GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF RAILAYS
RESEARCH DESIGNS & STANDARDS ORGANISATION
MANAK NAGAR, LUCKNOW-226011

File No. SD.DFM.A.4.7.3 Date: 21-10-99

MODIFICATION SHEET NO. MP.DOD.BK.01.05.99 Rev 0.00 Dated: 13-10-99

1.0 TITLE:

Modification in airflow measuring valve circuit and provision of R-6/SDW-1 relay valve
to provide adequate indication to driver in case of alarm chain pulling/train parting.

2.0 OBJECT:

To amplify the indication available to the driver in the event of alarm chain pulling/train
parting.

3.0 MODIFICATION CONTENT:

Railways have reported inadequate indication on air flow indicator from air flow
measuring valve in case of ACP/train parting. Investigation revealed that the air flow
indicator /pressure switch is connected with air flow measuring valve with pipe having a
number of joints and the diameter of the pipe is also not uniform through out the entire
length of the pipe. Since the air for indication from air flow measuring valve is coming
from a very small choke, the leakage through these joints reduces available indication.
These joints and variable cross-section of air pipes also increases flow losses and due to
the combined effect of leakage and flow losses, available indication is not adequate.
Therefore, there is a need to amplify the indication of air flow measuring valve. To
amplify the indication, in air flow measuring valve circuit, R-6/SDW-1 relay valve has
been provided.

4.0 METHOD OF FITMENT:

R-6/SDW-1 relay valve is to be fitted in air flow measuring valve circuit as shown in
sketch no. SK.DP-3520. The length of pipe connecting port `A’ of R-6/SDW-1 relay
valve to air flow measuring valve should be less than 2 meters and joints should be leak
proof. It is recommended that relay valve type R-6/SDW-1 is positioned such that the
domed cover is uppermost, to avoid the collection of moisture in the exhaust vent.

5.0 APPLICATION TO CLASS OF LOCOMOTIVES:

All pure air brake and dual brake diesel locomotives.

6.0 MATERIAL REQUIRED AND SOURCES OF SUPPLY:

 One number R-6 type relay valve.
Part No. : WB & S Co. P.C.No. 77256/001
OR
One number SDW-1 relay valve.
Part list No. : SD-9005/00

Source:
M/S S D TECHNICAL SERVICES PVT. LIMITED
B-6, MAYAPURI INDUSTRIAL AREA,
PHASE-I, NEW DELHI-110064

6 REFERENCE:

i) Complaints received from Zonal railways regarding the poor indication on air
flow indicator.
ii) RDSO letter No. SD.DFM.A.4.7.3 dated: 09-09-99

7 AGENCY FOR IMPLEMENTATION:

(i) Diesel locomotive works, Varanasi.

(ii) Diesel component works, Patiala.
(iii) All Zonal Railway diesel sheds.
(iv) All workshops of Zonal Railways.

It is requested that the performance of modified circuit may please be sent to RDSO.

8 DISTRIBUTION:

As per enclosed list.

Encl. : (V.K.SAXENA)
For Director General(MP)
1. Annexure – I :SK.DP-3520
2. Annexure – II:Working of modified circuit
Including sketch no. SK.DP-2711

Annexure II
DESCRIPTION OF WORKING OF MODIFIED CIRCUIT:
1. When air flow measuring valve was provided on diesel locomotives, it was found that
adequate indication is not available to the driver in case of ACP/train parting.
Investigation revealed that it was because of the long piping from the air flow measuring
valve to the indicators and unavoidable leakage at joints. To overcome this problem R-6
type relay valve (shown in SK.DP-2711) has been provided between air flow indicator
and air flow measuring valve. This is a simple relay valve which provides air pressure in
1:1 ratio and is mounted just near the air flow measuring valve. Any development of
 pressure in the flow measuring valve which otherwise provides indication in the
indicator directly works as a control pressure to the relay valve which in turn feeds air
from the main reservoir at the same pressure level to the indicators as control pressure
from the air flow measuring valve.

2. R-6 RELAY VALVE:

2.1 Relay valve type R-6 consists of the cast aluminium cover, houses the spring loaded
relay piston, and tapped to receive an air pressure signal. The body, also of aluminium,
contains the combined inlet and exhaust valve, and is tapped to provide two supply and
four delivery ports. The exhaust vent in the base is protected by a rubber disc.
2.2 OPERATION:
When compressed air signal pressure from air flow measuring valve is received at port `A’ of the relay
valve, air flows in chamber `C’ between the cover (1) and top of the relay piston assembly (2).A relatively
small applied pressure reacts quickly over the larger area of the relay piston (2), which is forced down
against the spring (7). This movement of the piston closes the exhaust passage as the valve seat (13) seals
against the inlet/exhaust valve (11) which is also moved down against the return spring (10) and open the
inlet at (11). Air then flows from main reservoir through port `B’ past the open valve chamber `D’, and
from there it passes out of the delivery port `E’. This flow continues until the combined forces of the piston
and valve return springs and the air pressure beneath the piston balances the force of the applied air
pressure above the piston. The piston now lifts sufficiently to allow the valve to rise and close the inlet at
(11). The valve is now in the lapped condition with both the inlet and the exhaust closed. If the signal
pressure (from air flow measuring valve) is reduced at the port `A’, the force below the piston is now
greater, and the piston rises until the valve seat (13) is lifted clear of the valve, allowing air to atmosphere
past the rubber flap at (6) through the hollow passage in the piston at (5). The exhaust of the air continues
until the force below the piston is reduced to balance that above the piston, and the exhaust of air closes
again, bringing the valve in lap condition.this phenomena is repeated when ever the applied pressure at
port `A’ is varied, either up or down as the valve is self lapping.