GO Transit Air Brake System Vocabulary

Flashcards covering vocabulary terms, air brake hardware components, pressure specifications, and operation positions for GO Transit locomotive and cab car air brake systems.

The air compressor consists of TWO low-pressure cylinders and ONE high-pressure cylinder that compress air to what psi?

Two low-pressure cylinders: 40-50 PSI, one high-pressure cylinder: 140 PSI

What is the PSI value on the safety valves for intercooler and aftercooler?

60 PSI and 190 PSI

What PSI range does a Compressor Control Switch close and open?

Closes at 140 PSI and opens at 130 PSI

What is a Compressor Magnet Valve

A magnetically operated air valve used to control the compressor unloading valves, holding intake valves open when energized so the compressor will not pump air.

After-cooler

Piping loops located between the compressor discharge and main reservoirs designed to cool compressed air, causing condensation to form.

#1 Reservoir (Wet)

The first main reservoir in line that receives compressed air directly from the compressor is protected by a 150 PSI safety valve, and supplies air to auxiliary pneumatic devices and the #2 Dry reservoir via the air dryer.

#2 Reservoir (Dry)

The second main reservoir in line that receives air from the #1 Wet reservoir via the air dryer, is protected from pressure loss by a check valve, and supplies air exclusively to the air brake system.

Air Filter Dryer

A twin tower dual air dryer system connected by a common inlet in-line between the #1 Wet main reservoir and #2 Dry main reservoir used to dry all air for the air brake system.

How many brake pistons and trucks does a locomotive use?

4 brake pistons and 2 trucks

How many tread brake units brake discs are used on a coach

A coach uses 8 tread brakes and 4 brake discs

30A-CDW Brake Valve

A locomotive brake valve system derived from the 26L system used to control both Automatic (train) and Independent (locomotive) brakes.

26-B1 Brake Valve

A brake valve used on Cab Cars to control the Automatic braking function only, providing no Independent brake function.

Bail Function

A feature operated by a sideways movement to the right of the independent handle that releases any Automatic brake application on the locomotive.

A-End

The letter designation given to the end of coaches furthest from the locomotive in the consist.

B-End

The letter designation given to the end of coaches closest to the locomotive in the consist.

Air Pressure

A measurable force expressed in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI), generated by forcing free air into a smaller volume using a mechanical device.

Automatic Application

An application of the brakes initiated by reducing brake pipe pressure, applying brakes on all cars and locomotives in the consist simultaneously.

Automatic Brake Valve

A manually operated valve in the cab that controls brakes on the entire consist by altering equalizing pressure and brake pipe pressure.

Brake Pipe

The air brake piping on a car or locomotive that acts as a supply pipe for reservoirs and transmits brake control signals throughout the train.

Brake Rigging

An arrangement of rods, levers, pins, and components that transmits force from the brake cylinder piston to the brake shoes.

Cab Car

Passenger coaches equipped with brake and power controls for operating the train consist.

Charging

The act of increasing air pressure in a pipe or reservoir until all connected parts reach the same pressure.

Consist

A locomotive and cars coupled together.

Control Valve

A valve on a locomotive or car that senses changes in brake pipe pressure and applies or releases the brakes accordingly.

Diaphragm

A rubber disc clamped at the outer edge by a valve body to separate two volumes of air, often connected to a valve stem or spool.

Direct Release

A full release of the brakes whenever brake pipe pressure is increased, preventing partial release; used on GO Transit equipment for shipping purposes only.

Dynamic Brake

An electrical means of retarding locomotive movement by changing traction motors into generators and dissipating generated current in resistor grids or overhead wiring.

Emergency Application

A rapid depletion of brake pipe pressure that produces the quickest and maximum brake application, which cannot be stopped once initiated.

Equalization

The point at which different air pressures in two or more connected volumes become equal at an intermediate pressure.

Full Service

A full brake application resulting from a brake pipe reduction of $23\text{--}26\,\text{PSI}$, providing maximum service braking force without initiating an emergency application.

Graduated Release

A release of the brakes in steps or increments, standard for passenger brake equipment.

Independent Brake Valve

A manually operated valve in the locomotive cab that allows independent control of the locomotive brakes regardless of the automatic brake handle position.

Interrupter

A blue blinking light installed in the Yellow Control Receptacle on the front of the locomotive that prevents the locomotive from loading, required during a brake test.

Lap

A valve condition in which all ports and passages are closed, induced manually or occurring automatically in self-lapping valves.

Magnet Valve

An electromagnetically operated valve that opens and closes air passages, held in position when energized and returned by a spring when de-energized.

Minimum Reduction

A brake application resulting from a brake pipe reduction of 6-9 PSI, producing a light brake application.

Number One (#1) Air Brake Test

A procedure to test the consist's air brakes in compliance with Transport Canada Regulations.

Operating End

The end of the train or consist in control of the brakes and power, also called the leading end, controlling end, or head end.

Penalty Application

A service-rate brake application automatically initiated by a locomotive overspeed or vigilance safety system.

Pressure Maintaining

A brake system feature designed to compensate for normal brake pipe leakage and maintain constant pressure during service applications.

Push-Pull System

A train setup capable of being operated from either end so the locomotive is either pushing or pulling.

Rapid Reduction

An almost immediate reduction of brake pipe pressure caused by an emergency application or a severed brake pipe.

Relay Valve

A valve designed to relay a control signal, permitting control of a large volume of air using a small amount of control air.

Self-Lapping

The ability of a valve to automatically stop the flow of air once its commanded task is completed.

Service Application

A controlled application of the automatic brakes caused by a gradual reduction of brake pipe pressure.

Trailing End

The end of the train or consist that is not controlling operation.

Train

A consist that has been assigned an operating crew and train number.