2
AIR INTAKE (LOADED)
During the piston down stroke, a vacuum is created in
the cylinder bore above the piston. The vacuum causes
the inlet reed valve to flex open. Atmospheric air flows
through the open inlet valve and fills the cylinder bore
above the piston.
AIR COMPRESSION (LOADED)
When the piston reaches approximately bottom dead center
(BDC), the inlet reed valve closes. Air above the piston is
trapped by the closed inlet reed valve and is compressed
as the piston begins to move toward top dead center
(TDC). When air in the cylinder bore reaches a pressure
greater than that of the system pressure the discharge
reed valves open and air flows into the discharge line and
air brake system.
Air, during the compression stroke, flows into the hollow
center of the unloader piston through an opening in the end
of the piston. Compressed air acts on the interior surfaces
of the unloader piston and, along with the unloader piston
spring, holds the unloader piston against its seat on the
valve plate. See Figure 6.
NON-COMPRESSION OF AIR (UNLOADED)
When air pressure in the supply reservoir reaches the
cutout setting of the governor, the governor delivers
system air to the compressor unloader port. Air entering
the unloader port acts on the unloader piston causing it
to move away from its seat on the valve plate assembly.
When the unloader piston is unseated a passage is opened
between the cylinder bore, the air inlet cavity in the cylinder
head, and the other cylinder. Air compression ceases.
See Figure 7.
As the piston moves from bottom dead center (BDC) to
top dead center (TDC) air in the cylinder bore flows past
the unseated unloader piston, into the cylinder head inlet
FIGURE 3 -
TYPICAL COMPRESSOR DRIVE FLANGES
cavity and into the other cylinder. A small amount of air
moves out the inlet port. On the piston down stroke (TDC
to BDC) air flows in the reverse direction, from the other
cylinder through the unloader piston to the inlet cavity, past
the unseated unloader piston and into the cylinder bore.
Detroit
Diesel
Caterpillar
FIGURE 4 -
BA-922
®
COMPRESSOR UNLOADER SYSTEM
Compressor
Supply Reservoir
Reservoir
Port
Governor
Unloader Port
Detroit
Diesel
John
Deere
Air Dryer
FIGURE 5 -
OPERATION - LOADED (INTAKE)
Piston Moving Down
Air Inlet
Port
Inlet
Valve
Open
Air
Discharge
Port
Discharge
Valve
Closed
Unloader
Piston
Down &
Seated
Valve
Plate
Unloader
Port
Cooling
Plate
