Lapping/it

I rubinetti di controllo dell'impianto di frenatura ad aria compressa si dividono in due tipi: autoregolanti e non-autoregolanti.

Autoregolante

I rubinetti di controllo autoregolanti sono una tecnologia più recente. Il loro funzionamento si basa su una corrispondenza diretta tra la posizione della leva e la pressione nei cilindri freno , rendendoli particolarmente adatti per i principianti. Più la leva si avvicina alla posizione di massima frenatura, maggiore sarà la forza frenante applicata, e viceversa. Il rubinetto gestisce automaticamente lo scarico e la ricarica della condotta generale , al fine di raggiungere la pressione desiderata nei CF.

Non-autoregolante

The non-self-lapping control valves are older. With them, the control lever manipulates the brake pipe pressure directly, and the process is more hands-on. The lever has a few fixed positions. Two of the positions, called “release” and “service” can be thought of as adding and releasing the brake pipe pressure, respectively. The position in-between them, called “lap”, is used to maintain whatever pressure is in the brake pipe. The furthest position, called “emergency”, releases pressure at the fastest possible rate.

By controlling the brake pipe pressure, you indirectly control the cylinder pressure, and thus, brake application.

Auxiliary reservoirs are partially drained whenever brakes are applied. When brakes are then released, it takes some time for the reservoirs to be recharged. The lap position, however, functions only if the auxiliary reservoirs are full. So, to stay in full control over non-self-lapping brakes it is recommended to not release when knowing that moments later braking may be needed again. Calculated, infrequent moves are advised instead.

Monitoraggio

With both control valve types it is crucial to monitor the brake pipe and cylinder gauges to fully understand the current brake state.

Conflitti

In case a train contains multiple motorized vehicles their control valves are in conflict. The conflict can be even more severe if there are mixed self-lapping and non-self-lapping valves in the train. To ensure safe operation it is necessary to cutout all excess control valves, other than the one intended to be used.