Advantages of nitrogen tyre inflation
For years, mine sites have used compressed air to inflate the tyres of haul trucks and other heavy vehicles. But now, more operations are turning to nitrogen tyre inflation – and for good reason. Using nitrogen for tyres provides significant benefits in terms of tyre longevity, safety, and operational efficiency.
What is nitrogen tyre inflation?
Instead of using regular compressed air, nitrogen inflation fills tyres with nitrogen gas. This simple switch can make a significant difference, especially in harsh environments like mining. Nitrogen, being dry and inert, doesn’t expand or contract as much as compressed air with temperature swings. This is crucial in mining environments where tyres face extreme heat from braking and heavy loads during the day, and cooler temperatures at night.
Why use nitrogen for tyres?
1. Longer tyre life
Nitrogen helps tyres last longer. Here’s how:
- Cooler running temperatures reduce wear and the risk of heat-related damage.
- Slower pressure loss means tyres stay properly inflated for longer.
- Less frequent replacements save time and money.
Because nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen, they leak out more slowly. That means more consistent pressure and fewer top-ups.
Potential Return on Investment (ROI):
Extended tyre life directly translates into significant cost savings by reducing the frequency and expense of tyre replacements. Operators have reported up to 40% reduction in tyre costs due to increased retread cycles and prolonged casing durability. This can lead to a payback period on nitrogen generation equipment in less than a year, depending on fleet size and tyre usage.
2. Safer operations
Safety is always a top priority in mining. Nitrogen inflation helps by:
- Reducing fire and explosion risks caused by high temperatures or lightning strikes.
- Preventing pyrolysis – a chemical reaction caused by heat that can release flammable gases inside the tyre.
- Limiting oxygen to less than 5%, which significantly lowers the chance of combustion.
Potential ROI:
By mitigating tyre-related fire and explosion risks, using nitrogen for tyres lowers the likelihood of costly equipment damage, injury, and operational downtime. The reduction in safety incidents can save substantial indirect costs, contributing to improved operational continuity and insurance benefits.
3. Less corrosion
Compressed air contains moisture and oxygen, which can lead to rust and corrosion inside the tyre and on the rim. Nitrogen is dry and clean, helping to:
- Protect wheel components
- Extend the life of tyres and rims
- Reduce maintenance needs
Potential ROI:
Reduced corrosion decreases maintenance and replacement costs for wheel assemblies, resulting in lower maintenance downtime and expenses. This extends equipment life and contributes to overall cost efficiency.
4. Lower costs and better uptime
Nitrogen tyre inflation isn’t just safer – it’s also more efficient:
- Fewer pressure checks and refills mean less downtime.
- Better fuel efficiency and longer tyre life reduce operating costs.
- On-site nitrogen generators eliminate the need for bottled gas deliveries, saving time and money.
Potential ROI:
Operators have reported fuel economy improvements of over 20%, alongside significant reductions in tyre repair expenses (e.g., an 82% reduction in on-road tyre repair costs in one fleet). The combination of reduced downtime, fuel savings, and lower maintenance costs yields a strong return on investment, often recouping nitrogen system costs within the first year of operation.
Atlas Copco’s nitrogen tyre filler solutions
Atlas Copco offers a range of nitrogen generation systems tailored for mining applications. Whether you need a compact unit for a remote site or a high-capacity system for a large fleet, there’s a solution to match.
Key features include:
- Modular design for easy scalability
- Integrated compressors and dryers for plug-and-play setup
- Remote monitoring capabilities for proactive maintenance
- Proven performance in global mining operations
By investing in on-site nitrogen generation, mining operators gain autonomy, reduce logistical complexity, and improve overall tyre management.
A smart move for mining operations
Switching to nitrogen tyre inflation isn’t just a trend – it’s a strategic move toward safer, more efficient, and cost-effective mining operations. With Atlas Copco’s robust nitrogen generation solutions, you can take control of your tyre inflation process and unlock measurable gains in uptime, fuel economy, and tyre longevity.
