Page 24 - CTB N8 - 2014-04

IAA REVIEW
PNEUSCAN Tyre Diagnostics from Ventech
Tyre measuring systems specialists Ventech, based in Dorsten, Germany were displaying the benefits of their unique PNEUSCAN tyre diagnostics system on their stand in Hanover. PNEUSCAN is a modular tyre diagnostics system for trucks,
calculated according to actual physical characteristics. PNEUSCAN PRO, meanwhile, measures the tread depth of all tyres simply by passing the sensor area. The technology uses laser triangulation to determine tread depth. It can also work out axle
any modifications to the vehicle. The key to the system, says Ventech Sales Director Rainer Steffens, is that it offers automatic drive through, with the vehicle being checked in seconds. This drive-over process means that PNEUSCAN can easily be incorporated into existing procedures such as a truck wash. The system quickly and clearly displays tyre pressure and tread depth readings for each tyre on the easy-to-read display. A copy of the results can be printed out.
The data output can also be sent to any workstation, mobile devices and other data processing systems.
According to Steffens Ventech has 140 installations in total, including 115 in Europe, the rest being in the USA and New Zealand. There are currently two systems in operation in the UK. One of the first companies in Europe to install the PNEUSCAN System was German haulier Brun Transportation. “I put great
innovative owner to be the first to adopt the automatic tyre pressure check system and use it to his advantage fitting his attitude for safety. The system developed by VENTECH is conveniently located next to the company fuel station. Brun has had the system installed since June 2008. “I found out about VENTECH through a magazine and wanted to tr y it out.” The safety conscious owner was immediately convinced of the system after the first test run. The test run showed eight faulty tyres, including one flat inner twin/dual tyre. In the summer of 2008, when Brun rearranged the set-up of the truck yard, he put the tyre check system right next to the covered gas station in a separate lane. “The vehicles are usually cleaned on Saturdays in our truck wash and then will drive over the sensors. This way we are able to check the tyre pressures of the entire fleet twice a month without much effort.” Besides the enormous time savings, the owner
cars, buses as well as heavy-load and special purpose vehicles, which can measure and scan tyre pressure (PNEUSCAN ATM) and tread depth (PNEUSCAN PRO), as well as being able to identify and recognise number plates (PNEUSCAN ID). There is also a data management system (PNEUSCAN DAT).
PNEUSCAN ATM detects the pressure of car, truck and bus tyres, including twin tyres, when the vehicle is driven over PNEUSCAN’s sensor-equipped area. Based on information from the tyre footprint, the pressure is
alignment.
All results are linked to individual vehicles identified by the PNEUSCAN ID number plate recognition technology and displayed immediately on a display monitor. If all recorded values are within the specified tolerances the signal-light system will switch to green. The system switches to red if at least one of the test results is outside the specified tolerances.
The PNEUSCAN DAT data management system collects the data recordings from the tyre check system for use on any computer workstation, offering
the user an effective tyre management system. The open interface structure simplifies system interconnection with other data processing systems. Ventech is a modular system offering a number of key benefits including fully automated tyre checking, instant display and recording of all data, vehicle specific data correlation and the ability to transfer the data into a garage management system. This can all be achieved without
emphasis on safety”, points out Managing Director Herbert Brun, who is well known in Germany for his wide range of transportation solutions within the industr y. Not only does he measure the use and condition of his fleet to optimise efficiency, but he also was one of the first fleet owners to implement the Euro-5 emission requirements for his fleet and equip them with the required tools such as Lane Assistant and Distance Assistant. “We also have had a trainer on site for several years now that trains our drivers in driving safely and economically.” Currently Brun is creating an in house facility where he can educate his drivers on the professional driver protection laws. It made sense for the
and his four employees are appreciating the tyre check system for other gained advantages: “Because we do not have to touch the inflation valve anymore to check tyre pressures, we are avoiding another source for loss of pressure. If PNEUSCAN ATM detects a small deviation in tyre pressure, we can resolve any issues right on the spot.” If there is a larger deviation detected, then the vehicle goes right to the shop to check the tyre for damage. Ventech joined the Grenzebach Group in May 2013. Grenzebach is an internationally operating, family-owned company focusing on plant engineering, construction and automation.
24 Commercial Tyre Business