How Air Brake Works?

1. First we have to understand that air is everywhere, even you were hiding inside the coffin, you could still feel the air, am i right? However hydraulic press parts that use fluid isn't. Am i right?

2. Trains, buses and tractor-trailers use air-brake systems so they don’t have to rely on the hydraulic fluid in car braking systems, which can run out in the event of a leak. All of these types of transportation are weighed down by heavy passenger or cargo loads, so safety is of the utmost importance. A speeding locomotive that relied on hydraulic press rebuild or liquid brake would turn into a deadly steel bullet if the brake system suddenly busted a leak. There are 3 major steps on using air brake:

3. Charging: The system must be pressurized with air before the brakes will release. At rest, the brakes remain engaged. Once the system reaches its operating hydraulic press, the brakes are freed and ready to use.

4. Applying: As the brakes are applied, air pressure decreases. As the amount of air decreases, the valve allows air back into the reservoir tanks, while the brakes move to the applied position.

5. Releasing: Once the brakes are applied and the air escapes after braking, the increased pressure releases the brakes.

6. Diagram above shows the foundation brakes, which are the most common air-brake systems found in trucks and buses and work the same way as in rail cars. Using the triple-valve principle, air builds up inside the brake pipes or air lines, releasing the brakes. Virtually all of the roadgoing vehicles equipped with air brakes have a graduated release system where a partial increase in pressure dictates a proportional release in brakes.