The railroad industry has been a staple for transporting people and goods across America for decades, and many are advocating for an increase of railroads to provide more eco-friendly and efficient modes of transportation and shipping. The railroad industry has undergone major innovations in technology, including the use of compressed air system Jacksonville FL for several important functions. Learn more about which parts of trains rely on compressed air systems below.
1. Compressed air is used in braking systems
Perhaps even more important than getting a train to move is a mechanism to bring the train to a safe stop after traveling at high speeds. While cars rely on brake fluid to bring the vehicle to a stop after hitting the brakes, trains use compressed air instead. Compressed air systems are vital for slowing trains down and bringing them to a gentle, controlled halt that keeps passengers safe and preserves the structure of the train and railroads.
Using compressed air in braking systems allows trains to emit fewer fossel fuels and other materials that can be harmful to the envirornment and expensive to purchase.
2. Compressed air helps with suspension systems
Adequate suspension systems are imperative to the safe and comfortable transportation of passengars and goods alike. Railroads can go over extremely variable terrain, and this can cause plenty of jarring and shaking throughout the entire system. Fortunately, compressed air systems are used to assist the suspension systems with absorbing bumps and bounces along the way.
This not only makes for a more pleasant ride for passengers, it also ensures that products are delivered without causing damage or shifting during transport.
3. Door mechanisms rely on compressed air
As trains make stops at stations, one can clearly hear compressed air at work when the door opens to let current passengers out and new passengers on. As the doors slide open, they let out an audible hissing sound that is compressed air being released in the process. Compressed air systems allow doors to open quickly and safetly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition of passengers, or goods, at each stop. The failure of doors to open in this manner can cause a backup of passengers at stations and lead to late train arrivals at the next stop.
Most people go through their lives not thinking about air at all, or only thinking of it as something we breathe in. As it turns out, air can serve many other important functions, including those that allow for safe and efficient travel via railroad.