Heil Trailer International, Co.

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OSHAS 18001 - Certified

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

© 2012 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 cannot possibly
know, evaluate, or advise anyone 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
Vacuum Pneumatic Trailer. Your trailer may or may not have the components
shown in this manual.

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 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 profits 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

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………….…5
Warranty Claims and Inquiries…………………………………………………………….…..…5
Directional Reference………………………………………………………………………….….……5
Important Safety Message………………………………………………………………6 thru 14
Safety Decals………………………………………………………………………………..14 thru 17
General Nomenclature……………………………………………...……………….…18 thru 19

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Identification of Piping System Components……………...………….……20 thru 27
Aeration System-Operational Description………………………….….………………….28
Specific Operating Instruction……………………………...………………………29 thru 37
Operating Tips..………………………………………………………….…………………38 thru 40
Landing Gear Operation……………..……………………………………………….…………....41

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction………….…………………………………………………………………………………….42
Delivery Inspection…………...………………………………………………………….……………42
Maintenance Schedule………..………………………………………………………..43 thru 44
Lubrication and Service Chart..…………………………………………………….45 thru 47
Aeration System……………………………………………………………………….…..47 thru 48
Vacuum/Filter………………………………………………………………………………….………...49
Brakes (Maintenance & Adjusting)………………….…………………………..50 thru 51
Roll Over Protection and ABS………………………………………..…………….52 thru 57
Wheel Bearing and Seals……………………………………………………………..58 thru 60
Tires and Wheels………………………………………………………………………….61 thru 62
Axle Alignment……………………………………………………………………………..63 thru 66
Suspension……………………………………………………………………………………67 thru 70
Torque Chart..……………………………………………..……………………………………………71
Notes………………………………………………………………………………………………………...72
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS…………………………..Inside Back Cover

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 6/2012.

4

INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to help ensure safe and efficient operation of the Heil
Vacuum Pneumatic Trailer.
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

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.

14

15

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.

16

17

18

8. Aeration and Discharge
9. Supports
10. Hopper
11. Front Structure
12. King Pin
13. 5th Wheel
14. Rear Load Line

1. Tank Proper

2. Manholes

3. Ladder and Walkway

4. Vacuum/Filter/Canister

5. Rear Structure

6. Axles and Suspension

7. Brakes

General Nomenclature

GENERAL NOMENCLATURE
1. TANK PROPER - Aluminum, construction; 4 or 5 hoppers; capacity
1600 ft3 up to 2040 ft3.
2. MANHOLES – Located above hopper; equipped with 6 latches, two
safety latches, aluminum cams, rubber stop and self-seating gasket.
3. LADDER - Steps to access the top of trailer and manholes.
4. VACUUM/FILTER/CANISTER - A dust collection system to filter out
particles, dirt, dust etc., before air returns to blower and product.
5. REAR STRUCTURE – High tensile steel and aluminum construction
welded or bolted to tank proper.
6. AXLES AND SUSPENSION - Multi axle air ride and/or spring
suspension.
7. BRAKES - Full air; drum or disc brakes, equipped with slack adjusters.
8. AERATION AND DISCHARGE SYSTEMS - Designed for fast product
discharge. See page 24.
9. SUPPORTS - Manually operated two-speed raising/lowering; equipped
with sand shoes.
10. HOPPER - Funnel shaped section of tank used to dispense granular
materials through the use of gravity.
11. FRONT STRUCTURE - High tensile steel and aluminum construction
welded or bolted to tank proper.
12. KINGPIN - Coupling that connects tractor to trailer.
13. 5Th WHEEL - Pad that provides link between the transport trailer
and the tractor unit.
14. REAR LOAD LINE - Line to load product into trailer, located at front
or rear of the trailer.

19

20

7. Product Discharge Line
8. Product Discharge Valve
9. Aerator
10. Aeration Manifold
11. Product Discharge Outlet
12. Vacuum Relief Valve

1. Pressure Discharge Line Connection

2. Suction Line Connection

3. Blow-down Valve

4. Top Air Valve

5. Pressure Relief Valve

6. Pressure Control Valve

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENTS

15. Aeration Control Valve

14. Vacuum Dump Valve

13. Vacuum/Filter/Canister

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Rear View

13. Vacuum/Filter/Canister
14. Vacuum Dump Valve
16. Eductor Line and Valve
17. Vacuum Valve
18. Clean Out Valve
19. Trans-Loading Connection

21

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
1. PRESSURE DISCHARGE LINE CONNECTION– Transfers air from air
supply to discharge and aeration line.

2. SUCTION LINE CONNECTION - Connects suction line back to blower with
clean air that has been filtered.

3. BLOW-DOWN VALVE- Opens and closes blow-down line to atmosphere,
exhausts tank.

22

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
4. TOP AIR VALVE— Controls the flow of air to the top of tank. Top air is used
when aeration is not required.

5. PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - Prevents pressure inside vessel from exceeding
maximum operating pressure.

6. PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - Controls product line pressure. Used to pressurize product line to discharge product from line to silo/receiver vessel.

23

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
7. PRODUCT DISCHARGE LINE - Facilitates pneumatic discharge of materials
from hoppers.

8. PRODUCT DISCHARGE VALVE - Regulates the flow of aerated material from
the hopper to the product tee.

9. AERATION - Induces air into hopper to aerate product and make it flow-able.
See Figure 10 for identification of aeration units. Refer to Aeration System
Operation on page 28 for detailed description.

24

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
10. AERATION MANIFOLD - Directs supply air to individual aeration line.

11. PRODUCT DISCHARGE OUTLET - Extension of product line to rear of
trailer. Used to connect vessel to silo/receiving vessel.

12. VACUUM RELIEF VALVE - Prevents exceeding maximum vacuum
pressure.

25

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
13. VACUUM/FILTER/CANISTER - A dust collection system. Air is suctioned
into filter from tank and then returned back to the blower.

14. VACUUM DUMP VALVE - Relieves pressure from vacuum filter and suction
line to atmosphere.

15. AERATION CONTROL VALVE - Controls main air supply line pressure.
Used to control air to aerators.

26

PIPING SYSTEM COMPONENT DESCRIPTIONS
16. EDUCTOR LINE - Returns filtered product back to the product fill line to
be returned to tank.

17. VACUUM VALVE & TRANS-LOADING CONNECTION - Valve which allows
air to flow into vacuum for a vacuum operation load. The trans-loading
connection allows for a pneumatic trailer to be vacuum loaded through a
vacuum on a vacuum pneumatic trailer.

18. CLEAN OUT VALVE - Valve that allows filtered product to be sent to
educator line to be put back in trailer.

27

AERATION SYSTEM OPERATIONAL
DESCRIPTION
In the aeration system, compressed air is injected at the base of each hopper
and filters upward to aerate the cargo and make it flow-able. If the cargo does
not require aeration, the tank is pressurized through the Top Air Line. When
sufficient pressure is built up in the tank, the operator opens the pressure
control valve and the individual hopper discharge valves so that the air-borne
product flows through the discharge line into the storage facility.

Figure 2. Simplified Aeration System Diagram

AERATION UNITS
Aerators are flexible neoprene diffusing collars designed to fluidize pulverants,
granular, and wet cargoes such as slurries. Figure 3 illustrates air flow through
the aerator.

Figure 3. Aerator Air Flow

28

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 5 th
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.

29

Vacuum Operation
INTRODUCTION
The Heil Tube Dust Collection System is displayed in Figure 4. Contaminated air is brought in through the bottom of the filter assembly from
the top of the tank. The air cyclones though porous plastic tubes with
millions of tiny holes which allows clean air to escape through the top of
the filter tube assembly. As the clean air is directed back to the blower,
the bottom of the filter tube assembly fills with residual particles. They
can be emptied through on eductor system that will funnel them into a
collection line by means of gravity and a two valve system that allows
gravity cleaning without shutting down the blower. The systems will let
the operator know when it needs cleaning by raising the back pressure
on the blower. When this happens, the tubes can be cleaned with high
pressure. There is no need to replace the tubes unless they are
damaged in some way.

Figure 4. Vacuum Operation

30

31

Vacuum loading of pneumatic trailers is most commonly accomplished through the use of a tractor
or trailer mounted blower. A blower is a device that is used to move large quantities of atmospheric
air at a high speed and moderate pressure. Typically, the blower is used to pressurize the vessel by
forcing ambient air into the trailer. Note that the air in the pressure scenario is the atmosphere.
However, when the blower is used to create a vacuum, the air which enters the blower is drawn
from the inside of the tank rather than the atmosphere.

Figure 5. Flow Operation

Vacuum Operation Diagram

Vacuum Operation
Pre-Loading Instructions
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Refer to page 33 for general loading instructions.
Ensure all manholes are properly latched.
Ensure all hoses are secured to piping.
Identify all valves and their location from Figure 4.
If unloading unpressurized rail car, open rail cars manhole.
Connect blower silencer to exhaust side of blower
Open the air actuated vacuum valve to the cyclone separator and