In Conversation
Staying put Cont’d from page 21
the company has travelled to many locations
to instruct locally based staff on the SKD’s
tanker’s completion.The SKD entered the UK
and Irish market four years ago.
For ease of manufacture and
maintenance, axles and barrels are bolted on
to the SKD’s chassis which has a patented
cross section for added strength.
“The use of bolts can reduce the cost of
maintenance as this method removes the need
for a major workshop job for some accident
damage,” said Joby.
Cobo has designed and built many of its
own engineering solutions with much time and
investment spent in the robotic automation of
as many welding processes as possible.
Components such as Cobo’s copyright
profi les, chassis, top valance and the king pin
are produced through aluminium extrusion.
“With the king pin taking the most load
– extrusion rather than welding makes a part
very strong with no weak points,” explained
Joby.
The focus remains on making these
components very resistant – indeed visitors to
Cobo’s separate maintenance & repair facility
can see a tanker damaged in an accident
which, despite sustaining signifi cant damage
when it rolled over on a roundabout, did not
release any fuel.
An automated pipe work bender is used to
ensure a better transit of fuel through the pipe.
Taking two years to develop, Cobo
designed and built a hydrostatic press which
produces a clone of every single baffl e or
dished end. Using water released at high
pressure, the aluminium baffl e/dished end is
gently moulded to minimise stress, spreading
tensions evenly.
“A little while ago some customers
reported increased pulling on the saddle area
when negotiating very tight turns, we then
redesigned the king pin to include a wedge to
reduce stresses in this area.” said Joby.
In Spain the preferred option is to house
APIs – Cobo has their own Italian-made brand
– in a closed cabinet – with some UK & Irish
companies looking at this option.
Working with customers
“Many of our innovations have resulted from
customer requirements and we’re always
Inside Cobo’s Santander factory where
visitors are most welcome
happy to look at customers’ suggestions and
requests,” said Fernando.
“A few years ago, the market was all
about payload – now there’s less concern.
To help save fuel for their prime movers, big
fl eets are into aero dynamics which led us to
make changes to the design of the vehicle’s
sides and front. An obvious benefi t of the SKD
chassis is the speed of maintenance.
“We’re a very open company which is
looking forward to working with customers
across the UK & Ireland and to welcoming
visitors to our factory.”
Cobo Tankers and Services Ltd.
C26 Josephs Well
Hannover Lane
Leeds
LS1 3AB
Tel: 0113 3886400
[email protected][email protected]
22 Fuel Oil News | October 2018