Fuel system: Major compnents, working principle

What is air brake compressor?

The air brake compressor is one of the most important components in heavy machinery, mainly used to provide compressed air for the braking system. In heavy trucks, buses and some large machinery, air brake systems are widely used to ensure safe braking during operation. The compressor supplies the braking system by compressing the air and storing it in a storage tank. Air brake compressors can be gear-driven directly from the engine, or driven via a belt drive.

 

While most compressors use the vehicle's lubrication and cooling system, some are self-lubricating and air-cooled. For self-lubricating compressors, the oil needs to be checked and changed periodically to ensure proper operation. The air intake system of a compressor can draw air from its own air filter or from the engine's intake system. Those compressors that have a separate filtration system must be serviced regularly to prevent dust and contaminants from entering the system, thus ensuring the efficiency and life of the compressor.

 

Air brake compressor working principle

The electric air brake compressor operates continuously while the engine is running, but controls air compression by means of a regulator that controls the loading and unloading of the compressor. The function of the regulator is to adjust the compressor's operating status according to the needs of the system. When the system pressure reaches a predetermined maximum value, the regulator causes the compressor to enter the "unloading" state. In this state, the inlet valve of the compressor remains open, and the air circulates back and forth between the two cylinders without entering the storage tank, thus achieving the purpose of pressure reduction and cooling.

 

In the "loading" phase, the air is compressed and pumped into the tanks for storage. In the "unloading" phase, the twin-cylinder compressor circulates the air between the two cylinders and no longer pressurizes the air into the storage tank. This process not only reduces the load on the compressor, but also cools the compressor, thereby extending its service life.

 

For compressors driven by a belt, the belt needs to be checked regularly for tightness and wear. If the belt is too loose, this can lead to slipping and prevent the compressor from reaching optimum efficiency. When checking the belt, you also need to check the compressor's mounting brackets and retaining bolts for damage or looseness. To ensure that the air in the system remains clean, the intake air must pass through a filter to remove dust and impurities. Regular cleaning of the air filter will prevent the efficiency of the compressor from being compromised by a clogged filter.

 

Air brake compressor applicantion

Air brake compressors are widely used in all types of heavy machinery and vehicles, especially in trucks and buses, where air brake systems are standard. These compressors are not only used in the braking system, but also in suspension systems, transmission shifting and other systems that require pneumatic operation. By means of a regulator, the air brake compressor is able to maintain the optimum air pressure in the system under different operating conditions, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the equipment.

 

In air brake systems, a common operating pressure range is typically between 85 P.S.I. and 125 P.S.I. The regulator controls the compressor's load and pressure. The regulator keeps the system pressure fluctuating within the set range by controlling the loading and unloading of the compressor. When the system pressure reaches its maximum value, the regulator triggers the compressor to enter the unloading state, causing the system pressure to drop to its minimum value and enter the loading state again.

 

The performance and reliability of the air brake compressor directly affects the braking effect and overall safety of the vehicle. Therefore, regular maintenance and inspection of the air brake compressor and its associated components, such as intake filters, belts and regulators, is a critical step in ensuring proper system operation. For operators of heavy machinery and vehicles, understanding the working principles and maintenance methods of air brake compressors can help improve the operational efficiency of the equipment, extend its service life and ensure operational safety.