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CONTENTS
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Engineering
& Design Concepts
GRW engineers and draughtsmen benefit from the
practical truck operating experience the company gained
during the 1990s. Holding tertiary qualifications - and
with encouragement from Gerrie - Wentzel, Gerhard and
Roussouw welcomed the opportunity to harness the advanced
and innovative technical skills available to them from the
University of Stellenbosch. Access to current finite
element analysis techniques and software such as
Pro-Engineer three-dimensional modelling and
computer-aided design (CAD), ensure the consistent
achievement of state-of-the-art international standards
and practice.
After the design draughtsman creates the structural model based on known factors and client specifications, it is handed to Dr Terry Terreblanche for a Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Terry is an independent consulting mechanical engineer with more than 30 years experience in structural design and modelling. NATRAN FEA, says Terry, took close to 1000 man-years to develop. |
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The technique analyses the virtual structure under a variety of conditions such as hauling a full load of the product to be transported over different road surfaces and conditions. Stress factors are also introduced to simulate travel over potholes, kerbs and other harsh operational hazards with vibrations identifying the areas which will be subjected to operational stress. Important is to subject the welds to vibrational stress so as to determine whether or not the potential for cracks exists.
All this assures that GRW tankers remain significantly ahead in terms of payload, structural integrity and safety standards.
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Project manager, Albert Liebenberg takes up the story from behind his sophisticated laptop which is equipped with the highly complex Pro-Engineer software that enables him and his team of highly trained mechanical draughtsmen and technicians to complete a set of engineering drawings - including all documentation for each unique project. This involves close liaison with the manufacturing facilities, each customer and all suppliers. Third party inspectors and approval bodies are also brought in to ensure that strict adherence to all design codes are met at all times.
The project team sets up and generates the drawings; DXF files identify and manufactures all jigging if and when required. Albert points out that every item is detailed with a unique number, be it a laser part number or a BOP number. Strict control over files and their contents ensures complete compliance with their ISO system and ease of retrieving historical data.
Prototypes of all new designs (tanker concepts and configurations not previously built by GRW) are subjected to strenuous SABS required testing. |
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Production Methods & Procedures
GRW believes the key to real and sustainable success lies firmly in the ability to consistently produce quality products. Highly trained and motivated staff shares management's vision that quality cannot be compromised.
GRW shareholders continually and progressively invest in modern production facilities equipped with state-of-the-art automated welding equipment - reducing hand welding to a minimum. A four-kilowatt laser cutter eliminates inaccuracies from all cut parts and contributes handsomely to the overall precision and quality of the product. Plate nesting and layouts are clearly reviewed minimising circumferential and long welds.
After completing the fabrication, fitting the chassis, suspension and brakes, insulation and wiring for heated tankers (where applicable) and hydro testing, each project is subjected to an exhaustive inspection by a competent independent inspector.
Each tank unit is then prepared for final finishes. Preparation includes grit-blasting, corrosion resistant treatment, priming and painting with high quality paint in one of two high-pressure spray booths. Stainless steel tanks are pickled and passivated and aluminium tanks are etched to clear any welding residue inside and outside. Air pipes, pneumatic system pipework and electrical wiring are colour-coded to ensure easy identification.
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