BENDIX BW2369 Data Sheet

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AIR INTAKE (LOADED)
Just as the piston begins the down stroke, (a position 
known as top dead center, or TDC), the vacuum created 
in the cylinder bore above the piston causes the inlet 
reed valve to fl ex open.  Atmospheric air (in naturally 
aspirated applications) or pressurized air (in turbocharged 
applications) fl ows through the open inlet valve and fi lls the 
cylinder bore above the piston.  See Figure 7A.
AIR COMPRESSION (LOADED)
When the piston reaches the bottom of the stroke, (a 
position known as bottom dead center, or BDC), the inlet 
reed valve closes.  Air above the piston is trapped by the 
closed inlet reed valve and is compressed as the piston 
moves upwards.  When air in the cylinder bore reaches 
a pressure greater than that of the system pressure, the 
discharge reed valves open and allow air to fl ow into the 
discharge line and air brake system.
At the same time air fl ows 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 in the down position, against its seat on 
the valve plate.  See Figure 7B.
FIGURE 6 - STANDARD  AND CLOSED ROOM  BA-921
®
 
COMPRESSOR CHARGING SYSTEMS 
Compressor
Supply Reservoir
Governor 
Reservoir 
Port
Governor 
Unloader Port
Air Dryer
Standard Compressors use an Inlet Check Valve 
(ICV), or alternately, an ICV plus a reservoir,
in the air inlet line depending on the application
Compressor
Supply Reservoir
Governor 
Reservoir 
Port
Governor 
Unloader Port
Air Dryer
Closed Room Compressor Typical System
FIGURE 7B - OPERATION - LOADED (COMPRESSION)  
(SIMILAR FOR ALL COMPRESSORS - STANDARD 
COMPRESSOR SHOWN)
Piston Moving Up
Air Inlet
Port
Inlet
Valve
Closed
Air
Discharge
Port
Discharge
Valve
Open
Unloader 
Piston 
Down & 
Seated
Valve
Plate
Unloader 
Port
Cooling
Plate
FIGURE 7A - OPERATION - LOADED (INTAKE). (SIMILAR 
FOR ALL COMPRESSORS - STANDARD COMPRESSOR 
SHOWN)
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