAINED OR REPAIRED, THIS EQUIPMENT CAN
CAUSE SEVERE INJURY, DEATH AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THOSE WHO
USE, OPERATE, MAINTAIN AND REPAIR THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE
TRAINED IN ITS PROPER USE, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR, WARNED OF ITS DANGERS, AND SHOULD READ THIS ENTIRE
MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO USE, OPERATE, MAINTAIN, SET UP,
ADJUST, SERVICE OR REPAIR THE TRAILER OR PRODUCT.
Recommended operating practices furnished in this manual are
general practices. HEIL Trailer cannot possibly know, evaluate, or
advise a nyone of all conceivable ways a Heil trailer or product might
be used, operated, maintained, set up, adjusted, repaired or of all
possible consequences of each way. ALL PERSONS WHO PERFORM
ANY OF THESE TASKS MUST FIRST SATISFY THEMSELVES
THOROUGHLY THAT NEITHER THEIR SAFETY OR THE SAFETY OF THE
GENERAL PUBLIC WILL BE JEOPARDIZED BY ANY METHOD THEY
SELECT. KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

Image Disclaimer
The pictures and images contained in this manual portray both standard and
non-standard (optional) equipment to meet specific customer needs. These
pictures are used for referencing components and general nomenclature of a
Heil Dry Bulk Materials transport. Your trailer may or may not have the
components shown in this manual.

Publication Disclaimer
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect
at the time of approval for printing. Heil Trailer International, Co. Athens, TN
USA reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or
design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation
whatsoever. Revision 1/2016.

2

WARRANTY STATEMENT
Heil Trailer International, Co. warrants trailers sold by us to be free from defects in material and workmanship. This coverage is subject to and limited to
coverage periods listed in the Heil Trailer International, Co. Limited Silver
Warranty Sub Part A - Limitations document and as defined in the Heil Trailer
International, Co. Limited Warranty Sub Part B – Definitions document. Our
obligation and liability under this Warranty is expressly limited to repairing or
replacing, at our option, within the coverage time limitations listed in the Heil
Trailer International, Co. Limited Silver Warranty Sub Part A - Limitations document, from the date of shipment any defective product except for maintenance items, tires, and purchased items which are warranted separately by
the original manufacturer. Any repair(s) determined by Heil Trailer International, Co., at our sole discretion, to be major or critical to the structural integrity of any trailer at any time whatsoever during the warranty period must
be performed at a Heil Trailer Certified Service Center as determined by Heil
Trailer International, Co. Repairs not performed in a Certified Service Center
once directed by Heil Trailer International, Co. will void this warranty. A failure
that is determined by Heil Trailer International, Co., at our sole discretion, to
be caused by wear and tear or misuse as opposed to product defect is not
covered at any time in the warranty period. WE MAKE NO OTHER WARRANTY,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND MAKE NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Our obligation under this warranty shall not include any transportation charges, or any liability for direct,
indirect or consequential damage, loss of profit or delay. Any Improper use,
operation beyond rated capacity, substitution of parts not approved by us, or
any alteration or repair by others in such manner as in our judgment affects
the product materially and adversely shall void this warranty. NO EMPLOYEE
OR REPRESENTATIVE IS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THIS WARRANTY IN ANY
WAY OR GRANT ANY OTHER WARRANTY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION OF AN OFFICER OF HEIL TRAILER INTERNATIONAL, CO..
Heil Trailer International, Co. warrants that this trailer is manufactured in accordance with the specifications of the order. Heil Trailer International, Co.
does not warrant this piece of equipment for use in hauling any specific product. Heil Trailer International, Co. accepts no responsibility for damage to the
equipment, or for cargo losses due to an adverse affect on the equipment,
caused by the incompatibility of the product being hauled in the trailer. Where
Tanks are prepared for lining, all agreements, billing included, that concern
the tank barrel lining will be the responsibility of the customer and the lining
company. In this connection, Heil Trailer International, Co. makes no warranty
of products, including lining manufactured and /or installed by others, the
same being subject to warranties, if any, of their respective manufacturers or
installers. The customer shall bear the risk for damage or loss to the tank or
injury to property or persons while the tank is either at or in transit to or from
the lining company.
Warranty will be paid only if Heil Trailer International, Co. procedures for filing
warranty claims are followed. Pre-approval prior to any repairs is a mandatory
requirement for receiving payment along with strict adherence to all other
conditions of the procedures. Warranty repairs will only be permitted at Heil
Trailer International, Co. approved, authorized, or certified service centers.

3

General
Introduction ............................................................................ 5
Warranty Claims and Inquires ................................................... 5
Directional Reference ............................................................... 5
Important Safety Messages.................................................. 6-14
Safety Decals ................................................................... 15-17
General Nomenclature ....................................................... 18-24
Operating Instructions
Aeration System-Operational Description .................................. 25
Hooking up the trailer ............................................................ 26
Loading ........................................................................... 27-28
Unloading ........................................................................ 28-33
Operating Tip ................................................................... 34-37
Unplugging a line.............................................................. 38-40
Recommended Airflow Volumes ............................................... 41
Blower Speed Calculation................................................... 42-43
Product Densities .............................................................. 44-49
Landing Legs ......................................................................... 50
Preventative Maintenance Instructions
Introduction/Delivery Inspection .............................................. 51
Maintenance Schedule ....................................................... 52-53
Lubrication and Service Chart............................................. 54-55
Aeration System ............................................................... 56-57
Brakes (Maintenance & Adjusting) ...................................... 58-59
Roll Over Protection and ABS ............................................. 60-65
Wheel Bearing and Seals ................................................... 66-68
Tires and Wheels .............................................................. 69-70
Axle Alignment ................................................................. 71-74
Suspension ...................................................................... 75-78
Torque Chart......................................................................... 79
Notes ................................................................................... 80
Reporting Safety Defects ........................................................ 81
4

INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to help ensure safe and efficient operation of the
HEIL Trailer Dry Bulk Materials Transport.
The book is divided into three sections. Part 1 will familiarize you with the
unit. Part 2 gives operating procedures and tips. Part 3 covers the
maintenance necessary to keep the unit in safe operating condition.
TO THE OWNER

We at the Heil Trailer International, Co. take pride in the products we
manufacture. We trust you will be well satisfied with your purchase. Properly
operated and maintained, the Dry Bulk Materials Transport will provide many
years of low-cost, trouble-free service.
WARRANTY CLAIMS & INQUIRIES

The Heil Trailer Standard Warranty is included in this manual. In the unlikely
event you need warranty service on your tank equipment purchased from Heil
Trailer International, Co. or its distributors, contact the distributor or Heil
Trailer International, Co. (800-400-6913) directly, for service and repair
procedures.

For all parts, claims or inquiries refer to the model and serial number of your
unit. This information is found on the identification plate (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Example Identification Plate
DIRECTIONAL REFERENCE

For your reference the sides of the tank transport are determined by facing in
the direction of forward travel. The right side is the “Curbside”; the left side
is the “Roadside or Streetside”.

5

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

THESE SAFETY ALERT SYMBOLS INDICATE
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL.
WHEN YOU SEE THESE SYMBOLS,
CAREFULLY READ THE MESSAGES THAT
FOLLOW AND BE ALERT TO THE
POSSIBILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND/OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY
OR DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS.

6

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

7

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

8

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

9

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

10

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

11

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

12

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

13

IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGES

14

SAFETY DECALS
SAFETY DECALS ARE PROVIDED WITH YOUR HEIL DRY BULK MATERIALS TRANSPORT . PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE MESSAGES CONTAINED WITHIN THE DECALS AND BE ALERT TO THE POSSIBLILITY
OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING
Do not exceed working
pressure. If pressure rises
above limits, shut down
immediately and investigate.
WARNING
NEVER open manhole unless
tank is completely depressurized. Even a slight amount of residual pressure will cause manhole to fly open when unlatched.

WARNING
The Relief Valve must be operational
to maintain system pressure within
safe limits. Failure to properly
maintain the relief valve may cause
property damage, potential injuries
and death.
WARNING
When unloading, the discharge
hose must be secured at both
ends prior to pressurizing unit.
Always relieve pressure in
discharge hose before
disconnecting it.

15

16

CAUTION
Vehicle safety checks should be performed daily prior to
operation.

CAUTION

CAUTION

If a leak is discovered during
operation, shut down immediately and repair the leak.

To avoid spillage, product
discharge valves must be
closed prior to loading and
while in transit.

Notice
All check valves must be operational to prevent product
back-up into the supply
lines.
WARNING
Maintain non-skid surface at top of tank
free of ice, snow, sleet, rain, oil, grease,
etc. prior to climbing on top.

WARNING
Decals are posted on the tank to alert the operator of potential
dangers. Replace decals when illegible.

17

18

Fifth Wheel/King Pin Assembly

Air Inlet Line

Check Valve

Blow Down Valve

Pressure Relief Valve

Top Air Valve

Manhole Assembly

Proportioning Valve

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Discharge Adapter & Cap

Discharge Line

Flow Cone Aerator

Product Valve

Aeration Control Valve

16.

15.

Product Tee

Strut Assembly

14. Gauge Box

13.

12.

11.

10.

9.

GENERAL NOMENCLATURE

1. Fifth Wheel/King Pin Assembly. Primary function is to couple
the trailer to the tractor. Also, the kingpin dimension in
conjunction with the set ahead dimension of the tractor fifth
wheel assures that the trailer is balanced for the loads that the
trailer is expected to carry. These dimensions are calculated by
performing a weight distribution on the specific tractor/trailer
combination.
2. Air Inlet Line. Serves to direct air from the blower into the
vessel. This line directs air to the discharge line, aerator
manifold and top air line, if so equipped.
3. Check Valve. “Checks” the direction of the airflow, ensuring that
it flows in only one direction. It is a one way valve that prevents
air from reversing its direction of flow and reentering the blower,
possibly carrying with it product from inside the vessel thus
damaging the blower. Each Heil trailer is equipped with two check
valves: one in the air inlet line and one just forward of the first
hopper at the beginning of the product discharge line.

4. Blow Down Valve. Used to relieve pressure from within the
vessel after unloading. Should be left open at all times except
when unloading to prevent damage to the vessel as air inside the
tank expands and contracts with ambient temperature changes.
5. Pressure Relief Valve. Used to prevent excessive pressure from
building inside the vessel during the unloading process. Operates
at a specific, preset pressure limit and is tamper-proof due to the
valve body being completely sealed. A broken seal may void the
vessel warranty relative to cracking.
6. Top Air Valve. Used to direct air to the top of the tank and force
the product into the discharge line when transporting free flowing
products such as sugar, plastic pellets, etc. Typically, if top air is
used, aeration is not necessary.
7. Manhole Assembly. The Heil manhole is the most heavy duty
cover in the industry. Designed by Heil, It is used to load the
vessel and to gain access to the inside of the vessel for cleaning,
etc.

19

8. Proportioning Valve. Used to meter the airflow between air
manifold and discharge line.
9.

Aeration Control Valve. Used to further meter the airflow to
the aerators.

10. Product Valve. The product valve is used to meter the flow of
product into the product tee which then directs product into the
discharge line.
11. Flow Cone Aerator. Used to fluidize products such as cement,
flour and other “packable” products for easier and faster
unloading. The standard Flo cone is shown, inverted style
available for abrasives service.
12. Product Discharge Line. Directs product to a flexible line,
typically connected to the rear of the trailer leading to a product
storage facility at the job site. For abrasive products (sand,
cement, etc), this line is usually sch. 40 steel. For nonabrasive
products such as flour, the discharge line is usually sch. 40
aluminum.
13. Discharge Adapter and Cap. Allows connection of a flexible
line, via cam-locks, at the job site to facilitate unloading of the
product from the trailer to the job site storage facility. Comes
with dust cap.
14. Gauge Box. Houses two 30psi gauges, one for monitoring tank
pressure and one for measuring line pressure. Gauge pressures
indicate amount of product inside the vessel.

15. Strut Assembly. A major vessel structural member used to join
the vessel to the trailer end frames. Made of 6061 alloy
aluminum, the strut is fastened to the vessel and to the end
frames via 3” pins. This pinned design allows the vessel to “flex”
in transit, thus assisting in the prevention of vessel cracks.
16. Product Tee. Controls the flow of product from the hopper into
the product discharge line.

20

21

22

23

24

AERATION SYSTEM OPERATIONAL
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the Flo Cone, sometimes referred to generically as an
aerator or fluidizer, is to make the product that is being hauled
simulate the properties of a liquid so that unloading may be
accomplished. The Flo Cone accomplishes this by injecting air into the
hopper through elastic membranes stretched over the Flo Cone body.
The flow of air over this membrane also causes vibration which also
serves to shake the product from the interior walls of the vessel and
promote more thorough unloading of each hopper. Typically, there
are three aerators per hopper, each mounted radially in the lower
cone of the hopper with a with 120° separation angle. Air flow to the
aerators is governed by the use of the proportioning valve or
sometimes the combination of the aeration manifold valve and the
proportioning valve. A diagram of the airflow (in blue) through the
vessel is shown below.

Figure 2. Simplified Aeration System Diagram

Figure 3. Aerator Air Flow
25

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
HOOKING TRACTOR TO TRAILER
WARNING
Never operate this bulk transport unless you are fully aware of the
location of all the control valves and shut down procedure.

Prior to backing tractor under trailer, check the following items:

1. Trailer brakes are set or wheels blocked to prevent trailer from
rolling.
2. Upper 5th wheel is at approximate height of lower 5 th wheel.
3. Latch on lower 5th wheel is in “Open” position.
4. All personnel are clear of the area.
Then proceed as follows:
1. Back tractor under trailer, aligning king pin with slot in lower 5th
wheel. When latch “sets” around king pin, check hookup by
attempting to pull forward.
2. Shut down engine and apply parking brake.
3. Double Check latch on 5th wheel to ensure that it is fully engaged.
4. Connect tractor supply and control brake hoses to glad hands on
trailer. The glad hands are marked for correct installation.
5. Connect electrical connector to receptacle on trailer.
6. Raise landing gear supports.
7. Check brakes and lights for proper operation.
8. Anti-Lock pilot light must be lit when brakes are applied.

26

SAFETY CHECK
A vehicle safety check should be performed daily prior to operation. See
Preventive Maintenance Section.

DANGER
NEVER open manhole unless tank is completely depressurized. Even
a slight amount of residual pressure will cause manhole to fly open
when unlatched.

START-UP
When units are parked, especially over night, moisture can form inside the
tank and piping. To clear out most of the moisture, remove dust cap on
discharge line, start compressor or blower and pressurize unit. Then open
each of the hopper discharge valves to blow out the unit. This procedure will
help prevent the discharge valves and aerators from becoming clogged.

CAUTION
Blow-down valve should be OPEN at all times except when unloading.
This will help relieve pressure buildup due to changes in ambient
temperature, friction, product expansion, etc.

LOADING
The type of cargo being hauled and the loading situation will determine the
best method of loading. Heavier materials such as sand and sugar can
normally be loaded through the center manhole and allowed to overflow into
the adjoining hoppers. Light and bulky products such as flour or plastic
pellets should be loaded through the individual manholes for better
distribution. The pneumatic loading line, on units so equipped, offers an
alternate loading method.
1. Close all valves except the blow-down valve before loading and while in
transit.
2. Position trailer properly for most efficient loading.
3.

Secure all manhole covers after loading.

27

Figure 4. Typical
Loading Site

Figure 5. Typical
Unloading Site
28

UNLOADING


Before every load, always visually inspect the trailer and its safety
devices to insure proper operation.



Never exceed recommended operating pressure. Failure to
operate the vessel to operating pressures may cause the vessel
to rupture causing serious injury or death.



Always make sure that the pressure relief valve is operational. It
could save your life by preventing the vessel from becoming over
pressurized. A relief valve that is not operational is worthless.



Always keep the blow down line open except when unloading.
This allows the trailer to breathe as the air inside expands and
contracts with the changing ambient conditions, thus preventing a
vessel failure.



Avoid walking on top of the trailer while it is pressurized. A
sudden pressure raise could occur (due to a line plug, for
example) and cause the vessel to rupture, causing serious injury
or death.



Never open a manhole unless the trailer is completely purged of
pressure.



Never load a product into a vessel that exceeds 180°F.
Temperatures above 180°F cause accelerated, irreversible
damage to aluminum’s mechanical properties, thus weakening
the vessel, possibly leading to serious injury or death.



Avoid uncoupling hoses from the trailer until the vessel has been
completely purged of pressure. Otherwise, the hoses could break
free and seriously injure the operator.

Operation of the Vessel. The operation of the vessel is fairly
straightforward and the product can be pneumatically conveyed from
the trailer in a few simple steps. The first thing to do is to make sure
that the storage facility can accept the entire load. If so, you should
perform a back pressure check on the silo to ensure that there are no
clogged lines and that the silo has proper ventilation. A back
pressure check is simply done by routing all the blower air down the
product piping and into the silo and taking a reading from the line
gauge. First, connect the discharge line adapter to the storage