BENDIX TCH-008-042 Dépliant
Technical
Bulletin
Bulletin No:
Effective Date:
Cancels:
Page: 1 of
Subject:
© 2007 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC All rights reserved. 5/2007 Printed in U.S.A.
TCH-008-042
5-3-2007
N/A
2
Alcohol in the Air Brake System
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC discourages the use of alcohol in the air brake system as a means
of preventing system freeze-up in cold temperatures. Studies indicate that using alcohol and alcohol based
products sold for this purpose removes the lubrication from the components of the air braking system. In
addition, the materials used for the internal seals of the air system components may be adversely impacted
by the residue that some anti-freeze additives leave behind. Both are detrimental to air system component
life expectancy, causing premature wear. Because of this, Bendix
of preventing system freeze-up in cold temperatures. Studies indicate that using alcohol and alcohol based
products sold for this purpose removes the lubrication from the components of the air braking system. In
addition, the materials used for the internal seals of the air system components may be adversely impacted
by the residue that some anti-freeze additives leave behind. Both are detrimental to air system component
life expectancy, causing premature wear. Because of this, Bendix
®
air system components warranty will
be void if analysis shows that alcohol was added to the air brake system.
As stated in Bendix Application Specifi cation BW-110-A, alcohol is not an acceptable substitute for
having adequate air drying capacity. If the air dryer is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended practices and moisture is found to be present in the system reservoirs, more drying capacity
is required. Bendix has several viable options including extended purge air dryers, extended purge tandem
dryers in parallel with common control, and air dryers arranged to provide continuous fl ow as with the Bendix
As stated in Bendix Application Specifi cation BW-110-A, alcohol is not an acceptable substitute for
having adequate air drying capacity. If the air dryer is maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommended practices and moisture is found to be present in the system reservoirs, more drying capacity
is required. Bendix has several viable options including extended purge air dryers, extended purge tandem
dryers in parallel with common control, and air dryers arranged to provide continuous fl ow as with the Bendix
®
EverFlow
™
continuous fl ow air dryer module. See page 2 for system schematics.
To address concerns with contaminants in trailer air brake systems, the Bendix
®
Cyclone DuraDrain
™
water
separator and the Bendix
®
System-Guard
®
trailer air dryer are available. Refer to Bendix service data sheet
SD-08-2402 and SD-08-2416 respectively for details.
Bendix has also found some alcohol evaporators, which may be placed in series with a single air dryer, can
be restrictive to the output of the compressor. This restriction can cause excessive compressor discharge
pressures at the head of the compressor. This is especially true when the air induction to the compressor
is pressurized (turbocharged). High head pressures can shorten the life of the internal components of
the compressor and cause higher head temperatures which may lead to carbonization of the compressor
discharge and discharge line.
be restrictive to the output of the compressor. This restriction can cause excessive compressor discharge
pressures at the head of the compressor. This is especially true when the air induction to the compressor
is pressurized (turbocharged). High head pressures can shorten the life of the internal components of
the compressor and cause higher head temperatures which may lead to carbonization of the compressor
discharge and discharge line.
In order to protect the compressor from these high head pressures, an ST-4
™
safety valve is installed in most
Bendix compressors. If a high head pressure event occurs, the safety valve will open, thereby relieving the
compressor and discharge line of these high air pressures.
compressor and discharge line of these high air pressures.
As always, follow all recommended safety procedures when performing any service on your vehicle. Caution:
never apply an open fl ame to frozen air lines and valves; instead move the vehicle to a warm building.
Additionally, before removing contaminants refer to RP617A procedure for contaminant removal in the
Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Maintenance Practices Manual.
never apply an open fl ame to frozen air lines and valves; instead move the vehicle to a warm building.
Additionally, before removing contaminants refer to RP617A procedure for contaminant removal in the
Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Recommended Maintenance Practices Manual.
See attachment.