Weight-Optimised Milk Tankers

Milk Tanks – Developed for Efficient Milk Transport

VM Tarm develops and produces customised milk tanks and milk tankers for the collection and transport of milk for both large and small dairies as well as transport companies.

We manufacture superstructures, trailers, semitrailers, chassis, and complete combinations with tank capacities typically ranging from 6,000 to 45,000 litres. The tanks are built within national regulations and physical constraints. VM Tarm has supplied milk tankers to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, and England.

Tank size, number of compartments, axle configuration, as well as pump and measuring equipment are customised to the customer's transport task and applicable authority and weight requirements. The customer is involved early in the specification phase, and we often build milk tanks with 1–8 compartments.

Weight Optimised Construction and High Payload

The tanker’s own weight has a direct impact on the payload. Therefore, VM Tarm combines low own weight with high strength and a robust construction.

For milk tanks, we typically use duplex stainless steel EN 1.4162 in 2R/2BB quality. The material's high strength allows the manufacture of tank walls down to 2 mm and is also used for load-bearing components and reinforcements.

The tanks are usually insulated with 50–150 mm XPS and are externally clad with either matte or shiny stainless steel or coloured fiberglass. Fiberglass weighs about half of stainless steel and is therefore suitable when low own weight is prioritised.

The construction is adapted to tank volume, axle configuration, transport conditions, and national weight regulations. The largest trailers we have built for milk transport have an allowed total weight of up to 83 tons.

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Hygiene, cleaning and flexible tank construction

Milk transport imposes high demands on hygiene. Therefore, VM Tarm's milk tankers have cleaning-friendly product-contact surfaces, well-thought-out piping, and effective drainage.

Duplex steel EN 1.4162 is an acid-resistant quality with good resistance to aggressive products, cleaning agents, and high washing temperatures compared to ordinary stainless steel.

CIP cleaning and cleaning turbines

All VM Tarm milk tanks have a washing system with cleaning turbines in the tank's chamber, connected to a common cleaning pipe that can be connected to the dairy's CIP system (Cleaning in Place).

The cleaning turbines ensure efficient cleaning with low water consumption. The system can be equipped with check valves to prevent product mixing.

In splash baffles, cleaning turbines are mounted in each section. Chambers or sections over 7,500 liters are equipped with multiple cleaning turbines to ensure thorough cleaning.

Documentation of cleaning quality

Upon request, VM Tarm can provide a Bactoforce test report that documents the quality of the tank's product-contact surfaces, pipes, and valve batteries.

Pump Equipment and Measuring Systems for Milk Transport

VM Tarm integrates pumps, hydraulics, measuring systems, valves, hoses and controls, customised for each transport task.

For milk collection, we can supply MID-approved pump and measuring systems with a capacity of approximately 300–1,500 l/min. For intermediate transport tanks, valve tanks and similar, where only dispensing is required, the pump capacity can be up to 3,000 l/min.

The tanker can be equipped with hydraulic systems or electric systems with battery pack or direct connection to the power grid.

Practical Solutions for the Driver's Workday

The driver's working conditions are considered from the outset. Pump cabin, hoses, valves and other equipment are placed to make operation practical and clear. Integrated hose storage and hose boxes provide easy access to the equipment and help to keep things organized. In selected solutions, milk can also be unloaded while the trailer is on support legs, providing extra flexibility in daily operations.

Transfer of milk tanks

At VM Tarm, we offer the transfer of existing milk tanks to new chassis. This provides an opportunity to reuse the tank if it is still in good condition, rather than investing in an entirely new tanker.

During a transfer, the tank is adapted to the new chassis, and we can also review and update equipment and functions as needed.

It can be an economical and more resource-saving solution that extends the lifespan of the milk tank.

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