Baffled and Compartmented Tanks Flashcards

Compared with a smooth bore tank, what is the main handling advantage of a baffled tank?

Answer: Less front-to-back liquid surge when braking or accelerating

Baffles have holes that slow liquid moving through the tank. This reduces front-to-back surge compared with a smooth bore tank.

Which type of tank has no internal barriers to slow the movement of liquid?

Answer: Smooth bore tank

A smooth bore tank has nothing inside to slow liquid movement. Its liquid surges freely from end to end.

A driver of a smooth bore tank slows quickly on a flat road and feels the truck being pushed forward. What is causing this?

Answer: Liquid surging toward the front of the tank

In a smooth bore tank, braking sends the liquid surging forward, and it can push the truck. Nothing inside the tank stops the movement.

How does a compartmented tank differ from a baffled tank?

Answer: It is divided into separate sections by solid bulkheads, so liquid cannot move between them

A compartmented tank is split into separate sections by solid bulkheads. Baffles have openings, and these bulkheads don't. Each section holds its own liquid, and some tanks carry a different product in each.

Which hazard is NOT removed by baffles in a baffled tank?

Answer: Side-to-side liquid surge that can contribute to rollover

Baffles help with front-to-back surge but give little protection against side-to-side movement. Liquid shifting sideways on a curve can still raise the risk of rollover.

Why is a smooth bore tank especially hard to drive when it is only partly full?

Answer: The liquid has room to build up a large surge from end to end

A partly full smooth bore tank gives the liquid room to move over a long distance and build up a strong surge. Nothing inside stops it.

A driver is moving from a baffled tank to a smooth bore tank. Which change in driving is most appropriate?

Answer: Brake earlier and more gently, and allow more stopping distance

Smooth bore tanks have stronger surge, so braking should start sooner and be gentler. More following distance is needed.

Which statement about baffles is correct?

Answer: Baffles are bulkheads with holes that slow the movement of the liquid

A baffle is a bulkhead with holes in it. It slows liquid movement but does not stop it.

A baffled tank is carrying a partial load. What should the driver expect compared with the same tank in a smooth bore design?

Answer: Some surge, but less front-to-back than in a smooth bore tank

Baffles reduce front-to-back surge but don't eliminate liquid movement. A baffled tank still has some surge, though less than a smooth bore tank.

Why can a compartmented tank still need careful handling when only some of its compartments are filled?

Answer: Liquid in a partly filled compartment can still surge within that compartment

Each compartment is a separate space. If a compartment is only partly full, its liquid can still move within the compartment.