What Is a Bulk Tanker Aeration Cone?
Understanding the component and why the right cone makes all the difference to your tanker's discharge performance.
An aeration cone also called a fluidising cone, discharge cone or aeration membrane is a permeable fabric panel fitted into the bottom of a dry bulk tanker.
When compressed air is forced through the membrane from below, it fluidises the bulk material, causing it to behave like a liquid and flow freely toward the discharge outlet.
Without a properly functioning aeration cone, dry bulk materials such as cement, lime and fly ash tend to arch, bridge and compact inside the tanker causing slow discharge, blocked outlets and excessive air pressure.
How it works
Compressed air enters through the air inlet and is distributed evenly across the underside of the cone membrane. The air permeates through the woven polyester fabric, aerating the material directly above and causing it to flow freely to the discharge point.
Fully Manufactured In-House in Johannesburg
Every cone that leaves our workshop has gone through a complete, controlled manufacturing process not pre-assembled from imported kits.
Material Supply
We source and hold stock of monofilament woven polyester in the appropriate weight and weave.
Precision Cutting
Cones are cut to your exact dimensions up to 2.4 m cut-out width.
Gluing, Stitching & Sealing
Seams are glued and reinforced, then fully edge-sealed to prevent fraying and material bypass.
Material Specification
Our aeration cones are manufactured from monofilament woven polyester the industry-preferred fabric for dry bulk tanker aeration.
The monofilament construction gives consistent, uniform air permeability and resists clogging by fine particles such as cement dust and fly ash. It also handles the alkaline environments created by lime and cement.
Material & Manufacturing Specs
Applications & Bulk Materials
Our aeration cones are specified for the following dry bulk materials commonly transported by tanker across South Africa.
Cement
Highly abrasive and alkaline. Our cones use appropriate thickness and edge sealing for reliable performance.
Lime
Extremely alkaline and reactive. We select materials for extended service life in these demanding conditions.
Fly Ash
Extremely fine and slightly alkaline. Requires consistent, fine permeability to prevent blowback.
Flour & Food-Grade Powders
Food-grade applications require clean materials and careful handling during manufacture.
Road & Rail Tanker Cones
Road Bulk Tankers
The bulk of our production is for road tankers operating across Gauteng and South Africa. Fleet operators and maintenance yards rely on fast, reliable replacement cones.
Rail Bulk Wagons
We manufacture larger rail wagon cones to drawing or sample. Supply dimensions or an old cone and we’ll produce an exact replacement.
Why Source Your Cones From Stotko?
Custom cut to your drawing, sample or site measurements.
2–5 business day manufacture. No sea freight delays.
Cut, glued, stitched, sealed and packaged under one roof in Johannesburg.
We understand the pressures, materials and failure modes these cones face daily.
Worn cone vs freshly manufactured replacement
How to Order
Send Your Spec
Drawing, dimensions, photo of old cone or site measurements.
Get Your Quote
Same-day quote with material recommendation and lead time.
We Manufacture
Cut, glued, stitched, sealed in Johannesburg ready in 2–5 days.
Collect or Deliver
Collect from our workshop or courier delivery anywhere in South Africa.
Aeration Cone FAQ
What information do I need to provide?
A dimensioned drawing, key measurements, or the old worn cone itself. A photo with dimensions noted is often enough to start.
What thickness should I choose?
Thicker fabric (3–5 mm) for cement, lime and fly ash. Lighter (1–2 mm) for flour and finer materials. We’ll advise based on your application.
How fast can you make them?
Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days. Urgent breakdown orders can often be expedited.
Need Replacement Aeration Cones?
Send us your cone dimensions, a drawing, or a photo of the old cone — and we’ll come back with a quote same day.
Get a Quote →Custom sizes · Local stock · 2–5 day turnaround · Delivered anywhere in South Africa