“We noticed we had a gap. What if it is not a line-haul application and what if it is not a severe-duty application? So, we went back to the drawing board,” Williams said. (John Sommers II for Transport Topics)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Haldex launched the ApolloSDx air treatment system for commercial vehicles March 9 at the annual meeting of American Trucking Associations’ Technology and Maintenance Council.
The product is available from distributors starting March 11, the SAF-Holland unit said.
Air treatment systems remove water vapor, moisture, oil particles and other contaminants from compressed air generated by a truck’s compressor before it enters the air brake reservoirs.
Moisture in an air system can compromise brake performance. Without being checked, moisture can lead to frozen lines, reducing uptime and raising repair costs, the company noted.
The product is available from distributors starting March 11, the SAF-Holland unit said. (Haldex)
Air treatment systems also prevent rust-out, failed lines or seals.
ApolloSDx is targeted at applications that are not severe-duty, including over-the-road line-haul, dump trucks, roll-off and rural refuse trucks, straight and service trucks and agricultural vehicles.
“We noticed we had a gap. What if it is not a line-haul application and what if it is not a severe-duty application? So, we went back to the drawing board,” said Senior Commercial Product Manager Air Controls Americas Barry Williams.
The company’s range previously comprised the DRYest and PURest systems for line-haul trucks and the Gemini MDx option for severe-duty applications. The Gemini MDx is offered by Mack Trucks as a factory option.
Haldex’s air treatment products utilize a three-step process, with a pre-treatment condenser and separator, a multi-stage desiccant cartridge and an air dryer.
Haldex applies a multi-stage desiccant cartridge rather than the traditional single cartridge. (Haldex)
The condenser and separator remove 90% of oils, liquids and solid contaminants. The contaminants are then removed through an automatic drain valve. After that, Haldex applies a multi-stage desiccant cartridge rather than the traditional single cartridge, with the air forced through aluminum mesh and then three stages of gradually smaller desiccant.
The system is available in 12-volt and 24-volt applications.
The company has two air treatment system manufacturing plants in Marion, N.C., and Monterrey, Mexico. Marion produces the DRYest air dryer, the condenser/separators, automatic drain valve, and Gemini MDx. Monterrey manufactures the PURest air dryers, automatic brake adjustors, actuators, anti-lock braking systems and air disc brakes.
Customers are curious about how potential tariffs will impact Haldex production, said Williams, adding that company executives were holding daily meetings to stay abreast of potential impacts and requirements.
