EN 15355:2019

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2019
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 15355:2008+A1:2010
Železniške naprave - Zavore - Krmilni ventili in naprave za ločitev krmilnih ventilov
od zavornega voda
Railway applications - Braking - Distributor valves and distributor-isolating devices
Bahnanwendungen - Bremse - Steuerventile und Bremsabsperreinrichtungen
Applications ferroviaires - Freinage - Distributeurs de frein et robinet d'isolement
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15355:2019
ICS:
45.040 Materiali in deli za železniško Materials and components
tehniko for railway engineering
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 15355
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
May 2019
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 45.060.01 Supersedes EN 15355:2008+A1:2010
English Version
Railway applications - Braking - Distributor valves and
distributor-isolating devices
Applications ferroviaires - Freinage - Distributeurs de Bahnanwendungen - Bremse - Steuerventile und
freinage et robinet d'isolement Bremsabsperreinrichtungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 18 February 2019.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15355:2019 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 14
4.1 Symbols . 14
4.2 Abbreviations . 14
5 Requirements to function, design and manufacturing . 14
5.1 Functional requirements. 14
5.2 Control chamber . 14
5.3 Pilot volume . 14
5.4 Auxiliary reservoir volume and brake cylinder size . 14
5.5 Shock and vibration . 15
5.6 Service life . 15
5.7 Compressed air quality . 15
5.8 Environmental conditions . 15
5.8.1 General . 15
5.8.2 Ambient temperature . 15
5.8.3 Altitude . 15
5.8.4 Humidity . 15
5.8.5 Other environmental specifications . 16
5.9 Design requirements regarding structural integrity at maximum pressure . 17
5.10 Tightness . 17
5.11 Fire behaviour . 17
6 Functional requirements and Type tests. 17
6.1 General . 17
6.2 Test benches . 17
6.3 Functional requirements and tests. 18
6.3.1 General . 18
6.3.2 Tightness . 18
6.3.3 Inexhaustibility . 20
6.3.4 Compensation of output pressure during brake application . 24
6.3.5 Normal working pressure . 25
6.3.6 Released and stand by position . 26
6.3.7 Maximum output pressure in relation to input pressure reduction . 29
6.3.8 Maximum output pressure and build-up and release times of an individual
distributor valve . 30
6.3.9 Release time within a train consist . 32
6.3.10 Sensitivity . 32
6.3.11 Insensitivity . 33
6.3.12 Control sensitivity and hysteresis . 34
6.3.13 Quick service function . 35
6.3.14 Propagation speed . 36
6.3.15 Inshot function . 37
6.3.16 Manual release function . 37
6.3.17 Distributor isolating device . 40
6.3.18 Protection against input pressure overcharge . 45
6.3.19 Initial charging of the brake system of a vehicle . 47
6.3.20 Initial charging of the brake system of a train . 49
6.3.21 Maximum supply pressure . 49
6.3.22 Tests at different temperatures . 49
6.3.23 Shock and vibration . 51
6.3.24 Distributor dump valve . 52
7 In-service assessment . 53
8 Designation . 53
9 Identification and marking . 54
9.1 Distributor valve . 54
9.2 Distributor-isolating device . 54
Annex A (normative) Test benches . 55
A.1 General . 55
A.2 Test bench Type A for single vehicle . 55
A.3 Test bench Type B for train with 400 m length . 57
A.4 Test bench Type C for train with 500 m length . 57
A.5 Test bench Type D for train with 750 m length . 57
A.6 Test bench Type E for train with 1 200 m length . 57
Annex B (normative) Handle for operating the distributor-isolating device . 58
Annex C (normative) In-service assessment . 59
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC aimed to be covered . 60
Bibliography . 62

European foreword
This document (EN 15355:2019) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2019, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by November 2019.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 15355:2008+A1:2010.
The main changes compared to EN 15355:2008+A1:2010 are:
a) the standard’s scope has been modified;
b) normative references have been updated;
c) terms and definitions have been revised;
d) requirements on function, design and manufacturing have been revised;
e) requirements on type tests have been revised;
f) requirements on in-service assessment have been revised;
g) requirements on designation have been revised;
h) requirements on identification and marking have been revised;
i) normative annexes have been revised;
j) Annex ZA has been updated.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive 2008/57/EC.
For relationship with EU Directive, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document applies to distributor valves and distributor-isolating devices.
The distributor valves contained in this document are of graduable release type. Direct release types are
not included.
Functionally they are regarded as not containing relay valves of any type, even if the relay valves are
physically an integral part of the distributor valves.
This document applies to both distributor-isolating devices mounted separate from the distributor valve
and distributor-isolating devices integral with the distributor valve.
This document specifies the requirements for the design, testing and quality assurance of distributor
valves and distributor-isolating devices.
The distributor valve and distributor-isolating device are intended to be part of a brake system mounted
in a vehicle with maximum length of 31 m and maximum brake pipe volume of 25 l taking into
consideration brake pipe inner diameters between 25 mm and 32 mm.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 14198, Railway applications — Braking — Requirements for the brake system of trains hauled by
locomotives
EN 14478:2017, Railway applications — Braking — Generic vocabulary
EN 15611, Railway applications — Braking — Relay valves
EN 45545-2, Railway applications — Fire protection on railway vehicles — Part 2: Requirements for fire
behaviour of materials and components
EN 60721-3-5:1997, Classification of environmental conditions — Part 3: Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities — Section 5: Ground vehicle installations (IEC 60721-3-
5:1997)
EN 61373:2010, Railway applications — Rolling stock equipment — Shock and vibration tests (IEC
61373:2010)
ISO 8573-1:2010, Compressed air — Part 1: Contaminants and purity classes
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 14478, and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/;
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp.
NOTE Some of the curves in this clause are simplified, not showing the real pressure development. This is
considered to be sufficient for the purpose of this clause.
3.1
distributor valve
apparatus to control a pneumatic output pressure as an inverse function of the variation of the brake pipe
pressure (input pressure)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Note 2 to entry: For the purpose of this European Standard, input pressure is considered to be the brake pipe
pressure and output pressure is usually considered to be the pilot pressure, which controls the brake cylinder
pressure usually via a relay valve.

Key
1 input pressure
2 distributor valve
3 output pressure
Figure 1 — Distributor valve, main function and block diagram

Key
1 normal working pressure level
2 input pressure
3 output pressure
Figure 2 — Distributor valve, main function and pressure diagram
3.2
brake application
establishment of a certain output pressure fed by the auxiliary reservoir, initiated by a drop of input
pressure (brake pipe pressure)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.

Key
1 normal working pressure level 4 output pressure
2 input pressure service brake application

3 maximum output pressure emergency brake application

Figure 3 — Service and emergency brake application
3.3
service brake application
establishment of an output pressure less than the possible maximum, initiated by a drop of input pressure
(brake pipe pressure) beginning at the normal working pressure level down to a value between the
minimum reduction and the level of input pressure necessary for full service braking (equivalent to
“service braking” in EN 14478)
Note 1 to entry: This pressure drop causes the distributor valve to establish a corresponding output pressure.
3.4
full service brake application
establishment of the maximum output pressure initiated by a defined drop of input pressure (brake pipe
pressure), beginning from the normal working pressure level down to the specific input pressure level
(equivalent to “full service braking” in EN 14478)
3.5
emergency brake application
establishment of the maximum output pressure caused by a drop of input pressure starting with the value
for normal working pressure down to the level necessary for reaching the maximum output pressure in
time t , faster than the specified time for reaching the maximum output pressure, t (equivalent to
1 2
“emergency braking” in EN 14478)
Note 1 to entry: This causes the distributor valve to operate at his maximum capacity, meeting the system
requirements (see Figure 4).
Note 2 to entry: Usually during emergency braking the input pressure is reduced to 0.

Key
1 normal working pressure level
2 input pressure
3 input pressure level necessary for reaching maximum output pressure
4 maximum output pressure
5 output pressure
6 95 % of the maximum output pressure
t time to reach the input pressure necessary to establish maximum output pressure
t time to reach 95 % of the maximum output pressure
Figure 4 —Emergency brake application
3.6
brake release
venting the output pressure to atmosphere, initiated by an increase of input pressure (brake pipe
pressure) after a brake application (equivalent to “graduable application and release” in EN 14478)
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 5.

Key
1 normal working pressure level
2 input pressure
3 output pressure
4 1,50 bar below normal working pressure level
Figure 5 — Brake release
3.7
full release
complete venting of output pressure, initiated by an increase of input pressure (brake pipe pressure)
after a brake application up to the normal working pressure level
3.8
graduable application and release
incremental increase/reduction of output pressure initiated by an incremental reduction/increase of
input pressure in the range of pressure from full service braking to full release
3.9
build-up time
time for increasing output pressure from when it starts to rise from 0,00 bar up to 95 % of the maximum
output pressure, when input pressure is reduced from normal working pressure level down to 0,00 bar
with a time of less than 2 s for the first pressure drop of 1,50 bar
3.10
release time
time for reducing the maximum output pressure from the moment when it starts to decrease until it
reaches 0,40 bar, when input pressure is increased up to the normal working pressure level, starting from
1,50 bar below it, in less than 2 s
3.11
manual release
function which requires deliberate and intentional manual action in order to cancel brake application (to
release the distributor valve) provided by one distributor valve
Note 1 to entry: Manual release function can be achieved in two ways (see 6.3.16).
3.12
automatic manual release
operation, which requires manual action by the command element after which the release function is
completed automatically
3.13
non-automatic manual release
operation, which requires manual action by the command element during the entire process until the
release function is completed
Note 1 to entry: Stopping action before complete release results in incomplete release.
3.14
stand-by position (ready for operation)
condition of the distributor valve in which braking can be initiated in compliance with all specifications
3.15
normal working pressure
pressure in the brake pipe that corresponds with the brake release condition
[SOURCE: EN 14478:2017, 4.10.4.2]
3.16
sensitivity
ability of the distributor valve to supply an output pressure under certain conditions of input pressure
reduction
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 6.
Note 2 to entry: If a certain value is specified, it gives the minimum gradient of input pressure reduction which
causes the distributor valve to react after a certain time.
3.17
insensitivity
ability of the distributor valve to prevent establishing an output pressure under certain conditions of
input pressure reduction
Note 1 to entry: If a certain value is specified, it gives the maximum (fastest) gradient of the input pressure
reduction which will not cause the distributor valve to react.

Key
1 input pressure
distributor valve shall react
2 normal working pressure
3 insensitivity area
distributor valve may react
4 sensitivity area
5 sensitivity limit
distributor valve shall not react

6 insensitivity limit
Figure 6 — Sensitivity and insensitivity areas and limits
3.18
quick service function
function of a distributor valve, when applying the brake from stand-by and released position, which
allows the local fast venting of brake pipe pressure by a certain specified amount and at a certain specified
gradient, to provide pneumatic brake signal transmission through a train
3.19
propagation time
time between the initiation of an emergency brake application by the driver’s brake handle and the
beginning of brake cylinder pressure build-up on the last vehicle of a train
3.20
propagation speed
length of brake pipe divided by propagation time
3.21
normal working pressure overcharge
build-up input pressure above normal working pressure to reduce the release time of a train and/or to
adjust the distributors control chamber pressure of all vehicles of a complete train (equivalent to
“overcharge” in EN 14478)
3.22
inshot function
function of the distributor valve which allows a faster increase of the output pressure at the beginning of
brake application (t against t without inshot function)
1 2
Note 1 to entry: The purpose is the quick build-up of the necessary pressure for initiating the friction braking
process, most effective in brake mode G (see Figure 7).

Key
1 maximum output pressure level
2 output pressure
3 pressure necessary for starting the friction process
t with inshot function
t without inshot function
Figure 7 — Inshot function, output pressure development with and without inshot function
3.23
control chamber
air volume connected to, or part of a brake distributor valve, the pressure in which is compared to the
local brake pipe pressure within the distributor valve, and used to determine the distributor valve output
pressure
[SOURCE: EN 14478:2017, 4.10.6.3]
3.24
auxiliary reservoir
container designed to store air under pressure which is protected and dedicated for use by the brakes on
the vehicle to which it is fitted
[SOURCE: EN 14478:2017, 4.10.6.2]
3.25
pilot volume
volume fed by the output pressure of the distributor valve and used to provide the pilot pressure to the
downstream relay valve
3.26
direct release
function which allows a complete reduction of output pressure in one step initiated by a limited increase
of the brake pipe pressure even if not reaching the normal working pressure
3.27
maximum output pressure
output pressure which is reached after an emergency braking or full service braking
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 3.
3.28
control sensitivity
ability of the distributor valve to respond accurately and sensitively to input pressure modifications by
delivering corresponding output pressure variations
3.29
distributor isolation device
device which isolates the distributor valve from the brake pipe
3.30
normal litre
Nl
unit of amount of a gas equal to the amount of 1 l at a pressure of 1,00 bar and at a standard temperature,
at 20 °C
Note 1 to entry: Air flow is often stated in normal litres per minute (Nl/min).
3.31
distributor dump valve
optional valve within or attached to the distributor valve to eliminate an overcharge in the control
chamber as the input pressure of the distributor valve is reduced to 0,00 bar and (optional) increased
again up to service pressure
4 Symbols and abbreviations
4.1 Symbols
t time
p pressure
B maximum brake cylinder pressure
CPmax
4.2 Abbreviations
P Brake mode “passenger”
G Brake mode “goods” (freight)
5 Requirements to function, design and manufacturing
5.1 Functional requirements
Functional requirements to be met by the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device are specified
in Clause 6.
5.2 Control chamber
The control chamber may be integral with the distributor valve or as a separate volume.
5.3 Pilot volume
The pilot volume may be integral with the distributor valve, a relay valve or as a separate volume. The
timing chokes of the distributor valve shall be associated with the defined pilot volume. The pressure
inside the pilot volume is the output pressure of the distributor valve. The pilot volume(s) and its
tolerance(s) shall be defined by design documentation.
5.4 Auxiliary reservoir volume and brake cylinder size
Distributor valves for freight wagons shall be able to operate at a minimum with a brake cylinder
(operated by a relay valve) of 16” diameter and a piston stroke of 150 mm without support of a main
reservoir pipe.
The maximum permissible brake cylinder size and stroke and the appropriate auxiliary reservoir volume
associated to obtain the maximum brake cylinder pressure at least plus 0,30 bar in the auxiliary reservoir
after brake application shall be defined by the design documentation.
This requirement shall be tested in accordance with 6.3.3 using the maximum permissible brake cylinder
size and stroke and the minimum auxiliary reservoir volume associated.
5.5 Shock and vibration
The distributor valve and distributor-isolating device shall be able to operate without restriction under
shock and vibration conditions as specified in EN 61373. The class and category of test severity shall be
declared by design documentation.
These requirements shall be tested in accordance with 6.3.23.
5.6 Service life
No specific requirements for the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device to attain a particular
service life are contained in this standard.
Any testing to estimate the service life of a distributor valve and distributor-isolating device shall be
conducted as part of the product development.
NOTE The service life of the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device is a function of the
environment/operating conditions in which the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device will function, and
the requirements for the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device to achieve a serviceable life in accordance
with the maintenance requirements of the vehicle to which it is fitted.
5.7 Compressed air quality
It shall be possible to operate the distributor valve and the distributor-isolating device without
restrictions with at least the compressed air quality according to the following classes defined in
ISO 8573-1:2010:
— class 3 — for the maximum particle size and the maximum concentration of solid contaminants;
— class 4 — for the water dewpoint;
— class 4 — for the maximum total (droplets, aerosols and vapours) oil concentration.
5.8 Environmental conditions
5.8.1 General
All the environmental requirements listed shall be taken into account within the design concept of the
components. However only the assessment tests listed in Clause 6 shall be performed. The remaining
proofs shall be presented in the declarations of conformity.
5.8.2 Ambient temperature
The distributor valve and distributor-isolating device covered by this standard shall be able to operate
from −40 °C to +70 °C according to the requirements defined in 6.3.22.
5.8.3 Altitude
The distributor valve and distributor-isolating device shall be able to operate without restrictions up to
an altitude of 2 000 m above sea level.
5.8.4 Humidity
The following external humidity levels shall be considered:
— yearly average: ≤ 75 % relative humidity;
— on 30 days in the year continuously: between 75 % and 95 % relative humidity;
— on the other days occasionally: between 95 % and 100 % relative humidity;
— maximum absolute humidity: 30 g/m occurring in tunnels.
An operationally caused infrequent and slight moisture condensation shall not lead to any malfunction
or failure.
At cooled surfaces, 100 % relative humidity may occur, causing condensation on parts of equipment; this
shall not lead to any malfunction or failure.
Sudden lowering of the air temperature local to the vehicle may cause condensation of water on parts of
equipment with rate of 3 K/s and maximum fall in temperature of 40 K.
These conditions particularly occurring when entering or leaving a tunnel shall not lead to any
malfunction or failure of the equipment.
5.8.5 Other environmental specifications
5.8.5.1 Rain
Rain rate of 6 mm/min shall be taken into account. The effect of rain shall be considered depending on
the equipment installation together with wind and vehicle movement.
5.8.5.2 Snow, ice and hail
Consideration shall be given to the effect of all kinds of snow, ice and/or hail. The maximum diameter of
hailstones shall be taken as 15 mm, exceptionally, larger diameters can occur.
The effect of snow, ice and hail shall be considered depending on the equipment installation together with
wind and vehicle movement.
5.8.5.3 Solar radiation
Equipment design shall allow for direct exposure to solar radiation at the rate of 1 120 W/m for a
maximum duration of 8 h.
5.8.5.4 Pollution
The effects of pollution shall be considered in the design of equipment and components. The severity of
pollution will depend upon the location of the equipment. Means may be provided to reduce the effect of
pollution. The effects of the following kinds of pollution shall be considered as given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Pollution requirements
Pollution Requirements
Chemically active substances Class 5C2 of EN 60721-3–5:1997
Contaminating fluids Class 5F2 (electrical engine) of EN 60721-3–5:1997
Class 5F3 (thermal engine) of EN 60721-3–5:1997
Biologically active substances Class 5B2 of EN 60721-3–5:1997
Dust Class 5S2 of EN 60721-3-5:1997
Stones and other objects Objects of max. 15 mm diameter and ballast
Distributor valves shall be designed so as to For the design of ventilation ducts
prevent intrusion of grasses and leaves,
pollen, flying insects, fibres etc.
Sand Class 5S2 of EN 60721-3-5:1997
Sea spray Class 5C2 of EN 60721-3-5:1997
5.9 Design requirements regarding structural integrity at maximum pressure
The design of the distributor valve and the distributor-isolating device shall allow safe required
performance with a maximum supply pressure of (10,00 ± 0,50) bar. It shall be taken into consideration
that maximum supply pressure can be reached in other pneumatic circuits of the distributor valve and
distributor-isolating device.
5.10 Tightness
Tightness of the distributor valve and the distributor-isolating device shall be such that technical
performance as specified by this European Standard is met without restrictions.
This requirement is tested in accordance with 6.3.2.
5.11 Fire behaviour
The fire behaviour of the distributor valve and distributor-isolating device shall correspond to the
requirements of EN 45545-2.
6 Functional requirements and Type tests
6.1 General
The following described tests are type tests.
They shall be carried out in order to assess the performance of the distributor valve and distributor-
isolating device in accordance with the requirements of this standard.
For distributor valves used on a vehicle in general operation, all the test requirements shall be achieved
to obtain type test compliance. The type tests shall be conducted and the records shall be kept as evidence
of the compliance with this standard.
For distributor valves used on other vehicles than for general operation, the relevant tests from this
standard shall be performed accordingly as defined by the distributor valves design documentation.
The tests shall be conducted on each type of distributor valve and distributor-isolating device. For
variants or modifications of a distributor valve, assessed and complying to this standard, only the specific
characteristics related to the changes are subject to testing.
The accuracy of the measuring devices shall be declared in the test report and the measurement
uncertainty shall be taken in account by the assessment (output pressures).
NOTE The figures used representing test results are given for clarity and are not conforming in all required
details (for example the scale) with the actual performance required.
Prior to type testing the applicable values of all relevant pressures shall be established from the relevant
design documentation for the particular type of distributor valve and distributor-isolating device to be
tested.
6.2 Test benches
The test benches shall be capable of simulating the pneumatic brake control equipment of either a single
vehicle or various trains. The required test benches for type test are defined in Annex A:
— Test bench type A: Single vehicle test bench
— Test benches type B to E: Train test benches
All tests shall be performed with test bench Type A where a relay valve (1:1) according to EN 15611 is
connected to the distributor valve, unless it is specified otherwise.
Maximum achievable air tightness shall be provided for the entire test bench. The test bench leakage shall
not be greater than 0,001 Nl/min in any separated pipe or reservoir volume, which is used for tightness
test of the distributor valve. The leakage of the brake pipe of a train test bench and of the brake cylinders
shall be such that the test results are not influenced.
6.3 Functional requirements and tests
6.3.1 General
Tests are required for each functional requirement if appropriate. Some tests may be related to more
than one requirement in which case when specifying the requirement, reference is given to the
corresponding test.
All test diagrams given for illustrating test procedure show basic pressure development during test and
may vary in detail from case to case.
All tests shall be performed at an ambient temperature of (25 ± 10) °C, at a normal working pressure of
(5,00 ± 0,05) bar and in brake position P unless otherwise specified in Clause 6.
For distributor valves used on a vehicle in general operation, tests shall be performed with no other
source for supply pressure than charging via the distributor valve and additional tests shall be performed
with maximum supply pressure as given in 5.9 where the auxiliary reservoir is kept continuously at that
pressure level.
For other distributor valves, designed for dual pipe application only, where the auxiliary reservoir
volume is supplied by the main reservoir pipe (MRP) only, the tests shall be performed with supply from
the main reservoir pipe. In this case the tests in 6.3.3 and in 6.3.20 are not applicable.
6.3.2 Tightness
6.3.2.1 General
Tightness of the distributor valve shall be tested on a test bench Type A in accordance with Annex A.
The test bench shall provide the possibility to reduce the monitored volume adequately for a reasonable
monitoring time. From the tightness requirement given in Nl/min the maximum permissible pressure
drop for the monitored volume in bar/min shall be calculated. The cocks used to reduce the volume shall
vent the pipe opposite to the distributor valve.
The monitoring time shall start after pressures have stabilized after normal variations of pressure as for
example quick service function or thermal effects.
6.3.2.2 Tightness with distributor in stand by (released) position
Requirements:
— Maximum leakage of input pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of auxiliary pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
Test sequence: Starting from stand-by position, isolate the distributor valve from the auxiliary reservoir
and the input pressure (brake pipe). Monitor the pressure drops and calculate the leakage, taking into
account the actual connected volumes, control chamber included.
Pass/fail criterion:
The test results shall correspond with the requirements.
6.3.2.3 Tightness after minimum reduction of the input pressure
Requirements:
— Maximum leakage of output pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of input pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of auxiliary pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of control chamber shall be ≤ 0,002 Nl/min.
Test sequence: The distributor valve shall build up stable output pressure after a minimum reduction of
the input pressure by 0,30 bar to 0,40 bar at least at a rate of the test of sensitivity 6.3.10. After
stabilization, isolate the distributor valve from the auxiliary reservoir, the input pressure (brake pipe)
and the pilot volume. Monitor the pressure drops and calculate the leakage, taking into account the actual
connected volumes.
Pass/fail criterion
The test results shall correspond with the requirements.
6.3.2.4 Tightness after a defined service brake application of 1,20 bar below normal working
pressure
Requirements:
— Maximum leakage of output pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of input pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of auxiliary pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of control chamber shall be ≤ 0,002 Nl/min.
Test sequence: The distributor valve shall build up stable output pressure after a reduction of input
pressure by 1,10 bar to 1,30 bar. After stabilization, isolate the distributor valve from the auxiliary
reservoir, the input pressure (brake pipe) and the pilot volume. Monitor the pressure drops and calculate
the leakage, taking into account the actual connected volumes.
Pass/fail criterion:
The test results shall correspond with the requirements.
6.3.2.5 Tightness after emergency brake application
Requirements:
— Maximum leakage of output pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of auxiliary pressure shall be ≤ 0,003 Nl/min.
— Maximum leakage of control chamber shall be ≤ 0,002 Nl/min.
Test sequence: The distributor valve shall build up stable output pressure after complete venting of the
input pressure. After stabilization, isolate the distributor valve from the auxiliary reservoir, the input
pressure (brake pipe) and the pilot volume. Monitor the pressure drops and calculate the leakage, taking
into account the actual connected volumes.
Pass/fail criterion
The test results shall correspond with the requirements.
6.3.3 Inexhaustibility
6.3.3.1 Requirement
The distributor valve as part of a brake system shall allow the train to run down all gradients on the main
railway lines safely and with minimum variations in the prescribed speed.
For vehicle used in generic operation the distributor valve shall manage its own energy supply by
managing the storage of compressed air in an external auxiliary reservoir. This shall be done for a
reservoir of the size necessary to provide braking functions according to this specification.
It shall always be possible, by emergency brake application on a given train when stationary, and
following manipulation of the driver’s brake valve, to obtain in the brake cylinders of the vehicles a final
average pressure at leas
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