Central Tyre Inflation System
Central Tyre Inflation Systems (CTIS) maximize vehicle mobility and performance in demanding terrain and conditions, by adjusting the tyre pressure to improve traction, eliminate tyre leak and reduce soil compaction. This gives the driver complete control over a vehicle from inside the cab.
CTIS reduces overall operating costs and improves fuel consumption across all Road, Defense and Agriculture industries. CTI systems have three general goals:
- To inflate and deflate tyres in accordance with changing road and load conditions
- To provide remote operation from within the vehicle cab
- Continuously check and maintains optimum tire pressure at all times.
- FTL Technology (a unit of IDEX Corporation) is dedicated to providing engineered solutions to maximize mobility and enhance efficiency for Road, Agricultural and Military vehicles.
Incorrect tire pressures have a significant negative impact on the operational ability of a vehicle. From increased tyre wear and fuel consumption through to ground compaction and increased driver fatigue, there are many links between poorly optimised tire pressures and poor vehicle performance.
Central Tyre Inflation System has for many years been used on military vehicles where improvements in mobility has been the major requirement. Using lower tyre pressures ‘off highway’ also produces significantly less damage to the road surface. This is particularly important in Forestry applications. The same applies in an Agricultural environment however; more important is the reduction in soil compaction which can decrease crop yields by up to 30%.
FTL Technology's team of sealing experts has delivered CTI systems into military vehicle suppliers, agricultural industries and a diverse range of road-based operations. Our custom-engineering has resulted in the following customer benefits:
Improvements in...
- Tyre life - your tyres could last up to 15% longer
- Operational efficiency - keep your downtime to an absolute minimum
- Fleet mobility - ensure peak performance across all terrain in all weathers
- Driver comfort - average cabin vibration levels up to 10% lower
Reductions in...
- Fuel consumption - save between 1% and 4% on fuel costs
- Wheel slip - incorrect pressures can result in up to 40% of engine power lost through tyre slip
- Vehicle maintenance costs - average repair costs of just two cents per kilometre
- Road surface impact - better preservation of the top 200mm of road surface
- Risk of vehicle breakdown - just two tyre bursts in five million kilometres of CTIS-assisted travel for one client
External or Internal system?
CTI systems are available in two main configurations - internal and external. The diagram below illustrates some of the key similarities and differences.
An easy-to-use interface, allowing the driver to select the optimal tire pressure setting for the conditions faced.
×The nerve centre of the system, processing drive commands and monitoring signal throughout the system.
×Allows air passage from stationary vehicle air hoses through to the rotating wheel. The rotary wheel valve enables on-demand inflation and deflation of tires, and isolating the tires from the system when not in use (extending the life of the seal).
×Radial air passages are drilled through the axle shafts in order to carry pressurised air from the air tank to the tires. Drilled axles also remove the risk associated with external air hoses being damaged in the harsh operational conditions of the vehicle.
×A once piece assembly that allows air passage from the EUPCU either directly into the wheel or connected to the tire valve. The wheel valve control inflation and pressure check of the tire. Rapid deflation is achieved by opening the wheel valve.
×Enable the passage of compressed air from the stationary wheel axle to the rotating hub. Seals ensure that bearing lubrication and air passage are isolated and sleeves provide the optimum running surface for reliable seal performance.
×External System
- Agricultural
- Road-using vehicles (including heavy construction, oil and gas, on/off road)
- Ease of retrofitting
- Ease of removal (from rental vehicles, for example)
- Does not require the axles to have an internal air passage
How can we help?
Contact our Central Tyre Inflation system experts to build a system around your transport operations, or start a chat online.
CTIS Products
| Vehicle Type | Features & Benefits | |
 | Military Vehicles | FTL’s Central Tire Inflation components have a proven pedigree on wheeled military vehicles including; Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Utility Vehicles, Logistics Vehicles and Support Vehicles.
|
 | Road Vehicles | On/off-road vehicles can adjust their tire pressures according to the terrain surface and the load being carried. CTI is particularly suitable for HGVs, Oil and Gas trucks, forestry, construction and logistics vehicles.
|
 | Agricultural Vehicles | In agricultural environments, tire pressures can be adjusted to suit field operations to increase floatation and help to reduce soil compaction for; farming tractors, combined harvesters, trailers, sprayers and forage harvesters.
|
Document Downloads
| Document | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Tyre Inflation System Brochure | Engineered sealing solution for enhanced vehicle mobility. |
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