Air Rams: How Pneumatic or Air Brakes Work
Air brakes operate using air through pneumatic air rams. An air braking system maintains pressurised air inside its design, so the moment a driver applies the brake, pressure in the line starts dropping. The pressure drop results in the application of the brakes on the wheels. Air brake systems are used primarily on heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses, trailers, and trains.
Thank George Westinghouse for air brakes
Historically, before air brakes were invented, unfortunately, the heavy caboose for trains was first invented. Trains had to use a primitive brake system that required a brakeman in each car to apply a handbrake at the signal of the train engineer. This inefficient manual brake system caused an engineer named George Westinghouse in 1869 to invent a triple-valve air brake system to increase safety for the railroad industry. Though Westinghouse’s air brake system was a bit complicated, it did work well for trains.
Modern air brakes no longer use the triple-valve system, but still uses compressed air. When the brake is idle, air pressure overcomes the diaphragm, resulting in a released brake system. When the brake pedal is depressed, the air pressure decreases, spreading and turning the brake shoes against the drum. Then, the air pressure is applied to the brakes.
A basic air brake system contains five components: air reservoirs, air compressor, brake chambers, foot valves, and brake shoes and drums.
What is that Ppsssshhhh noise when the vehicle stops?
After a train, truck, or bus stops, the squeaking sound air brakes make is the air escaping after braking. That ppsssshhh sound is the automatic bypass safety valves. This ensures that the air pressure remains at the correct level. When the air compressor builds up too much air, the valves or air rams open, producing that loud hissing sound.
Why aren’t pneumatic systems used in light vehicles?
Though air brakes are better in braking efficiency and safer than hydraulic braking systems, pneumatic systems require a lot of space for a huge system with many components. A hydraulic system is small and light and doesn’t require much space for installation. Air brake systems are also expensive, which means that cars and other light vehicles would cost far more.
Master Mac 2000
With air rams and other valve and cylinder systems, Master Mac 2000 has been the sole distributor of these components in Australia since 1989. Master Mac 2000 has grown to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned exclusive distributors of quality brands such as Mack, Univer, Tolomatic, Piab, and American. We can service the country, particularly Queensland and Northern New South Wales, from our well-stocked office and warehouse in Brisbane. Call us today on 07 3344 4711 or visit our site at https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.