AIR BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF AN AIR BRAKE SYSTEM: Air brake system consists of the following components: Compressor:

The compressor generates the compressed air for the whole system. Reservoir: The compressed air from the compressor is stored in the reservoir. Unloader Valve: This maintains pressure in the reservoir at 8bar.When the pressure goes above 8 bar it immediately releases the pressurized air to bring the system to 8-bar pre ssure. Air Dryer: This removes the moisture from the atmospheric air and prevents corrosion of the reservoir. System Protection Valve: This valve takes care of the whole system. Air from the compressor is given to v arious channels only through this valve. This valve operates only at 4-bar press ure and once the system pressure goes below 4-bar valve immediately becomes inac tive and applies the parking brake to ensure safety. Dual Brake Valve: When the driver applies brakes, depending upon the pedal force this valve releas es air from one side to another. Graduated Hand Control Valve: This valve takes care of the parking brakes. Brake Chamber: The air from the reservoir flows through various valves and finally reaches the brake chamber which activates the S-cam in the brake shoe to apply the brakes in the front Actuators: The air from the reservoir flows through various valves and finally reaches the brake chamber, which activates the S-cam in the brake shoe to apply the brakes i n the rear.

AIR BRAKE SYSTEM An air brake system uses compressed air to apply the brakes. Air under pressure can be conveniently stored and carried through lines or tubes. The Components of an Air Brake System. A basic air brake system capable of stopping a vehicle has the following compone nts: ? A compressor. ? A Reservoir. ? A Foot valve. ? Brake chambers and slack adjusters. ? Brake linings and drums. ? Reservoir

? Brake chamber ? Actuator ? Dual brake valve ? System protection valve ? Unloader valve ? Brake lining and drums ? Slack adjusters ? Foot valve ADVANTAGES ? Free resources so no refilling or changing required. ? Air pressure is quick to act and hence air brakes are immediate. ? The pressure of brake applied is directly proportional to the air pressure. ? A little feather touch would apply the same pressure. ? Air brakes can effectively stop loads of over 14 tons. LIMITATIONS ? Excessive use of brake results in overheating and leads to brake fade. Brake f ade results from excessive heat causing chemical changes in the brake lining tha t reduces friction and causes expansion of the brake drums. ? To reduce pressure loss problems : Reservoirs can be charged independently of the brake pipe, this being accomplished via a check valve to prevent back feedin g into the pipe. This arrangement helps to reduce the pressure loss problems, an d also reduces the time required for the brakes to release. ? Air brake systems are not applicable to the pressure less than 60psi. ? Excessive Oil and Water Present in the Air Brake System causes the Reservoirs to corrode if not drained often enough. APPLICATIONS ? Air brakes are used on heavy trucks. ? Agricultural tractor and trailer. ? Forestry vehicles. ? City Works vehicles. ? Tractors with self propelled power engines. CONCLUSION The air brake system is quick to act and the pressure applied on the brake is di rectly proportional to the air brake system. The efficiency of air brake system is relatively high when compared to the other types of brakes. Reference: http://www.seminarprojects.com/Thread-air-brake-system#ixzz1cd0GdGAb