EP2078845A1 - Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne - Google Patents

Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2078845A1
EP2078845A1 EP08100199A EP08100199A EP2078845A1 EP 2078845 A1 EP2078845 A1 EP 2078845A1 EP 08100199 A EP08100199 A EP 08100199A EP 08100199 A EP08100199 A EP 08100199A EP 2078845 A1 EP2078845 A1 EP 2078845A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
fuel
fuel tank
filter
tank
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08100199A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
William Flambert
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority to EP08100199A priority Critical patent/EP2078845A1/fr
Publication of EP2078845A1 publication Critical patent/EP2078845A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0076—Details of the fuel feeding system related to the fuel tank
    • F02M37/0082—Devices inside the fuel tank other than fuel pumps or filters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/0047—Layout or arrangement of systems for feeding fuel
    • F02M37/0052—Details on the fuel return circuit; Arrangement of pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
    • F02M37/24—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by water separating means
    • F02M37/26—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by water separating means with water detection means
    • F02M37/28—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by water separating means with water detection means with means activated by the presence of water, e.g. alarms or means for automatic drainage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
    • F02M37/32—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by filters or filter arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M37/00—Apparatus or systems for feeding liquid fuel from storage containers to carburettors or fuel-injection apparatus; Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines
    • F02M37/22—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system
    • F02M37/54—Arrangements for purifying liquid fuel specially adapted for, or arranged on, internal-combustion engines, e.g. arrangements in the feeding system characterised by air purging means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing water from entering and internal combustion engine through a fuel line. Further, the invention extends to a system and to a diesel combustion engine comprising said apparatus.
  • the fuel acts as a lubricant to reduce friction during engagement of the surfaces of the components of the engine, e.g. highly polished valve seats and fine nozzle orifices.
  • the momentum of the water entrained in the fuel will cause the surfaces to wear.
  • a relatively large amount of compression acts on the components during operation of the engine but, since water is incompressible, any water present within the FIE may damage the surrounding component surfaces. Therefore, it is extremely undesirable to allow free water to enter the FIE as its presence may significantly shorten the lifespan of the engine.
  • the primary and/or secondary fuel filter also serves to remove the majority of the free water from the fuel before it is drawn into the FIE.
  • the medium within the filter serves to separate the water from the fuel, and water droplets settle under gravity at the bottom of the filter.
  • This water can be drained manually by removing a plug in the filter, but this method of removing water from the filter is not ideal as it will not always prevent water from entering the FIE.
  • the filter receives a large volume of free water from the tank, the filter does not have sufficient capacity or means to separate the water from the fuel, and at least a portion of the water will be passed into the FIE before the water is drained from the filter. A situation where water is pumped into the FIE is undesirable for the above-described reasons.
  • Known systems include a sensor, housed within the filter, which detects when the water reaches a predetermined level (normally the level is set at a point where the water storage facility in the filter is nearing capacity) and indicates, via a warning signal, when that has occurred.
  • a predetermined level normally the level is set at a point where the water storage facility in the filter is nearing capacity
  • a warning signal typically an icon is illuminated on a dashboard
  • the invention arises from the Applicant's efforts to provide a water separation apparatus and system which prevents water from being drawn into the FIE. It is further intended to achieve these objectives whilst providing a system which does not suffer from the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • the inventor has recognised that overcoming the problems mentioned above is possible by providing apparatus for use with a fuel tank for preventing water from a fuel tank from entering an internal combustion engine through a fuel line connecting the fuel tank and the engine, the apparatus comprising: a fuel filter arranged to be connected within the fuel line; means for conveying fuel and any water entrained therein from the fuel tank to the filter; and means for conveying any water which has accumulated in the fuel filter back to the fuel tank.
  • the apparatus further comprises means for pumping fluid from the fuel tank into the filter.
  • the pumping means maybe a pressure pump or a suction pump.
  • the pumping means may be located anywhere in the fuel line provided the necessary pressure can be imparted to the filter. More preferably, the pumping means is located in the fuel tank.
  • the passage comprises a flow controlling means. This provides the advantage that the rate at which fuel (when no water is present in the filter) and water (when water is present in the filter) flows back into the fuel tank is controlled.
  • the flow controlling means is a portion of the passage which is constricted.
  • the constricted portion restricts the rate at which fluid may flow back into the tank.
  • the flow-controlling means may be a valve, and the width of the passage is not reduced in size and the flow rate of the respective fluids can be accurately controlled.
  • the valve can be electronically controlled by the engine control module (ECM) of the vehicle.
  • the flow-controlling means may advantageously comprise a one-way valve.
  • This type of valve provides the advantage of permitting water to pass from the filter to the tank via the passage when the pump is non-operational. Hence, when the driver has switched off the engine of the vehicle, the passage will continue to carry water from the filter into the tank. As result, when the engine is re-started, there will be no water remaining in the filter and the risk of free water being taken up into the FIE is reduced.
  • the one-way valve also prevents air being drawn into the filter when the engine is in operation.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises the tank. More preferably, a water sensing means is located within the fuel tank.
  • the water sensing means is positioned below the level at which fuel is able to be drawn from the tank. An unusually large influx of water into the fuel tank will not usually be sufficient to raise the water level from beneath that of sensor to the 'pick-up level'. In the event that water activates the sensor, a signal is generated before the water is pumped into the filter, and most importantly, before the volume of water accumulates in the filter and is pumped to the FIE.
  • the water sensor when activated, the water sensor generates a signal and transmits it to an electronic control module and/or a driver's visual display. This is particularly useful as, during maintenance of the vehicle, the service company can check the ECM to find relevant data for cross-checking with fault diagnosis and warranty claims.
  • the invention provides the further advantage that no drain is necessary in order for water to be efficiently prevented from being taken into the FIE.
  • the fuel tank is provided with means for draining water therefrom.
  • the draining means for example a plug
  • the draining means for example a plug
  • the opening and closing mechanism is partially or fully automated.
  • the plug would be directly activated or opened in response to a signal from the sensor which indicates that there is an undesirable amount of water in the tank.
  • the plug would then automatically close after a specific pre-determined timed period or when no further signal is received from the sensor after a set time period.
  • ECM independent signal initiated by the driver, i.e. a manually operable switch, which may be in response to the first signal on his dash board, could be generated to cause the plug to open and/or close.
  • the invention further resides in an apparatus for preventing water from a fuel tank from entering an internal combustion engine through a fuel line connecting the tank and the engine, the apparatus comprising: a fuel tank; means for sensing the presence of water within the fuel tank; and means, operable in response to the sensing means, for draining the water from the fuel tank.
  • the invention extends the apparatus as described above in combination with an internal combustion engine.
  • the invention also encompasses a method for preventing water from a fuel tank from entering an internal combustion engine through a fuel line via a fuel filter, the method comprising:
  • FIG 1 A typical system of the prior art is illustrated in Fig 1 in which the pathways of fluid communication are shown between a fuel tank 1, a fuel filter 3 and fuel injection equipment (FIE) 5.
  • FIE fuel injection equipment
  • the filter 3 is present either within a diesel fuel tank 1 or located, as shown in this example, along the fuel line between the fuel tank 1 and the FIE 5.
  • a feed pump 15 within the fuel tank 1 draws fuel from the tank 1 and pumps it into the filter 3 via a feed line 17.
  • the fuel tank 1 receives water from a variety of sources within the engine, for example, via the filler neck 13. Over time, the volume of water, which is more dense than diesel fuel, increases within the base of the fuel tank 1. Water within the fuel tank 1 normally resides under the fuel, lower than the pick-up level and will not be drawn up by the pump 15. However, the fuel, which may contain emulsified water, enters the filter 3 to be purified before it is drawn into the FIE 5.
  • the filter 3 comprises a type of chemically-treated filter medium 7 which repels water. As the fuel passes through the filter medium 7 the emulsified water forms droplets 9 and is substantially prevented from passing therethrough. The fuel travels through the medium 7 and up through the filter 3 and is pumped into the FIE 5. The water droplets 9, having a greater density than incoming diesel fuel, settle under gravity and collect in a bottom part 3a of the filter 3.
  • the filter 3 receives an unusually large amount of free water via feed line 17.
  • Such a volume of free water cannot be separated, stored or removed efficiently from the filter 3, and therefore at least a portion of the free water will be passed into the FIE 5 before the plug 11 can be removed and water is drained from the filter 3.
  • Fig 2 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the pathways of fluid communication are again shown between a fuel tank 1, a fuel filter 3 and FIE 5.
  • a feed pump 15 housed within the fuel tank 1 will pump fuel from the tank 1 via a feed line 17 to the filter 3.
  • the fuel passes through a chemically treated filter medium 7 within the filter 3 and, on one side of the filter, the emulsified water separates out of the fuel into water droplets 9.
  • the fuel continues to travel up through the filter 3 and is pumped into the FIE 5.
  • a passage 19 connects, with a first end, to the base 17 of the filter 3 and, with a second end communicates with the fuel tank 1.
  • fuel will flow out of the filter 3 and pass into this passage 19.
  • a valve 23 is located within the passage 19 and controls the rate at which fuel (when no water is present in the filter) and water (when water is present in the filter) flow back into the fuel tank 1.
  • the tank 1 is further provided with a sensor 25 which detects when the water in the tank 1 has risen to a predetermined level (which is lower than the 'pick-up level' at which level fuel is pumped by the feed pump 15 into the filter 3).
  • the water sensor 25 is positioned sufficiently below the 'pick-up level' so that an unusually large influx of water into the fuel tank 1 would not necessarily be sufficient to raise the water level in the tank 1 from beneath the level of sensor 25 to above the 'pick-up level'.
  • a signal is generated before the water is pumped into the filter 3, and more importantly, before water in the filter 3 is pumped into the FIE 5.
  • ECM engine control module
  • an icon on the driver's visual display is illuminated, indicating to the driver that this has occurred.
  • the fuel tank 1 has a much larger storage capacity than that of the filter 3. Hence, the tank 1 is able to accommodate a much larger volume of water than is possible in the filter 3.
  • the fuel tank 1 includes a plug or plug assembly 27 installed in the tank base 29 which can be temporarily disengaged from the tank base 29 to allow water to be drained.
  • a plug or plug assembly 27 installed in the tank base 29 which can be temporarily disengaged from the tank base 29 to allow water to be drained.
  • the driver When the driver has been alerted that the water level in the tank 1 has risen to at least the level of the sensor 25, he may choose to manually drain the excess water in the tank 1. However, if he fails to act immediately, and water is taken up by the pump 15 and fed into the filter 3, it is not an immediate problem because the water will flow into passage 19 and then be fed back to the tank 1. In the first instance, water will not begin to accumulate in the filter 3.
  • the plug 27 is automatically opened and/or closed in response to an electronic signal from the sensor 25 or an electric signal from the dashboard which may be routed from the ECM.
  • FIG 3 broadly the same apparatus of the invention is arranged as described above in relation to Figure 2 . However, there are a number of subtle differences.
  • the pump 15 is shown located in a feed line 31 between the filter 3, and the FIE 5. Provided the pump 15 provides enough pressure in the filter 3 the fuel (and water, if applicable) is caused to rise through the feed line 17 and enter the filter 3.
  • the flow control means is a one-way valve 33 which permits water to pass through and along passage 19 to the tank 1.
  • Figure 4 displays broadly the same layout of apparatus as described above in relation to Figure 2 .
  • the feed line 17 conveys the fuel from the tank 1 to the filter 3 at a location above the filter medium 7.
  • the medium 7 is configured differently i.e. a different geometric mesh positioned lower within the filter 3.
  • the droplets of water 9 form on a clean side of the filter medium 7 (rather than on the dirty side as in Figure 2 ).
  • the droplets 9 are still diverted to the base 3a of the filter 3 and are passed through passage 19 back to the tank 1 as previously described,

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
  • Filtration Of Liquid (AREA)
EP08100199A 2008-01-08 2008-01-08 Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne Withdrawn EP2078845A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08100199A EP2078845A1 (fr) 2008-01-08 2008-01-08 Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08100199A EP2078845A1 (fr) 2008-01-08 2008-01-08 Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne

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EP2078845A1 true EP2078845A1 (fr) 2009-07-15

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EP08100199A Withdrawn EP2078845A1 (fr) 2008-01-08 2008-01-08 Prévention de l'entrée d'eau dans un moteur à combustion interne

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102014009708A1 (de) 2014-07-02 2016-01-07 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Kraftstofffilter
DE112014001098B4 (de) * 2013-03-22 2017-08-31 Scania Cv Ab Kraftstoffanlage für einen Verbrennungsmotor und Verfahren zum Umgang mit Wasser in Kraftstoff in einer Kraftstoffanlage
WO2019094293A1 (fr) * 2017-11-07 2019-05-16 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Mécanisme de vidange d'eau pour ensembles filtre

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4328825A (en) * 1980-09-10 1982-05-11 General Motors Corporation Fuel tank water drain system
EP0362114A2 (fr) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-04 Stanadyne Automotive Corp. Filtre à carburant et séparateur d'eau disposés de part et d'autre d'un carter
DE3940026C1 (en) * 1989-12-04 1991-01-10 Mercedes-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, 7000 Stuttgart, De Motor vehicle diesel IC-engine fuel tank - has depression in base of tank with run-off valve and filter
WO2003067068A1 (fr) * 2002-02-04 2003-08-14 Ufi Filters S.P.A. Dispositif permettant de purger l'eau separee d'un filtre de combustible
WO2006080875A1 (fr) * 2005-01-25 2006-08-03 Scania Cv Ab (Publ) Vehicule automobile

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4328825A (en) * 1980-09-10 1982-05-11 General Motors Corporation Fuel tank water drain system
EP0362114A2 (fr) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-04 Stanadyne Automotive Corp. Filtre à carburant et séparateur d'eau disposés de part et d'autre d'un carter
DE3940026C1 (en) * 1989-12-04 1991-01-10 Mercedes-Benz Aktiengesellschaft, 7000 Stuttgart, De Motor vehicle diesel IC-engine fuel tank - has depression in base of tank with run-off valve and filter
WO2003067068A1 (fr) * 2002-02-04 2003-08-14 Ufi Filters S.P.A. Dispositif permettant de purger l'eau separee d'un filtre de combustible
WO2006080875A1 (fr) * 2005-01-25 2006-08-03 Scania Cv Ab (Publ) Vehicule automobile

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE112014001098B4 (de) * 2013-03-22 2017-08-31 Scania Cv Ab Kraftstoffanlage für einen Verbrennungsmotor und Verfahren zum Umgang mit Wasser in Kraftstoff in einer Kraftstoffanlage
DE102014009708A1 (de) 2014-07-02 2016-01-07 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Kraftstofffilter
DE102014009708B4 (de) * 2014-07-02 2016-06-16 Mann + Hummel Gmbh Kraftstofffilter
US9573083B2 (en) 2014-07-02 2017-02-21 Mann+Hummel Gmbh Fuel filter
WO2019094293A1 (fr) * 2017-11-07 2019-05-16 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Mécanisme de vidange d'eau pour ensembles filtre
US11333116B2 (en) 2017-11-07 2022-05-17 Cummins Filtration Ip, Inc. Water drain mechanism for filter assemblies

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