Operator Guide
BLEND is designed so an operator can run it confidently from day one. Every component is labeled with its step number. Watch the video, run the pre-trip, follow the sequence — and you're done with additive in minutes.
Watch First
Before your first run, watch the full operator walkthrough. You'll see every step on a real trailer in real working order. Most drivers report they can run the system confidently after one viewing and one shadow shift.
Before You Roll
Run these six checks before leaving the depot. Two of them — vent valve open and product valve closed — are critical for safe transport. The rest take seconds.
The pre-trip inspection takes under two minutes. It confirms BLEND is in safe transport configuration — the vent valve is open, no part of the system is pressurized, and the injection coupler is properly stowed.
The most important check is the vent valve. It must be in the OPEN position before you depart. A closed vent during transport can build pressure inside the propulsion tank as temperatures change throughout the day, creating a dangerous condition.
Run the inspection in the order shown. If anything fails the check, do not depart — report the issue to maintenance and use a different trailer.
Always ensure the vent valve is OPEN before departure. Operating with a closed vent during transit can create dangerous pressure conditions inside the propulsion tank.
At the Delivery Site
Every component on the trailer is numbered 1 through 7 to match its place in this sequence. Follow the numbers. The system was designed so the right action is always the next obvious one.
Open the metering valve at the upper holding tank. Watch the sight-window scale.
Additive transfers by gravity from the upper holding tank into the lower propulsion tank. Watch the scale closely — product moves quickly. Confirm the precise dose has moved before continuing.
Close the propulsion tank's vent valve to seal the system for pressurization.
The vent valve must remain closed during the entire dispensing operation to allow the propulsion tank to pressurize. It will be re-opened at the end of the cycle for safe transport.
Walk to the front passenger side of the trailer.
This is where the operator's console, dispensing port, and injection coupler storage case are mounted, near the unloading couplers.
Retrieve the injection coupler from its case. Open the valve door on the operator's console.
The valve door provides access to the air switch, product valve, and indicator light. Keep the injection coupler stowed in its protective case any time it's not in use to prevent damage and contamination.
Attach the injection coupler to the dispensing port. Lock in the dry-brake connection. Connect the trailer discharge hose to the destination.
The dry-brake design ensures a clean, leak-free connection at the dispensing port. Once connected, run the trailer's discharge hose to the destination tank just like any normal delivery.
Flip the air switch on the operator's console. Wait for the blue indicator light.
The blue indicator light confirms the propulsion tank is pressurized and ready for dispensing. Air comes from the tractor's existing supply — no separate compressor or auxiliary tank needed.
Open the product valve. Monitor the sight window. When you see aeration or bubbling, the propulsion tank is empty.
Pressurized air drives the metered dose through the injection coupler and into the fuel stream during discharge. The sight window gives you continuous visibility into the dose flowing through. Aeration in the window means the dose is complete.
Total time per load: typically 2–3 minutes. The system runs while you attend to other delivery tasks.
After Every Load
Once the dose is dispensed and the load is complete, the system must be fully depressurized before the trailer moves. This four-step sequence takes about a minute and ensures safe transport every time.
When you see aeration in the sight window, close the product valve immediately to stop product flow.
Flip the air switch to OFF. You'll hear air venting from the back of the switch — that's expected.
Disconnect the trailer discharge hose, then release the dry-brake injection coupler. Stow the coupler back in its protective case.
Walk to the driver side and open the propulsion tank's vent valve. The blue indicator light will go off when the system is fully depressurized.
Always confirm the vent valve is OPEN and the blue indicator light is OFF before driving away. Never operate the vehicle with the system under pressure or with the vent closed.
Operator Best Practices
BLEND is built to be operator-friendly, but a few good habits keep the system running cleanly across thousands of loads. These practices come directly from drivers and technicians in the field.
BLEND is designed to eliminate additive spills and waste. Never allow additive to spill on the ground or into storm drains. Report any spills immediately according to your company's environmental protocols.
Print & Carry
Print this card and keep it in the truck. New drivers get up to speed faster. Experienced drivers don't have to think about the sequence — just follow the numbers.
Just Follow the Numbers
Move additive from upper holding tank to propulsion tank
Close propulsion tank vent valve to seal the system
Retrieve injection coupler from front passenger side
Open trailer control cabinet, ready the coupler
Attach injection coupler, lock dry brake, connect discharge hose
Flip air switch ON — wait for blue indicator light
Open product valve. Monitor sight window until aerated/empty
Close valves, disconnect, vent system. Confirm blue light is OFF before driving away.
Resources
Everything you need to onboard new drivers and keep experienced ones sharp. The full driver training manual covers every step of operation, every safety protocol, and every troubleshooting scenario.
Complete operational manual with step-by-step photos, pre-trip inspection, dispensing cycle, deactivation procedure, and safety best practices.
Full operator walkthrough on a real trailer in real working order. Best resource for new-driver onboarding and refresher training.
Printable seven-step card for the cab. New drivers get up to speed faster. Experienced drivers don't have to think about the sequence.
AlumiTank can support your fleet's driver training with on-site sessions during installation, video resources for ongoing onboarding, and direct phone access to engineering for any operational question. Get in touch — we'll route you to the right resource.
Accuracy Every Time