TM 5-3805-263-14&P-3
AIR SYSTEM AND BRAKES WITH
TWO SECTION AIR TANK
SYSTEMS OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
COMPRESSION CYCLE
The air dryer is used to remove moisture, carbon and oil
Moisture, carbon and oil is removed from the
from the compressed air before it gets to the air
compressed air in three steps: cooling, filtering and
reservoir. Clean dry air is very important for safe
absorption.
operation and performance of brake systems that use
Cooling
compressed air. Clean dry air will also prevent corrosion
With the air compressor in its loaded or compression
of parts.
cycle, warm, moist air from the air compressor goes
The air dryer is installed in a vertical position. It is in
through inlet passage (3). The air goes down between
the air system between the air compressor and the air
housing (7) and cartridge (6) and is cooled on the way.
reservoir. The air dryer is fastened to the right side of
This cooling changes the oil and water vapor to a liquid
the fuel tank.
(condensation).
With the use of the air dryer, it is not necessary to
As the air turns to go up through the cartridge, much of
drain the air reservoir daily. The cartridge (canister) of
the oil and water drops to the bottom of housing (7).
the air dryer can be removed and replaced as a unit.
Filtering
The parts of the cartridge (desiccant beads and filter)
When the air goes into cartridge (6), it goes first through
can also be removed and replaced separately.
filter (9). The filter removes additional dirt particles, oil
During cold weather, the heating element in the air
and water mist.
dryer keeps moisture from freezing in the bottom of the
Absorption
air dryer housing.
From filter (9) the air then passes up through desiccant
(8). The desiccant is a "drying bed" that removes
NOTE: The operation of the air dryer is given in two
additional moisture from the air by absorption.
parts, the compression cycle and the purge cycle.
The "dry" air now goes out of cartridge (6) through
outlet passage (2) in cap (1) to the air reservoir.
3-116A
