What is the Transit Air System Module?

The Transit Air System Module, or ASM, is an integrated compressed air solution used on the ROBEL 54.22 rail maintenance vehicle. It combines high air flow with a compact installation suitable for the vehicle's specialist operating requirements.

Why does the ROBEL vehicle require only one compressor?

The high flow rate of the Transit compressor provides the required compressed air capacity from one unit, eliminating the need for a second compressor and saving installation space.

Can the compressor operate effectively when the engine is idling?

Yes. The speed-controlled hydrostatic drive enables the system to provide its maximum flow rate even when the rail vehicle's diesel engine is idling.

What pressure does the compressed air system operate at?

The compressor shuts down when air pressure in the system reaches 10 bar, helping improve operating efficiency.

How is the compressed air treated?

Generated air flows into the main air container through two-chamber air-drying devices and a superfine oil filter.

Rail Vehicle Compressed Air System

Overview

Rail maintenance vehicles rely on compressed air for braking and working pneumatic systems, but available installation space can be limited by the specialist equipment carried onboard. A compact, high-flow compressed air system can help reduce equipment requirements while maintaining the performance needed for demanding railway operations.

ROBEL, a specialist in railway construction equipment and machinery, worked with Gardner Denver Transit to design and install a Transit Air System Module (ASM) for its 54.22 rail maintenance vehicle.

The Transit ASM provides a high flow rate from a single compressor, eliminating the need for a second unit and saving valuable installation space. Its speed-controlled hydrostatic drive also enables maximum flow even when the vehicle's diesel engine is idling.

Challenge: Compressed Air for Rail Maintenance Vehicles

ROBEL's 54.22 rail maintenance vehicle is designed to support both railway construction and maintenance activities. Depending on the application, the vehicle can carry equipment including cranes, lifting platforms, catenary maintenance systems and specialist seasonal equipment.

The vehicle required a compressed air solution capable of supplying both its brake and working pneumatic systems while supporting the flexible layout required by a multi-purpose rail maintenance vehicle.

Key requirements included:

High compressed air flow from a compact installation.
Air supply for both braking and working pneumatic systems.
Maximum flow even when the diesel engine is idling.
Simple installation and a clear system design.
Efficient performance without requiring a second compressor.

Solution: Transit Air System Module

Gardner Denver supported ROBEL with the design and installation of a Transit Air System Module (ASM) for the 54.22 rail maintenance vehicle.

Unlike configurations where the main compressor is connected directly to the diesel engine, the Transit compressor was positioned underneath the vehicle's loading area, close to the pneumatic installations.

This configuration allows compressed air to be supplied to the entire brake and working pneumatic systems while making efficient use of the available vehicle space.

The compressor operates through a speed-controlled hydrostatic drive. A variable displacement pump supplies the hydraulic motor that drives the compressor, enabling maximum compressor flow even when the train is idling.

Compressed Air Management

Generated compressed air flows into the main air container through two-chamber air-drying equipment and a superfine oil filter.

When air pressure reaches 10 bar, the compressor shuts down, helping improve system efficiency.

COMPRESSOR REQUIREMENT

compressor

No second unit required

High flow from the Transit ASM saves valuable installation space.

SYSTEM PRESSURE

bar

Automatic shut-off

Compressor shuts down once 10 bar system pressure is reached.

SYSTEMS SUPPLIED

ASMs

Delivered to ROBEL

Gardner Denver Transit had supplied 25 Air System Modules at the time of the case study.

Customer Quote

"The decision to choose Hydrovane was based on the compressor's high flow rate, which meant that only one unit was required. The clear design and resulting simple installation made Hydrovane an obvious choice of supplier."

Andreas PfingstlDesign Engineer, ROBEL

Impact and Results

One Compressor Instead of Two

The high flow rate of the Transit system meant that only one compressor was required. This eliminated the need for a second compressor and saved valuable installation space on the rail vehicle.

Maximum Flow at Engine Idle

The speed-controlled hydrostatic drive enables the compressor to provide maximum flow even when the rail vehicle's diesel engine is idling, supporting pneumatic requirements across different operating conditions.

Compact and Flexible Installation

Positioning the compressor underneath the loading area and close to the pneumatic installations provides a compact solution while preserving space for the specialist equipment required by the rail maintenance vehicle.

Air for Brake and Working Pneumatic Systems

A single Transit ASM provides compressed air for the vehicle's entire brake and working pneumatic systems, consolidating the compressed air requirement into one integrated solution.

25 Air System Modules Supplied

At the time of the case study, Gardner Denver Transit had supplied 25 Air System Modules to ROBEL, with the companies planning to continue their collaboration on compressed air requirements for new product development.

About the 54.22 Rail Maintenance Vehicle

The ROBEL 54.22 is a versatile rail maintenance vehicle that can be configured with a wide variety of specialist equipment.

Depending on the application and season, equipment can include:

Cranes and lifting platforms.
Equipment for maintaining catenary installations.
A snowplough for winter applications.
A mulcher for seasonal maintenance work.
Bridge inspection equipment.

This flexibility allows the vehicle to support both the construction of new railway tracks and maintenance of existing infrastructure. Its performance also enables it to carry out certain tasks typically performed by shunting locomotives.

Key Takeaways

The Transit Air System Module provides compressed air for rail vehicle brake and working pneumatic systems.
High compressor flow eliminates the requirement for a second compressor, saving valuable installation space.
A speed-controlled hydrostatic drive provides maximum flow even when the diesel engine is idling.
The compressor is installed underneath the vehicle's loading area, close to the pneumatic systems.
The compressor shuts down when system pressure reaches 10 bar, helping improve efficiency.
Compressed air passes through two-chamber air-drying equipment and a superfine oil filter.
Gardner Denver Transit had supplied 25 ASMs to ROBEL at the time of the case study.

Download the Rail Vehicle Compressed Air Case Study

Discover how the Transit Air System Module provides ROBEL with a compact, high-flow compressed air solution for rail maintenance vehicle braking and working pneumatic systems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Compressed air can support braking and working pneumatic systems on railway maintenance vehicles. In the ROBEL 54.22 application, a single Transit Air System Module supplies air to both systems.

Download the PDF

Compact Compressed Air System for Rail Vehicles