Air Brake System,Components and Working



Air Brake System,Components and Working

Heavy duty vehicles transport in tons of goods and thousands of people from one place to another. Since these vehicles carry bulky goods that can compromise the balance of a vehicle while taking tricky turns, it demands a special type of braking system. It uses compressed air pressure, unlike hydraulic braking systems that contain fluid that loses control when they leak. 

Air Brake System 

An air brake system or a compressed air brake mechanism is a friction brake mechanism for automobiles. In this system, compressed air that presses on a piston applies pressure to the brake pads to stop or slow down a vehicle. Here the foot pressure functions against a tensile diaphragm inside a brake chamber.

Large and heavy vehicles, especially multiple trailers, use this system. Besides, semi-trailers, trucks, buses and railroad trains also use this system.


Dual Air Brake System 

A dual air brake system consists of two different and separate air brake mechanisms. This system uses a single set of brake controls. Moreover, each system consists of hoses, lines, air tanks and other components. One system operates regular brakes on the rear axle.

Most heavy duty vehicles with air brakes use a dual brake mechanism as a safe secondary action when the primary brake fails.

The components of the air brake system help in the proper functioning of this system. Below are its details.

Air Compressor 

One of the significant parts of an air brake system is an air compressor. It functions with the help of an engine that uses a belt drive. An air compressor pumps atmospheric air using the required pressure and transfers it to its reservoir.

Reservoir

The reservoir stores compressed atmospheric air at high pressure. Since compressed air is responsible for the entire functioning of this system the reservoir is a significant component. Storage sufficient air volume to help during brake application in case the engine halts or the compressor fails to function.

However the size and number of reservoirs in vehicle depends on number of brake chambers and their size along with the parking brake configuration.

Brake Pedal



A brake pedal is an integral part of a brake mechanism. Drivers operate it inside the vehicle.It is a form of a mechanical connection that helps to transfer input motion to the forward system initiating brake application and slowing or halting a vehicle.

Brake Actuator

This component is a type of piston-cylinder assembly that directly connects with the brake pedal. As a driver presses the brake pedal, it results in creating pressure throughout the arrangement.

Safety Valve

The safety valve in this system is a component that connects to an air storage reservoir. It prevents these reservoirs from bursting due to excessive pressure if the system malfunctions. It can happen as this air compressor operates continuously and supplies the compressed air inside the tank. 

The safety valve consists of a spring-loaded ball that allows air to push out from the tank into the air. Air releases when air pressure reaches a certain value. However, this valve's pressure setting is determined by the force of the spring.

Dirt Collector

This component is a small device that collects dirt and unwanted particles that the air filters separate. It is used before the triplet valve.

Foot Valve

Foot Valve draws compressed air from reservoirs when applying a brake. This valve, operated by foot, uses air to help the brakes to function. However, a driver determines the amount of air delivered to the brakes as per the distance of the brake pedal. This mechanism releases air in service brakes through its exhaust port.

Brake Drum

A brake drum is a significant component of this system that performs brake. It sits on the vehicle’s rear axle.

Braking Lines

Braking lines or supply lines are another significant component of this system. It shifts compressed air from the storage tank to a brake drum by simply breaking the lines.

Brake Chamber



A brake chamber is a circular container having a flexible diaphragm in the centre. It transfers the pressure of compressed air to mechanical connections. Service-brake chambers transmute compressed air pressure into mechanical movement, which applies to a vehicle’s brakes. This unit sits on an axle near the wheel.

Brake Assembly


A brake assembly consists of a brake chamber and a slack adjuster that sit on the backing plate due to steering action. Air pressure comes through an inlet port. The air pushes against the diaphragm and a pushrod which is connected by a pin and clevis to a lever or slack adjuster mechanism. 

This action changes the motion of a pushrod from a brake chamber to a twisting force of a brake camshaft. When air is exhausted, the return spring in the brake chamber shifts the diaphragm and pushrod to its released position.

Triple Valve

The triple valve is a crucial component of the air brake system as it helps in the entire operation of the system. Releasing and applying brakes needs a consistent application that this triple valve performs. As a driver presses the brake pedals, it forces pressure as it releases pressure immediately when the driver releases the pedals.

Air Filter and Dryer

Air dryers and filters are significant components of an air brake system. Manufacturers install air dryers between a compressor and a wet reservoir as it helps to remove moisture and humidity from the compressed air. On the other hand, air filters block dust particles from atmospheric air.

Only dry air must enter the air compressor as the moisture content might cause failure of the braking system. This happens as the water particles condense

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