E/F CLASS NYLON VACUUM RELEASE VALVE
Vacuum brake release valves (also known as double-branch vacuum brake release valves) are used on the continuous automatic vacuum brake system found on railway rolling stock.
Previously, valves were made from brass and iron castings. Thieves realised that scrap merchants were willing to pay handsomely for these brass castings and theft thus increased by alarming proportions.
Benefits of our Nylon Release Valve
- it has no commercial scrap value, eliminating theft
- savings in unit costs of more than 70% compared to original brass valve
- it reduces maintenance costs
- It reduces disruption of services
- improved functioned capabilities
- directly interchangeable with traditional components
Features
- Durability
- Fully serviceable
- Flexible: left and right handed designs
- Adaptable: adaptor flanges for various mounting requirements
Functioning of the Release Valve
These valves do not incorporate a ball and seat, and are used on brake cylinders equipped with an integral ball and seat.
The F-Class valve was specifically designed to replace cast valves which are used on brake cylinders equipped with an integral ball end seat. The valve has two train pipe nipples which enable it to be fitted to the rolling stock which utilise either A or B position vaIves. To facilitate this change each valve is supplied with at plug which can be moved to block the nipple not required for the position in which it is installed. Each valve is supplied complete with a pin and lever.
Please refer to the schematic diagram per appendix 2 on our Appendices page.
To release the brakes, the vacuum release valve allows the vacuum exhauster to evacuate the spaces above and below the vacuum cylinder piston and maintains a two kilopascal (2 kpa) pressure difference between the two spaces.
To apply the brakes, the vacuum release valve maintains the vacuum in the space above the vacuum cylinder piston, while simultaneously breaking the vacuum in the space below the vacuum cylinder piston, by allowing air in at atmospheric pressure.
When for instance a wagon is coupled and uncoupled during shunting operations, the release valve allows the brakes to be released manually, by pulling the release valve lever.