Air Brake Compressor and Governor Flashcards

At what pressure does the safety relief valve typically open to protect the air brake system?

Answer: 150 psi or more

The safety relief valve opens at 150 psi or more to prevent dangerous over-pressurization if the governor fails.

What should you do if the safety relief valve is frequently releasing air during operation?

Answer: Have the governor and compressor inspected immediately

Frequent safety valve releases indicate a governor malfunction and require immediate inspection by a qualified mechanic.

What must you do before manually draining the air tanks?

Answer: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and apply the parking brake

You must bring the vehicle to a complete stop and apply the parking brake before draining air tanks to ensure safety.

Water that accumulates in air tanks can be drained manually using what device?

Answer: The drain cock or petcock

A drain cock or petcock at the bottom of each air tank allows manual draining of water that accumulates from compressed air.

How often should air tanks be manually drained in cold weather compared to warm weather?

Answer: More frequently, ideally daily, to prevent moisture from freezing

In cold weather, tanks should be drained more frequently (ideally daily) to prevent accumulated moisture from freezing and blocking air lines.

What is the first thing that happens in the air brake system when you press the brake pedal?

Answer: Air flows from the tanks through the brake valve to the brake chambers

Pressing the brake pedal opens the brake valve, allowing compressed air to flow from the storage tanks to the brake chambers to apply the brakes.