WHY COBO_ENGLISH

PRESENTATION
Dear Client,
When deciding on the acquisition of a new tanker, there are a number of complex factors to be taken into
consideration. For this reason, we are providing this simple, direct and straight-forward description of the
many solutions we have to offer.
Here you will find the answer to the question: WHY Cobo
If you have decided to incorporate new tankers into your fleet, these pages explain why Cobo is the best
choice in the market to meet your transportation needs.
This comprehensive catalogue gives you a hard copy of all the details and information provided by our sales
team during sales calls or visits to our facilities. It includes our advances in R&D+iT and the latest improvements
we have made to increase the profitability of your business and enhance the quality of the service.
We provide technical specifications, images and detailed explanations for you to know our products, the
benefits Cobo has to offer and what sets us apart from the competition.
Our tankers are synonymous with Quality, Trust and Profitability. All of our solutions are designed and manufactured
to offer your company:
• Lower Operating Costs
• Greater Profitability
• Greater Safety
• Higher residual value for the vehicle
• Enhanced corporate image.
Finally, Cobo is always open to its clients and we invite you to visit our facilities for a first-hand look at where
and how our tankers are manufactured. We believe such visits are beneficial to both parties, providing a
great opportunity for us to continue creating a great product.
Yours faithfully,
Federico Cobo San Miguel
Managing Director
Fernando Gomis Galán
Managing Director
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EXPERIENCE AND
PROFESSIONALISM
COBO was founded in 1955, building tankers for transporting petroleum from the oil fields of Lora, in Burgos,
Spain. In those days the company also began to manufacture insulated aluminium tankers for transporting
liquid asphalt, replacing traditional transport methods in drums. This innovation was a significant
advance for the sector at that time.
Today, 60 years later, thanks to the hard work and professionalism of our team, Cobo is one of the most
well established and experienced European companies in the sector, earning the respect and recognition
of Clients and Suppliers around the world.
Cobo is the leading manufacturer of tankers for the transport of petroleum products, bituminous substances
and other material. We are also a pioneer in international trading commencing the export of our
tankers during the 1980’s.
In the early 1990’s Cobo exported vehicles to Argentina and contributed to the technical and administrative
development of the sector in the country. We have been a leader in neighbouring Portugal for more than
25 years and have established a strong position in such demanding markets as the United Kingdom and
Ireland in the last 20 years.
We have continued to expand into other countries of the European Union, Algeria and the Middle East (Saudi
Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates) as well as Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, New Caledonia, etc.
Another achievement for the company has been our introduction into the Russian Federation, gaining a
greater presence year by year in the principal fleets across the country.
After more than three decades, COBO has firmly established itself on five continents. This has been achieved
through the hard work and dedication of our team and inspires us to continue in the same vein.
Cobo currently has one of the most advanced facilities in the world for the manufacture of tanker trailers &
trucks. The success of this new plant is based on the key concepts of organisation, efficiency and the rationalisation
of processes, R&D+iT, health and safety and a firm commitment to environmental responsibility.
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At COBO, we put something of ourselves in each of the tankers we manufacture.
We value the long term commitment of our personnel and work
to further their training and professional growth The company is proud to
have up to three generations of the same family working together, united
in their commitment and dedicated to the continuous improvement of the
quality of our products.
The principal goal of company management and the entire team at COBO
is to develop and implement the most modern production systems and to
manufacture a reliable, safe and unique product that sets the standard for
our competitors.
OUR TEAM
TRUST IN THE MARKET
Thanks to our continuous development,
COBO is at the forefront
of European and global
technology in the sector. This
dedication has been recognised
and rewarded with the
trust and loyalty of our clients
across five continents.
One of the virtues of the company
has always been our ability
to listen and work hand in
hand with clients in manufacturing
for the various markets
where we operate, always offering
unique solutions of the highest
quality.
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COBO has assembled a highly skilled Engineering department, the majority having over
twenty years of experience with the company, providing exceptional professionalism
and added value to their work. Both the engineering teams dedicated to both product
design and the manufacturing process are and have always been exclusive to the
company.
The Engineering department employs the most advanced systems for design and
structural calculation, permitting the simulation and testing of all designs prior to
manufacture. These tools are continuously updated.
COBO is at the forefront of engineering technology and in continuous development,
improving processes on a daily basis, providing high quality technical solutions and
meeting the demands of the markets where we operate.
ENGINEERING AND THE
LATEST TECHNOLOGIES
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
One of the most significant characteristics of our tankers is the intensive use of
extruded aluminium profiles in critical structural areas.
All profiles are designed by our Engineering department and tested under the
most exacting conditions. These designs are protected under the corresponding
International Patents (PTC).
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CHASSIS
The end of 2013 saw the development of the sixth and latest
generation of our chassis profiles. The principal characteristics
and advantages of this chassis profile are:
• Innovative design providing the mechanical strength of
steel with the lightweight characteristics of aluminium.
• Elimination of all welds, eliminating the corresponding
habitual stress factors.
• Bolted joints between the barrel and the chassis and between
the chassis and the axle assembly. This eliminates
stress factors and allows the vehicle to be easily disassembled.
This is an important design feature in terms of
maintenance & repairs and possible replacement of the
axle assembly or the barrel.
CHASSIS EXTENSION
This support beam extends the chassis to the landing legs
and the manufacture of the vehicle is completed on this
support.
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EXTRUDED
ALUMINIUM PROFILES
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KINGPIN OR 5th WHEEL
This is a profile designed by COBO and manufactured using special aluminium
alloys, achieving great structural durability, ensuring maximum safety in the
most critical areas of the vehicle.
In this way, an integral structural design provides support to the 5th wheel of
the vehicle.
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MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TOP PROFILE
This profile serves the following functions:
• Provides the tanker greater structural strength.
• Acts as a top valance to collect possible spillage.
• Protects the elements on the top of the tanker in the event of overturning.
• Gas overflow collector during loading and unloading.
• Integrates the collapsible safety railings and lifelines.
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OTHER PROFILES
Our vehicles also incorporate other profiles which serve as follows:
• Rear impact protection.
• Front electrical and air coupling.
• Top handrail/safety railing.
• Lateral hose carriers.
• Sideguards, etc.
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This innovative manufacturing system is a reflection of the company’s
firm dedication to R&D+iT. Vehicles are manufactured according
to a modular system, that is, conceived as a set of parts: tanks,
barrel, chassis, etc.
• Tank
• Chassis
• Axles assembly
These parts are manufactured independently and then bolted together.
This process allows tankers to be manufactured in our facilities
and assembled elsewhere.
CKD-SKD
MANUFACTURING SYSTEM
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
The CKD-SKD system also permits:
• The elimination of welded joints, which minimises the structural stress
caused by the welds themselves.
• Reduction of maintenance & repair costs of the tankers. Bolting the components
together eliminates the need for welding when replacing any damaged
part and hence eliminates the need for cleaning and de-gassing
the tanker. Repairs & maintance can be done quickly, greatly reducing
vehicle down-time.
• Given the simplicity of the system, clients can make many repairs themselves
in their own facilities with only a few tools, thus significantly reducing
repair & maintenance costs.
• There are some maintenance tasks that can be performed without unloading
the tanker, with the corresponding savings.
• Replacement parts and supports bolted to the profile have been standardised.
This reduces the number of parts that need to be stocked and
makes it easier to obtain parts quickly when necessary.
• The chassis profile serves as an interface between the axles assembly
and the tankers. As the unit is bolted together, the axles assembly of
a tankers can be replaced quickly or vice versa. Additionally, the axles
assembly can be kept and the tank changed, even when both are for the
transport of different products.
• All ancillary equipment on the sides of the tankers is bolted onto the unit:
storage box & tool box supports, hose trays, valve box, sideguards, landing
legs, rear storage box, etc.
• All fittings are standard and symmetrical, designed for all types of tankers
and can be installed on either side of the unit. This reduces the stock of
parts and makes it easier to obtain parts quickly when necessary.
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Currently, COBO delivers many of its vehicles
not fully assembled to its international markets,
not fully assembled in this way, with local
partners being responsible to complete the assembly
of the tanks in their facilities.
The development of this Utility Module CKD-
SKD is protected under the corresponding International
Patent (PTC).
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COBO has incorporated into its tankers a large rear storage
unit. This unit is bolted to the chassis, making it easy
to assembly/disassemble. The storage unit serves three
functions:
• Storage: Large enough to store auxiliary tanker equipment
such as tool boxes, anti-spillage kits, wrenches,
wheel blocks, fittings, replacement parts and other materials.
• Safety: This is a deformable element integrated into the
tanker structure providing additional impact protection.
• Tanker trailer carriage: Includes rear lights and reflective
devices, safety placards and ADR signage and to
store ladders, etc.
REAR STORAGE UNIT
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
BEFORE
Welded pipes and flanges
For all of its units, COBO incorporates technology
whereby the downpipes are manufactured
without using welded joints, elbows or
flanges.
The advantages of this innovative system are:
Welded elbows on pipes.
• Total elimination of stress factors and fatigue
characteristic of welded seams.
• Reduced unloading time given the elimination
of interior slag build-up typical in
welds.
• Easy assembly and disassembly of hose
couplings for maintenance/repair and inspections.
For this innovative solution a newly designed
tools have been developed with all the elements
necessary for the hose couplings.
The development of this Utility Module for the
manufacture of non-welded hose couplings
is protected under the corresponding International
Patent (PTC).
Flanges welded to pipes.
Inner welding slags.
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AERODYNAMIC DESING FEATURES
Fuel consumption is one of the most significant costs that logistics
operators currently face. At COBO we are continuously working to
improve our units, making them more aerodynamic and fuel efficient.
We have designed a new streamlined front top valance, reducing
wind resistance. This new design does not mean the tanker is any wider,
creating an optimum lateral airflow to eliminate wind turbulence
produced by the previous design.
With this advance we have achieved an estimated improvement of the
aerodynamic coefficient of 10% over previous designs, resulting in an
overall aerodynamic improvement of the vehicle of 2%.
New aerodynamic design and lower centre of
gravity. Less wind resistance reducing fuel
consumption.
LOW CENTRE OF GRAVITY
Cobo tankers are designed and engineered to have the lowest centre
of gravity of any tankers on the market, providing greater stability and
safety during daily use.
With a higher centre of gravity and without the
new aerodynamic design the unit had more wind
resistance and therefore higher fuel consumption.
AERODYNAMIC AND
LOW CENTRE OF GRAVITY
DOWN PIPES
AFTER
Pipes and flange joints without welding
Pipes made on one piece with no welding joints, no welded elbows,
and a smooth finish inside improving load/offload flow.
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During the 1990’s, COBO worked in partnership with the Swedish
company ESAB International, a global leader in welding equipment, to
develop an innovative process allowing for a welded seam on one side
of two butted aluminium plates without preparing the edges, something
never previously achieved by any company. This technology was
subsequently adopted by all other manufacturers in the sector.
As part of our effort to continuously improve the quality of our welding
processes, COBO is currently working with the Photon Engineering
Group at the University of Cantabria to develop a weld quality monitoring
system using optical technology to analyse the light generated during
the welding process.
All longitudinal welds of our units are executed with an automated
system using a latest generation welding table. During the welding
process, all parameters necessary to achieve a perfect seam are
guaranteed by our manufacturing procedure.
Pioneering welding process developed in partnership
with the Swedish company ESAB in 1990.
MANUFACTURING
DEVELOPMENTS
At the turn of this century, COBO conducted a long-term
R&D+iT project in partnership with the Spanish company
SOLDEGUI, which led to the development of a process to
guarantee perfect tranverse welding in our tankers.
Until that time, welding was done semi-automatically.
This procedure required welding to lengths of up to 7.5
metres, with innumerable pauses and with all the associated
difficulties associated with this process.
Thanks to the newly developed technology, COBO is currently
able to weld any section (elliptical, oval, TV-shaped,
etc.) in a single uninterrupted process.
As a result of this new technology, all our welding seams
are visible, without the need for grinding or touch-ups. A
good weld is never covered up; it is displayed.
The development of this Utility Module is protected under
the corresponding International Patent (PTC).
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LONGITUDINAL
WELDING
TRANSVERSE
WELDING
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MANUFACTURING
DEVELOPMENTS
MANUFACTURE
PRESS MACHINE
OF DISH ENDS
This interior lining, a global innovation, is one of our company’s
latest technological advances in R&D+iT and another example of our
continuous search for improvements in our manufacturing processes.
This new manufacturing procedure renders the current method, hydroforming+beading, completely obsolete.
Working in partnership with the Spanish company IANUS, COBO has developed a procedure for the construction of interior and
exterior linings, which combine forming with hydroforming.
Through this process, and in a single operation, linings are produced with the following characteristics:
• Perfect dish end flange finish.
• Homogeneous displacement of tensions.
• Improved hardening through cold working.
• Highly repetitive and exact perimeter.
• Without geometrical differences, permitting more precise control over the manufacturing process.
• Surface flatness to facilitate assembly and welding.
• Clean, polished and glossy interior and exterior finish.
• Versatility in the use of materials: aluminium, carbon steel, stainless steel and other non-ferrous alloys such as copper, bronze,
tin, etc.
• Versatility in all section: circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, pentagonal, etc.
The development of this Utility Module for interior linings is protected under the corresponding International Patent (PTC).
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As in all of the production phases, COBO has a highly experienced team of professionals
for painting the surface of our units. This task consists of applying
a double coating of a hi/solids polyurethane acrylic at a minimum thickness of
120 microns.
We have two booths where the paint is applied using a system of electrostatic
paint guns loaded with an electrical charge the opposite of the material being
painted, producing an attraction effect that ensures complete coverage of the
entire surface.
The result is a perfect and long-lasting paint finish giving the best image of the
fleet. A final coat of varnish may also be applied at the request of the client.
The tankers are also available without painting. To meet the demands of our
international clients we have produced a significant number of tankers with a
polished aluminium finish. The quality of this mirror-like finish has put COBO at
the forefront of global market for these types of tankers.
PAINTING PROCESS
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Thanks to an agreement reached in 1989 with the Italian company TECNOMETAL, we have
developed our own line of BLVR equipment under the COBO brand.
These units are factory installed in our tankers although clients may choose to have those of
other manufacturers installed. By offering our own line of units, COBO is able to supply parts
and post-sales services directly to the client.
All of our equipment is protected under the corresponding International Patent (PTC).
COMPARTMENTS
BLVR EQUIPMENT
JOINT ENGINEERING
PROJECTS
AXLE
ASSEMBLIES
Just as COBO works with its clients to improve its tankers, the company also benefits
from the inestimable help of its suppliers with the latest technology and a dedication to
quality. COBO works in partnership with its suppliers in the development of its products.
We are pioneers in the joint development of new solutions with other manufacturers.
In addition to the technological advantages offered, joint engineering projects between
COBO and our suppliers of axles and suspensions permits a differentiation of responsibilities
in post-sales services.
With the aim of standing out from our competitors, COBO has worked with BPW and SAF
in the development of axle assemblies for our tankers.
Thanks to this joint engineering project, our axle assemblies incorporate solutions and
advantages when compared to our competitors. COBO was a pioneer in the development
of this technology which has subsequently been adopted by our competitors through
these manufacturers.
All axle wheel assemblies are received directly from the manufacturer with:
• TOP/”COFFIN” PLATES welded directly onto the hanger brackets of the axle assembly.
These plates are bolted directly to our chassis, providing an exact fit that combines
speed of assembly with total safety when in operation.
• TRANSVERSE STIFFENERS/CROSS MEMBERS which attaches support beams from
both sides of the suspension. This prevents the lateral loads of the axle assembly
from damaging the suspension and its anchors to the chassis.
• RIDE HEIGHTS that are reduced to the minimum. Thus, our axle assemblies, along
with other engineering features, permit Cobo to offer vehicles with the lowest centre
of gravity on the market.
• The KTL PROTECTION ensures that our axle assemblies, even under the most adverse
operating conditions, remain inalterable and resist oxidation at all times.
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SEALING SYSTEM
In line with COBO’s policy of engineering partnerships, we have worked
with the Spanish company LOCATEL to develop our own tanker
sealing and positioning system, for installation in tankers transporting
hazardous substances.
This new system has been used for over five years by many fleets
transporting hazardous substances and is the preferred seal system
of the major petrochemical companies.
This equipment can be installed in our tankers at the request of the
client although clients may choose to have other systems available on
the market installed.
As this system was developed by COBO, the company is able to supply
parts and post-sales services directly to the client.
The development of this Utility Module of the tanker sealing system is
protected under the corresponding International Patent (PTC).
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Today there is a global trend among logistics operators to
reduce the environmental impact of their units in terms of
design, manufacture and use during their entire life cycle.
In the design and manufacture of our tankers, COBO is
very aware of all aspects related to reducing the carbon
footprint of our vehicles.
Our Engineering department considers all fundamental
aspects in the design of our products, including tare weight,
aerodynamics and height as well as the importance of
keeping maintenance & repair costs to a minimum during
the life of the vehicle.
ENVIRONMENT
CARBON FOOTPRINT
For the manufacture of our products, raw materials (aluminium, axles and suspensions, equipment,
painting, tyres, etc.) with the lowest possible carbon footprint are selected. Additionally, during the
manufacturing process itself, work procedures are designed to minimise the carbon footprint, seeking
optimum energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of the entire process.
Some 95% of the material used in the manufacturing process is aluminium and 99.9% of all waste
material is recycled. Any hazardous waste produced during the painting process, as well as filters,
absorbent materials and hydrocarbon contaminated water, are treated using distillation systems and
other appropriate waste management systems.
During the useful life of our tankers, we can quantify how aspects such as aerodynamics and tare weight
can impact the carbon footprint of the vehicle:
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AERODYNAMICS
In terms of aerodynamics, thanks to
the modifications in sections of the
tanker and a new design for the front
and upper part of the tank, we have
achieved an estimated improvement
of the aerodynamic coefficient of 10%
over previous designs, resulting in an
overall aerodynamic improvement of
the vehicle of 2%.
TARE WEIGHT
Clearly, the lighter the tanker vehicle the more product that
can be transported in each trip at the same cost. This also
means greater fuel efficiency when vehicles are travelling
empty and thus also reducing CO2 emissions.
According to our calculations, the combined impact of both
improved aerodynamics and a tare weight reduction of 400kg,
will permit the transport of an additional 150 tonnes of product
annually, saving over 2,000 litres of fuel and reducing CO2
emissions by 8000kg annually compared to other tankers.
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COBO has an internal Quality and Post-sales Services department
dedicated to ensuring the maximum performance and
quality of service for the client.
Our dedication to quality has remained a permanent and constant
commitment over many years.
The integral quality system encompasses the entire production
process from engineering, manufacture and post-sales
services, as well as training and specialisation programs for
our personnel.
External controls have also been established through BUREAU
VERITAS. For over three decades this company has conducted
regulatory inspections of our tankers by means of a resident
inspection service implemented within our facilities.
QUALITY
METROLOGY
COBO has developed a metrological system for installation
in tanker vehicles which fully complies with
the EU Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) and
ATEX standards for work in explosive atmosphere
Zones 1 and 2.
These systems consist of an electronic head unit
which offers simple control of all variables and parameters
for product supply, storing the data and including
the latest generation of software compatible
with any sales management program.
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COBO facilities include modern
concrete bunker where radiographic
testing is conducted
on our tankers. This system is
equipped with the most advanced
technology and equipment
available. The bunker is certified
by the Spanish Nuclear Safety
Council.
Radiographic testing is completely
integrated within the
production process as a whole,
avoiding stoppages or down-time
during testing.
RADIOGRAPHY BUNKER
WELD MONITORING
COBO has developed welding procedures for the different aluminium
alloys, stainless steel and carbon steel used in the construction
of tankers. These procedures are fully certified according to the
European EN-15614 Standard as well as the ASME IX Code for other
markets. Our welders and operators are fully qualified and certified
under these standards and periodic controls are conducted to ensure
full compliance.
COBO is dedicated to the continuous improvement of our systems.
This is demonstrated by the quality monitoring system for welding,
established in partnership with the Photon Engineering Group at
the University of Cantabria. The system, using the latest in optical
technologies, is able to detect, in real time and by means of a highly
sensitive spectrograph, the presence of any defects in the welding
process which may affect the mechanical properties of the tanker.
Additionally, COBO has the instrumentation necessary to measure
the process in real time and register the principal parameters in the
welding process, such as current and tension, shielding gas flow,
welding speed and filler wire speed, fusion temperature, etc.
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A COBO brand tanker, property of the company Atlantic Cargo, was
involved in a serious accident in 2009. After a severe impact the
vehicle overturned and rolled over several times. Despite the force
of the impact, our tanker remained completely sealed, without
spilling a drop of the highly flammable product being transported.
This was a crucial factor in avoiding any loss of life in the accident.
TOTAL QUALITY
QUALITY
MAINTENANCE AND
POST-SALES SERVICE
COBO, both directly and through its regional offices, assures maintenance
and post-sales services for its vehicles around the world,
rapidly with absolute guarantees and provided directly to the client.
Our vehicles are designed and manufactured to have the lowest
maintenance costs on the market, resulting in greater profitability
for our clients.
Our tankers are designed to keep maintenance to a minimum, with
very limited vehicle down-time and with very reduced costs.
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