Air Brake Systems: How It Works, Advantages and Disadvantages

 

How Air Brake Systems Work, Advantages and Disadvantages

The air brake system is the most common brake system used on heavy vehicles. This system works by compressing air and then directing this pressurized air to the brake cylinders. The brake cylinders apply pressure to the drums or brake discs, causing the wheels to slow down or stop.

How Do Air Brake Systems Work?

Air brake systems are brake systems that work by using compressed air. These systems consist of the following basic parts:

• Compressor: Driven by the engine, the compressor can compress air to about 100-120 liters per minute. This provides enough pressure that can be stored for delivery to the brake chambers when the brake pedal is depressed.

• Air Storage Tanks: Air storage tanks are used to store compressed air. These tanks are usually made of aluminum or steel and can hold pressures up to about 100 bar.
• Brake Valves: Brake pedal valves direct compressed air to the brake chambers or parking brake system when the brake pedal is depressed by the driver. These valves usually operate electromechanically or hydraulically.
• Brake Chambers: Brake chambers use compressed air to push brake pads or discs against the wheels. These chambers are usually made of steel or aluminum and can hold up to about 100 bar of pressure.
• Brake Pads or Discs: Brake pads or discs provide slowing or stopping by rubbing against the wheel. Brake pads usually contain friction materials fixed to a metal base. Brake discs are usually made of steel and are located inside or outside the wheel.

Air brake systems work by following these steps:

1. The driver presses the brake pedal.
2. The brake pedal activates the valves.
3. The valves release compressed air into the brake chambers.
4. The air pushes the brake pads or discs against the wheels.
5. The brake pads or discs rub against the wheel, slowing or stopping it.

When the brake pedal is depressed, the compressor starts to compress the air. This compressed air passes through the regulator and is set to a constant pressure. The air is then stored in the reservoir. When you press the brake pedal again, a valve opens and compressed air flows into the brake cylinders. The brake cylinders apply pressure to the drums or brake discs, which causes the wheels to slow down or stop.

Advantages of Air Brake Systems

Air brake systems have the following advantages:

• They provide high braking power. Air brakes provide a higher braking power than hydraulic brakes. This is important for large and heavy vehicles.
• They are robust and durable. Air brakes are more robust and durable than hydraulic brakes. This ensures reliability in difficult operating conditions.
• With regular maintenance, they last a long time. Air brakes last a long time with regular maintenance. This reduces maintenance costs.

• High braking power: Air brakes can provide a higher braking power than hydraulic brakes. This is important for large and heavy vehicles because they require more braking power. For example, air brakes can be used to reduce the braking distance of a 40-ton truck from 100 meters to 75 meters.Robustness and durab
• With regular maintenance, they last a long time. Air brakes last a long time with regular maintenance. This reduces maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of Air Brake Systems

Some disadvantages of air brake systems are:

• They are more complex and expensive. Air brake systems are more complex and expensive than hydraulic brake systems. This increases installation and maintenance costs.
• This increases installation and maintenance costs.Air pressure needs to be checked regularly. For air brake systems to work properly, the air pressure needs to be checked regularly. This increases maintenance costs.

Air brake systems are a critical safety feature for diesel trucks, buses and other large vehicles. Knowing how these systems work and how to maintain them is important for diesel technicians.

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