On October 24, 2022, a significant incident occurred on the Great Central Highway in Western Australia. A road train with two tanker trailers was transporting ammonium nitrate emulsion when it exploded - resulting in a catastrophic chain of events. The blast completely obliterated the dolly and tanker trailer, leaving behind a large, shallow crater in the road measuring approximately 17 meters long, 9 meters wide and up to 1 meter deep. The force of the explosion, estimated to be equivalent to 1-3 tons of TNT, scattered thousands of pieces of aluminum and steel shrapnel over a wide area. This violent dispersion of debris posed significant risks to the surrounding environment and any potential bystanders.
In addition to the immediate destruction, the incident had far-reaching consequences. The explosion generated a smoke plume reaching around 1 kilometer high, visible from far away while the hot metal shrapnel ejected from the blast ignited numerous small spot fires in the surrounding bush. This presented a secondary hazard that required attention from emergency responders. Furthermore, the event marked a significant milestone as the world's first known detonation involving ammonium nitrate emulsion during transportation since the introduction of bulk transport in the 1980s. This incident, caused by a loss of air pressure lead to overheating and eventually a tyre fire - underscores the critical importance of maintaining proper tyre pressure and temperature.
EU Regulation for Mandatory Tyre Pressure Monitors on Trucks and Buses
Last year, in the European Union, a new regulation occurred - the General Safety Regulation (EU) 2019/2144. This change, taking effect from July 6, 2024, requires all newly registered trucks, buses, trailers and coaches with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes to be equipped with tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). These systems alert drivers immediately if tyre pressure deviates by 20% or more from the recommended pressure or falls below 150 kPa. Had such a system been in place on the ANE tanker in Australia, it's possible that the driver could have been alerted to the pressure loss in the air supply line before it led to brake overheating and the subsequent tyre fire. This proactive approach to tyre safety embodied in this regulation represents a significant step towards preventing catastrophic incidents like the one in Western Australia, potentially saving lives and reducing the risk of explosive cargo detonation during transport. The commission said “They are expected to help save more than 25 000 lives and prevent at least 140 000 serious injuries by 2038”.
Why the Need for Tyre Pressure Monitors
Tyre pressure is the measurement of air inside a tyre, typically expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI). Tyres naturally lose air over time through a process called osmosis, where air molecules pass through the rubber structure at a rate of about 1 to 3 PSI per month. Temperature changes also affect tyre pressure, with a 5°C drop in temperature resulting in a 2% loss of pressure. Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures optimal safety and performance by providing proper stability, handling, and braking. Secondly, correct tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. Lastly, it extends tyre life by promoting even wear across the tread.
TPMS offer numerous benefits that enhance vehicle safety, efficiency, and performance. By continuously monitoring tyre pressure and alerting drivers to deviations, TPMS significantly reduces the risk of accidents caused by under-inflated tyres, which can impair handling, increase braking distances, and lead to blowouts. Properly inflated tyres also improve fuel efficiency, saving up to 10% on fuel consumption and extending tyre lifespan by minimizing irregular wear. This translates into substantial cost savings for drivers and fleet operators through reduced maintenance expenses and fewer roadside breakdowns.
Additionally, TPMS streamlines tyre maintenance by eliminating the need for manual pressure checks, which are time-consuming and prone to errors. Real-time alerts allow drivers to address issues promptly, preventing slow leaks or pressure loss from escalating into major problems. For fleets, TPMS helps optimize operations by improving uptime and reducing downtime associated with tyre-related failures. Overall, they provide peace of mind for drivers while contributing to safer roads and more sustainable vehicle operations. For trucks and buses that cover long distances and carry heavy loads, this can lead to significant reductions in operational costs and downtime.
Tyre Pressure Monitors in Australia
In the Australian context, TPMS offer significant environmental and operational benefits, particularly given the country's unique driving conditions and reliance on heavy vehicles for long-distance transport. Proper tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—a critical advantage in a country with vast distances and high fuel usage by heavy vehicles. Studies have shown that TPMS could save millions of liters of fuel annually across Australia's vehicle fleet, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 206,762 tonnes per year. Australia's challenging driving conditions, including extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and long-haul routes, amplify the importance of TPMS. Under-inflated tyres are more susceptible to heat buildup and failure in hot climates or during prolonged use, increasing the risk of blowouts or fires. For heavy vehicles operating in remote or harsh environments, this technology enhances safety while reducing operational downtime and maintenance costs.
