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RETYRE
BIPAVER Offers Retyre Update
Then we will begin with the development of the predictive model from which a functioning Alpha version of the final simulation tool will be created and validated. Parts of this are already ready in website form.
“The results, in the form in which they are currently available, are also being used in our lobby work within the European Commission and naturally also in the registration of a type approval process for retreaded tyres in Geneva. Both processes take up a great deal of time, and it is understandable that the members of BIPAVER are excited about bringing the project to a conclusion.”
Ruud closed by commenting on the speculation about competition with the tyre manufacturers. Ever the politician, Ruud’s comments were as usual diplomatic and reasoned. “We have often been asked whether there have been any disagreements or arguments between Europe’s independent retreaders and the new tyre industry. It is clear that retread plays an important role for both parties in the durability of commercial vehicle tyres – not least in the eyes of our end-user customers within the transport industr y. Therefore, I would like to stress that from the start we have
of the retread industr y and realising some sort of type approval and that those efforts will be successful. We have the best possible team to provide such efforts. Many years of tyre experience providing knowledge and competence and consequently the results so far show that they are in line with our expectations.”
The potential clash with the tyre manufacturers also came up in the interview and Ruud was again diplomatic in his response to the suggestion that the tyre manufacturers would be happy to see ReTyre fail in meeting its objectives. “The question suggests that there are different positions when it comes to the retreading of truck tyres. Both new tyre industr y and the independent retread industr y provide, through retreading, sustainable added value to the use of truck tyres, thus creating enormous benefits for the transport industry. Furthermore the customer deserves to know the environmental and safety performances of their purchase.” There are clear suggestions from the market that tyre buyer pay less attention to the label than might be expected. Thus came the question: Would a label really be so much better for end-users? To which Ruud responded, “The introduction
The Retyre project has now been under way for over a year, and this investigation into the possibility of a route to testing and labelling truck tyre retreads is hugely important to the independent retread sector.
The tyre manufacturers, through the ETRMA, are lobbying for a solution that meets their abilities and needs, but there may well be a variance with the needs of the independent sector.
Speaking at a recent Rema Tip-Top Round Table Event, Secretary General of BIPAVER, Ruud
measured. This request resulted in an increase of 60 tyres, which means approximately 2 months additional work. The time taken to warm up a tyre before the test accounts for 180 minutes – therefore a total of 4.5 weeks waiting time.
“In order to save time we asked the Commission if we could begin the next two project phases simultaneously. This was accepted by the Commission and now we hope that the time saved will be sufficient.
“At the start of the project our
PFF test equipment located at BASt’s facilities, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany (BASt is one of the RTD performers participating in the project)
Rolling resistance test setup located at IDIADA’s facilities, Spain (IDIADA is one of the RTD performers participating in the project)
Spuijbroek, updated the attendees on the latest developments of the ReTyre project.
He explained to the audience that since his previous presentation, the previous year, almost 1,000 tests and measurements had been carried out. “The first two large and important parts of the project, the Influence of the Casing and the Influence of the Process and Process Parameters have been completed. In recent weeks the measurements and tests for WP3, the
Influence of the Tread Compound/Strip on Rolling Resistance, Wet Grip and Rolling Noise, have also been completed. “This should be bringing the project forward but the practicalities of the situation have created an almost four month delay. In order to give an insight into the practical aspects of the project,” continued Ruud, “I would like to give you an explanation for the delay.
“On the one hand the availability of quality casings has played an important role (2 months). But there is more. For the planned predictive model – the simulation tool, statistical values are necessary. In the first phase our mathematicians asked for an increase in the number of tyres, casings and retreads to be
retreading specialists compiled all of the expectations together in a single picture. After each phase of the project we compare the results of the measurements with our expectations.
“Two particular points should be stressed: the influence of the casing itself and its age on rolling resistance, where we predicted a small influence. Here we have been able to confirm there is a considerable influence.”
This point runs counter to suggestions from the tyre manufacturers that the casing plays only a marginal role in the outcome. However, Ruud explains this by qualifying the previous statement. “Perhaps a role here was played by the project partners who wanted to see casing age having an influence.” It was suggested that using casings over six years old may have had an influence on the results. One might presume that new tyre manufacturers monitoring tyre performance from their fleet customers will be using younger tyres where the casing has seen a lower rate of wear and tear, and perhaps less abuse.
“What do we need to do in the coming six months?” asked Spuijbroek, “As I’ve already said, all measurements are completed but not yet analysed. This will be carried out in the coming days.
been interested in co-operation and exchange and have encountered interest and a willingness to listen. Durability and environmental friendliness are and remain the political buzz-words.”
In an interview with a European magazine after the event Ruud was asked if he thought that the investigations would be successful and would find a solution for the labelling issue. In response Spuijbroek said, “As from the start of this project we sincerely believed in providing a solution for both tyre labelling on behalf of the end-user
of the tyre labelling is history and today, a fact of life. The mission of the project is, amongst many others, to provide information in line with new tyre labelling. The choice of the end-user is to be respected. Some will choose lower rolling resistance for reasons of fuel efficiency, others will choose the lowest noise emission, since they distribute their goods during the evening or nocturnal hours. Chances are that the tyre label will find its way in the market.”
34 Retreading Business