You probably have heard yourself talk about your truck's underhood several times. However, are you sure you were talking right? You can't be too sure unless you've read the necessary information found below about underhoods.
What is underhood?
Underhood is a system comprising of the following: air/oil separator tank, drive system, rotary screw compressor, oil cooler and throttle control. Air/oil separator tank separates the oil of the compressor from the compressed air. It is mounted on the truck's frame rail. The drive system is boarded up of the compressor's serpentine belt. It utilizes tensioners and idlers and is designed to equal the compressor's alignment and horsepower. Rotary screw compressors are very light and small; however they are very powerful. Unlike piston style compressors, they are capable of delivering more air. Since they use the power from the truck's engine, there is no need for extra fuel when more air is needed. Meanwhile, the oil cooler and throttle control, judging from its name cools the oil and controls the valve that regulates the supply of fuel to the engine, respectively.
How does the air system in underhood works?
The air system works primarily because of the main component of the underhood, which is the rotary screw air compressor that has an inlet control valve. The air compressor has 2 rotors. By the time the electric clutch is started, the rotary screw turns. Then the inlet control valves start to work, too. It opens up and lets oil and air merge between the rotors. With the oil, a seal is made versus the compressors' inside walls and the air helps the oil flow create a continuous seal.
How does air/oil separator tank work?
First of all, you have to know that the air/oil separator tank has three uses. First, it's a receiver tank for air. Second, it's a reservoir tank for oil. Third, it is the place where the air and oil separate. This is how air and oil is separated. First, the air and oil moves through baffles by which most of the oil will be eliminated.
Then the air will go through a coalescing filter that will take away the remaining oil before it is completely carried outside of the tank. Meanwhile, as the oil goes through the filter, it will drop into the tank's bottom where a scavenging system is waiting to pick it up and direct it again to the compressor.
