Pressure On is Celerity DRS' exclusive web series about tyres and Automatic Tyre Inflation Systems (ATIS) for commercial vehicles.
What is the difference between TPMS and ATIS?
In Episode 1 of Pressure On, Marcus Cornwell of Celerity DRS talks us through the differences between a traditional TMPS and a more proactive Automatic Tyre Inflation System.
A TPMS uses a sensor mounted in the wheel to measure air pressure in each tire, and when air pressure drops below the manufacturer's recommended level, the sensor transmits that information to the vehicle’s computer system and triggers a dashboard indicator light or notification.
Although the driver is given a warning about the loss of tyre pressure, unfortunately the problem is still there and the driver will have to stop the vehicle, check for damage to the tyre and potentially have to call for roadside assistance. Alternatively, they may ignore the warning and continue on their journey. This may lead to a blowout, further damage to the vehicle and potentially put their own life (and other road users’) lives at risk.
This type of situation is where an Automatic Tyre Inflation System really starts to shine!
An ATIS not only monitors the tyre pressure and updates the driver to any change in pressure, but the system will automatically re-inflate the tyre to maintain the optimum pressure – even if the tyre has been punctured and while the vehicle is still moving. In the event of a puncture, this would allow the vehicle to continue towards its destination, allowing the driver to get home safely or meet their delivery deadlines – all without the cost and downtime associated with roadside assistance and the repair or replacement of a tyre.
Automatic Tyre Inflation Systems also significantly reduce the chance of a blowout and the potentially dangerous consequences we associate with them i.e. damage to the trailer and debris flying off and hitting other road users – dangerous stuff!
Episode 1 covers just a few of the benefits of installing an ATIS on a trailer. The next episode will be out shortly and will focus on the return of investment and costs that can be saved when using an ATIS.
For further information, visit the Celerity DRS website or connect with Celerity DRS via LinkedIn.
Who are Celerity DRS?
Celerity DRS are the exclusive European distributors of the Pressure Systems International (P.S.I.) Tyre Inflation System, the leading system with over 1.5 million systems in use worldwide, and are experts in their own right when it comes to Automatic Tyre Inflation Systems.
Having worked closely with Europe’s leading axle manufacturers, the Automatic Tyre Inflation System has been refined and perfected for the European trailer market, with partnerships now in place with all of the major manufacturers who provide their own brands of the system. Examples include the SAF Tyre Pilot, BPW Air Save, Schmitz RFS, JOST’s Plug & Play ATIS, SAE-SMB Airmax and Assali Stefen, with more to come in the near future.
The full list of Celerity DRS partners can be found on their website here.
Automatic Tyre Inflation System (ATIS) – how does it work?
In principle, all ATIS systems will operate in a very similar fashion, even across different brands of axles and trailers. Air pressure is taken from the trailer air supply (air suspension side) through a pressure protection valve. It is then regulated at the control box, set to the desired tyre pressure applicable to the tyres and load. Air is then distributed to the axle beams, which either supply the air to the wheel end acting as a correctly pressurised conduit or via internal tubing dependant on the axle type, whilst stationary or in transit.
A full description showing how an ATIS works can be viewed on the Celerity DRS website.
This series is being exclusively released via the Global Trailer e-newsletter, with each episode focussing on a different topic relating to tyres.
Over the next few weeks Celerity DRS will cover the following subjects: the benefits that ATIS has over a more traditional Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and how correct tyre pressure can affect road safety, maintenance costs and the impact of tyre wear on the environment.