Air Drier

IMPACT 3.
0 Tuesday, 14 December 2010
Chassis ID Path
A 690862 56/Description, Design and function/FM,
AIRDRY-E, CHID A638394-/Air drier
Model Identity
FM 122322305
Publish date Operation No.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Air drier
AIRDRY-E
Air drier, general
The new electronic air drier works according to the same principles as it's air-controlled
predecessor. The difference is that the new air drier is controlled electronically. If the air drier
should for some reason become powerless, it will cease to function and the desiccant will become
wet through, while the compressor will continue to charge. Relief is provided via the safety valve.
By using the information from the vehicle electronic system, the air drier and compressor control
can be optimised, so that drying of the air is guaranteed and fuel consumption is reduced. The air
drier has a built-in function to prevent freezing or blockage. The function provides temporary relief
(air drier blow clean) at engine shut down. This function eliminates the problem of freezing on a
stationary vehicle.
Air drier, overview
COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

The information contained herein is current at the time of its original distribution, but is subject to change. The reader is advised that printed copies are
uncontrolled.
1 / 13
IMPACT 3.0 Tuesday, 14 December 2010
A: Compressor. B: Cooling coil. C: Air drier D: Vehicle control unit. E: Air system. F: Solenoid valve, regeneration
(Y51A). G: Solenoid valve, relief (Y51B). H: Electrical control signal, relief. I: Electrical control signal, regeneration. J:
Check valve. K: Data links: 1587/1939. The following values are obtained from these links: System pressure, engine
speed, engine elapsed time, ambient temperature and vehicle speed.
Wiring diagram
1 = From compressor
2 = To air system (air tanks)
3 = Evacuation
4 = Control signal to compressor
5 = Air filter
6 = Drier filter
Y51A = Solenoid valve, regeneration
Y51B = Solenoid valve, relief (compressor control)
The working phases of the air drier
Flow diagrams of the driers' working phases are shown below.
Charging phase

uncontrolled.
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A = Damp input air from compressor
B = Dried air
Relief phase (without regeneration)

uncontrolled.
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uncontrolled.
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A = The input air from the compressor is

fed directly to the outlet port and out
through the silencer (C).
B = A check valve retains the pressure in

the system.
D = Control signal (control air) to

compressor.
Regeneration phase

uncontrolled.
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uncontrolled.
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A = The input air from the compressor is

fed directly to the outlet port and out
through the silencer (C).
B = A check valve retains the pressure in

the system.
D = Control signal (control air) to

compressor.
E = Dry air from the tanks is fed

backwards up through the desiccant
cartridge via a solenoid valve (Y51A).
F = Water, dirt and oil from regeneration

are fed out through the silencer (C).
Electronic air drier functions
Drier control
Icon on display
General
A function controls the regeneration of the air drier and ensures that the air fed to the vehicle
compressed air system is dry, even after long charging periods.
The monitoring strategy works by the system monitoring the pumped air volume (charge phase)
and regeneration (return flow from the system) depending on this volume. There is no longer a
separate regenerating tank.
Regeneration
After the charging phase is complete, the air drier is regenerated (dried) by a certain amount,
approx. 12%, of the pumped air, being fed back from the compressed air system through the air
drier and out via the silencer in the bottom. This functions according to the following principle: If 100
uncontrolled.
7 / 13
litres of air is pumped out, then 12 litres shall flow back (1000/120) etc.
If the compressor has pumped a larger volume or air, the pressure will drop to the engagement
pressure before the required volume of air has flowed back. The compressor then starts again and
pumps until the disengagement pressure is reached and a regeneration is started. In this way, a
number of compressor charges and regenerations will be performed after each other automatically
until the required volume of air has flowed back. This can continue for a longer period of time (up to
a half hour) and is completely normal! The regeneration volume controls how the air drier operates.
See the diagram below, which shows the compressor's work and the air pressure in relation to the
regeneration volume.
The vehicle control unit, which controls the air drier and compressor, registers how much air needs
to flow back after each compressor charging. It does this even after engine shut down.

uncontrolled.
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Symbols in Description
diagram
Note: The pressure levels below apply to a vehicle with air suspension.
A Air consumption 1; the compressor pumps for about 10 minutes to a pressure

of 8 bar.
Example: The vehicle loads the first swap body
B Regeneration phase 1; air consumption has ceased, the drier is regenerated

and the pressure increases and decreases alternately in rapid succession.
The drier is not fully damp and the vehicle drives with max. 30 km/h - the
pressure alternates between 12 and 10.6 bar.
Example: The vehicle drives slowly to pick up the other swap body.
C Air consumption 2; the compressor pumps for about 10 minutes to a pressure

of 8 bar.
Example: The vehicle loads the other swap body.
D Regeneration phase 2.1; air consumption has ceased, the drier is fully damp
(regeneration volume >360 l) and the vehicle drives at max. 30 km/h - the
pressure alternates between 12 and 10.1 bar.
Example: The vehicle drives slowly away from the load zone.
E Regeneration phase 2.2; The drier is no longer fully damp (regeneration

volume<360 l) and the vehicle is still driving at max. 30 km/h - the pressure
alternates between 12 and 10.6 bar.
F Regeneration phase 2.3; The vehicle drives faster than 30 km/h - the
pressure has dropped to the high speed range and alternates between 10.6
and 9.6 bar.
G Relief phase 1; the drier is completely dry (regeneration volume<50 l at high

speed) and the vehicle uses no air, so the pressure remains at 10.6 bar
which is the relief pressure for high speed (>30 km/h).
H Relief phase 2; the drier is still completely dry (regeneration volume<100 l at

low speed) and the vehicle uses no air. The speed has now dropped to
<30km/h so the pressure has increased to 12.0 bar, which is the relief
pressure for low speed (<30 km/h).
This secures full air pressure in the tanks before the next load handling.
P System pressure
R Regeneration volume (can be read off with VCADS-PRO)
V Level of regeneration volume (360 l) when fault code PPID 430 is set in MID
144, vehicle control unit.

uncontrolled.
9 / 13
System pressure
The air pressure is always sufficient for brake operation and lifting of the air suspension. Below 10.1
bars pressure, charging will be the first priority. Above 10.1 bars pressure, regeneration will be the
first priority, however, with high air consumption, regeneration time will be short. In practice, this can
mean that a temporary air pressure somewhat lower than 10.1 bar may occur, since it can take a
few seconds to stop a regeneration that is in progress. See the table below for cut-in and cut-out
pressures for different variants:
Low speed/stationary High speed >30 km/h
Cut-in pressure Cut-out Cut-in pressure Cut-out

pressure pressure
Normal Wet Normal Wet

Variant mode condition* - mode condition* -
ASCOP85 7.5 bar 7.5 bar 8.5 bar 7.5 bar 7.5 bar 8.5 bar
Leaf springs
ABS/UABS
21030180
Leaf springs
EBS
21030175
Japan
20565846
Standard
-
High Pressure
set-up
20544779
*) PPID 430 active, regeneration volume >360 litre
Memory for undried air

uncontrolled.
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For additional improvement of the drying function, the memory for the volume of undried air at each
engine shut-down (starter key turned to 0 position) is increased . With repeated turning of the
starter key between drive and 0 positions (i.e. when downloading software) the memory for undried
air can be so large that forced regeneration will occur at the next engine start. Therefore do not turn
the starter key unless necessary.
When downloading software for several control units, it is best to update the vehicle control unit
last.
Compressor control
General
The function controls the compressor's connection and relief periods, and reduces fuel consumption
by charging the compressor on declines or during braking. As a side effect, the lifespan of the
compressor is increased since the average pressure in the system is lower.
System pressure
At vehicle speeds below 30 km/h, full system pressure is allowed, to guarantee that the air tanks
are completely filled prior to the vehicle entering a load depot.
At speeds over 30 km/h a reduced system pressure applies, except when descending inclines or
braking (no fuel injection) when full system pressure is allowed, i.e. the system can be filled when
charging does not require any energy from the engine.
To improve the starting characteristics of the engine, the compressor is unloaded during starting,
assuming that the system pressure is above 7 bar.
To avoid freezing or blocking of the air drier while the engine is turned off, a temporary unloading is
performed (air drier blow through) at engine switch off. The unloading is only performed if the
system pressure is above 7 bar.
A yellow warning light illuminates if the system pressure exceeds 13 bar.
Service checks

uncontrolled.
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Icon on display
General
This function helps the service personnel and vehicle owner to plan servicing and component
exchange and thereby reduces costs. On most of today's vehicles, the desiccant is changed too
often or too seldom, which results in high costs and poor functionality. On the electronically
controlled air drier, an icon is displayed (see figure) and a yellow warning lamp lights when it is time
to change the desiccant.
Reading off information with VCADS-PRO
By using VCADS-PRO it is possible to read off the calculated remaining mileage to the next
desiccant replacement. The total pumped air volume for the compressor can also be read off.
The charge air volume is calculated from the charging time, system pressure and rotational speed.
Adaptation to driving style
If there is a problem with water in the tanks due to large air consumption, the parameter CUB can
be set to 15% (standard is 12%) by using VCADS-PRO. This increases the volume of air that must
flow back through the desiccant and increases the drying capacity.
Calibration when replacing desiccant cartridge
When replacing desiccant or the compressor, calibration shall be performed (zero running time).
When changing to another size of compressor, the parameter data must be altered. All calibration
and alteration of parameter data is done with VCADS-PRO.
Customers who do not wish to perform calibration when changing desiccant holders, can by using
VCADS PRO: turn off this function. This however excludes the possibility of reading off the
remaining mileage to the next desiccant replacement.
To ensure good air quality, both with regard to dampness and oil content, it is important that the
correct type of desiccant cartridge is mounted. Volvos desiccant cartridge contains, in addition to
desiccant, an oil filter.
Air leakage check/warning

uncontrolled.
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Icon on display
The purpose of this function is to inform the driver that the compressor is charging abnormally,
which is usually an indication of an air leak, by using an icon (see figure) and a lamp on the display.
Two levels of warning are given. A white information lamp indicates increased fuel consumption. A
yellow warning lamp plus an icon indicates a risk for increase compressor and air drier wear, which
can lead to unplanned stops if the fault is not corrected.
The check is only performed when driving faster than 50 km/h and when the wheel brakes are not
in use.
Managing fault codes
This function handles presentation of fault information. Both direct hardware faults and faults
detected via the logic in the software are displayed. For the faults stated, an icon is displayed and a
warning lamp is lit. Fault presentation (under vehicle control unit) follows the previous architecture
for handling fault codes. The fault codes are described in service information Vehicle control unit,
fault codes under function group 36.

uncontrolled.
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IMPACT 3.

0 Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Air drier, general

Air drier, overview

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

The working phases of the air drier

Flow diagrams of the driers' working phases are shown below.

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

A = Damp input air from compressor

Relief phase (without regeneration)

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

A = The input air from the compressor is

B = A check valve retains the pressure in

D = Control signal (control air) to

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

A = The input air from the compressor is

B = A check valve retains the pressure in

D = Control signal (control air) to

E = Dry air from the tanks is fed

F = Water, dirt and oil from regeneration

Electronic air drier functions

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

A Air consumption 1; the compressor pumps for about 10 minutes to a pressure

B Regeneration phase 1; air consumption has ceased, the drier is regenerated

C Air consumption 2; the compressor pumps for about 10 minutes to a pressure

E Regeneration phase 2.2; The drier is no longer fully damp (regeneration

G Relief phase 1; the drier is completely dry (regeneration volume<50 l at high

H Relief phase 2; the drier is still completely dry (regeneration volume<100 l at

R Regeneration volume (can be read off with VCADS-PRO)

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

Low speed/stationary High speed >30 km/h

Cut-in pressure Cut-out Cut-in pressure Cut-out

Normal Wet Normal Wet

*) PPID 430 active, regeneration volume >360 litre

Memory for undried air

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

A yellow warning light illuminates if the system pressure exceeds 13 bar.

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

Reading off information with VCADS-PRO

Adaptation to driving style

Calibration when replacing desiccant cartridge

Air leakage check/warning

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

Managing fault codes

COPYRIGHT © Copyright Volvo Parts Corporation

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