The Surge Buster system is designed to function differently than the traditional baffle.
The traditional baffle reduces surge by compartmentalizing the tank and is affixed solidly to the walls of the tank. Surge in a liquid load is the result of directional momentum creating a standing wave and that wave reacting on the tank. At forty miles per hour the directional momentum in a 3000 gallon Leg tank is approximately 52,000 foot pounds of directional pressure. This is largely the result of the standing wave. Traditional solid wall baffles (two) would reduce this front to rear surge by 35%, leaving 35,360 foot pounds of directional surge in the tank.
The solid wall baffles have no effect on the side-to-side surge. The Surge Buster system is designed to prevent the standing wave from forming. This is accomplished by converting the directional momentum to a series of eddies and swirls throughout the tank. By creating this swirling or eddying effect, virtually no directional surge can be produced. As a result of this action you have, in effect, created an agitation system within the tank.
In the example of the 3000 gallon. Leg tank used above the directional momentum or surge is reduced to approximately 600 foot pounds of directional surge. This is the result of the natural leveling effect of liquid in motion and not the result of a standing wave.
Example:
| 3000 gallon Leg tank at 40 mph momentum |
| Un-baffled |
Solid Wall |
Surge Buster |
| 52,000 |
35,600 |
600 |
The Surge Buster system removes virtually all the directional surge from a tank (front to rear, side to side ). As a result, the damage normally accredited to surge (role over accidents, stress and wear on tank, drive train, breaks, driver, etc.) is significantly reduced. As an additional benefit the tank fills and empties in a smooth level fashion. In the case of a spray rig application, it prevents skips in application caused by slosh in the partially full tank. It also, by the constant stirring motion, causes additives to be kept in constant suspension. Many other side benefits are present such as driver comfort.