Diesel orifice test?

K Cameron · **Joined:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:28 pm **Posts:** 8

I have been reading about the perimeters on steam loco air pump orifice testing. I don't see any for diesels. Are there? If there is, what are they.

CPR SOSA · **Joined:** Sun Nov 23, 2008 10:04 pm **Posts:** 6

Yes there is a Air Commpressor Orifice Test for Diesel Locomotives. There is also a Flow Meter Test if the Locomotive is equip a Flow Meter.

BSOR Patarak · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2015 4:50 pm

Is this required at a regular interval for locomotives other than steam? I found in Part 230.71 the specifics for Steam Compressors. I know I have seen it in the service specs for the Westinghouse 3CD Manual as well. Just curious how often it is required to be done.

Thanks,
Pat Connors
BSOR

BSOR Patarak · **Posted:** Fri Apr 17, 2015 8:23 pm

I found this in a 2001 change to the Part 229 code

Quote:

The final rule does not include the proposed requirement that locomotive compressors be tested for capacity by orifice test during the annual test required by § 229.27. FRA agrees that the requirement for orifice testing of locomotive air compressors was eliminated from part 229 in 1980. See 45 FR 21097. At that time, FRA found that such a test was not useful in detecting a bad compressor and, thus, found no reason to retain the requirement. Although the requirement to perform orifice testing remained in
§ 232.10(c), FRA’s elimination of the requirement from part 229 rendered the provision in part 232 meaningless. As no railroad has performed orifice testing since 1980 and because FRA is not aware of any safety hazard being created due to the elimination of such testing, FRA agrees that there is no justification for reinstating the requirement to perform such testing.

I also found that it was once in Part 232.10 prior to 2001. It appears that the code was amended and I didn't find it in the latest CFR. Prior to May 2001 it read:

Quote:

§232.10 General rules; locomotives.
(a) Air brake and hand brake equipment on locomotives including tender must be inspected and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Locomotive Inspection and United States Safety Appliance Acts and related orders and regulations of the Federal Railroad Administrator (FRA).

(b) It must be known that air brake equipment on locomotives is in a safe and suitable condition for service.

(c) Compressor or compressors must be tested for capacity by orifice test as often as conditions require but not less frequently than required by law and orders of the FRA.

Diesel orifice test?

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