The air brake charging system – Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems TU-FLO 700 COMPRESSOR 10/04 User Manual

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installation, maintenance and contaminant handling devices
in the system. These contaminants must either be eliminated
prior to entering the air system or after they enter.

DUTY CYCLE

The duty cycle is the ratio of time the compressor spends
building air to the total engine running time. Air compressors
are designed to build air (run "loaded") up to 25% of the
time. Higher duty cycles cause conditions that affect air
brake charging system performance which may require
additional maintenance. Factors that add to the duty cycle
are: air suspension, additional air accessories, use of an
undersized compressor, frequent stops, excessive leakage
from fittings, connections, lines, chambers or valves, etc.
Refer to Table A in the Troubleshooting section for a guide to
various duty cycles and the consideration that must be given
to maintenance of other components.

COMPRESSOR INSTALLATION

While the original compressor installation is usually
completed by the vehicle manufacturer, conditions of
operation and maintenance may require additional
consideration. The following presents base guidelines.

DISCHARGE LINE

The discharge line allows the air, water-vapor and oil-vapor
mixture to cool between the compressor and air dryer or
reservoir. The typical size of a vehicle's discharge line, (see
column 2 of Table A in the Troubleshooting section) assumes
a compressor with a normal (less than 25%) duty cycle,
operating in a temperate climate. See Bendix and/or other
air dryer manufacturer guidelines as needed.

The discharge line must maintain a constant slope down
from the compressor to the air dryer inlet fitting or reservoir
to avoid low points where ice may form and block the flow. If,
instead, ice blockages occur at the air dryer or reservoir
inlet, insulation may be added here, or if the inlet fitting is a
typical 90 degree fitting, it may be changed to a straight or
45 degree fitting. Shorter discharge line lengths or insulation
may be required in cold climates.

While not all compressors and charging systems are
equipped with a discharge line safety valve this component
is recommended. The discharge line safety valve is installed
in the cylinder head (Tu-Flo

®

550/750) or close to the

compressor discharge port and protects against over
pressurizing the compressor in the event of a discharge line
freezeup.

FIGURE 1A - SYSTEM DRAWING

Air Dryer

Reservoir Drain

Service Reservoir

(Supply Reservoir)

Compressor

Governor

(Governor plus Synchro valve

for the Bendix

®

DuraFlo

596

Compressor)

Discharge
Line

Optional “Ping” Tank

Optional Bendix

®

PuraGuard

®

QC

Oil Coalescing Filter

The Air Brake Charging System

supplies the

compressed air for the braking system as well as other air
accessories for the vehicle. The system usually consists
of an air compressor, governor, discharge line, air dryer,
and service reservoir.

FIGURE 1B - DISCHARGE LINE SAFETY VALVE

HOLE

THREAD

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