AIR CTI is a central tyre inflation system – or CTIS – proving an all-round answer to tyre inflation pressure for the load being carried while providing several key attributes necessary for safe, reliable and economical service.
Among these are:
• Load capacity requirement noting manufacturing recommendations
• Transfer of driving and braking forces from the vehicle to the road
• Resistance to environmental conditions and aggression from the road surface
Establishing proper tyre inflation pressure is typically based on the maximum likely load expected at each vehicle wheel position. The tyre inflation pressure is set at a fixed value based on the anticipated maximum tyre load at highway speeds, taking into account the varying load, speed and environmental operating conditions actually experienced by the tyre and vehicle.
The Gen 6 controller display. Image: AIR CTIAIR CTI is a central tyre inflation system that integrates between the vehicle, environment, and tyre/wheel assembly to determine the correct inflation pressure for each tyre at any given moment. AIR CTI has the capability to inflate and deflate the tyre as necessary to meet the actual tyre operating environment.
The AIR CTI system also recognises and creates an ideal method for:
• Compensating inflation pressure in all tyres based on current ambient temperature i.e. cold pressures, hot pressures and the environment
• Incorporates vehicle speed monitoring with automatic inflation capability if the speed is exceeded above a preset level
• Provide an immediate alert to the driver with adverse inflation pressure via an audible and visual alert if unexplained loss of tyre pressure occurs
• Monitors in real time tyre inflation pressures with combination vehicles i.e. truck and trailer(s)
• The AIR CTI system is robustly designed, protected from corrosion and operational damage, being designed to ensure that the quality of compressed air provided to the tyre is free of contaminants and water
• AIR CTI also provides unique safety technology to isolate a singular wheel allowing operational needs to continue
The Hyway controller display. Image: AIR CTIAIR CTI is a complete tyre inflation pressure management system that takes a total vehicle systems approach to real-time inflation pressure management based on dynamic operational conditions integrating between the vehicle, environment, and tyre/wheel assembly to determine the correct inflation pressure for each tyre at any given moment. This is achieved via the user friendly and intuitive Controller Display with advanced technology created by AIR CTI with decades of proven use.
The AIR CTI system provides many immediately tangible benefits, including:
Safety
Tyres that are underinflated for the load being carried suffer from excessive sidewall flex and higher operating temperatures, which can lead to serious material degradation.
Tyres that are overinflated for the load being carried have less tread rubber in contact with the ground (footprint) as the tread contact area is the interface between the road surface and the vehicle, all driving, braking and turning forces are transmitted through this area.
Less tread rubber on the ground results in forces being spread across a smaller amount of footprint impacting the vehicle’s moveability including steering. Overinflated tyres are also more prone to road shock and impact damages.
Savings
Reductions in tread mileage from rapid or uneven tyre wear directly impact total tyre life cost. Incorrect tyre inflation pressure costs money in the form of tread wear and casing life. Additionally, tyres contribute to total vehicle fuel consumption, and underinflated tyres require more energy to rotate due to increased rolling resistance.
Performance
Tyre manufacturers design their products to deliver many attributes. Excessive tyre inflation pressure leads to less sidewall deflection; the resulting smaller tyre footprint can have a negative impact on through increased the tyre wear and reduction in resistance to irregular wear. Insufficient tyre inflation for the load carried creates excessive buildup of heat in the tyre, which will reduce its service life.
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