GB2333244A - Sensors in fuel filter systems - Google Patents
Sensors in fuel filter systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2333244A GB2333244A GB9800651A GB9800651A GB2333244A GB 2333244 A GB2333244 A GB 2333244A GB 9800651 A GB9800651 A GB 9800651A GB 9800651 A GB9800651 A GB 9800651A GB 2333244 A GB2333244 A GB 2333244A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- fuel
- filter
- filter element
- pressure
- sensor
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 131
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010705 motor oil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000000884 Airway Obstruction Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010008589 Choking Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002283 diesel fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007865 diluting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001556 precipitation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004018 waxing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/14—Safety devices specially adapted for filtration; Devices for indicating clogging
- B01D35/143—Filter condition indicators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D37/00—Processes of filtration
- B01D37/04—Controlling the filtration
- B01D37/043—Controlling the filtration by flow measuring
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D37/00—Processes of filtration
- B01D37/04—Controlling the filtration
- B01D37/046—Controlling the filtration by pressure measuring
Abstract
A fuel system comprises a fuel filter element 16 and a fuel volume sensor 22 arranged to produce a signal indicative of the volume of fuel filtered. The system may further comprise a pressure sensor 18 which measures either the pressure drop across the filter 16, or the fuel pressure upstream of the filter 16. The sensor 18 produces a signal 30 to indicate that the filter 16 is clogged, if the pressure drops too low, or that the filter has been ruptured, if the pressure exceeds a pre-determined limit.
Description
FUEL SYSTEM
This invention relates to a fuel system for use in supplying fuel to a high pressure fuel pump, the high pressure fuel pump being arranged to supply fuel under high pressure to the cylinders of a compression ignition internal combustion engine.
It is usual to provide a fuel filter in the fuel system to remove contaminants from the flow of fuel towards the high pressure fuel pump.
The contaminants collected by the filter gradually choke or clog the filter element of the filter, and at appropriate intervals the filter element is replaced. The replacement intervals are calculated empirically. It has been found that, depending upon the fuel used and upon other factors, premature choking of the filter may occur, for example where poor quality fuel containing a high level of contaminants is used.
An object of the invention is to provide a fuel system whereby an indication that the filter requires cleaning or replacement can be produced.
According to the present invention there is provided a fuel system comprising a fuel filter including a filter element, and a fuel volume sensor arranged to produce a signal indicative of the quantity of fuel which has been filtered by the filter element.
If the nature of the fuel is known, a calculation can be made as to how much fuel can be filtered by the filter element before the filter element becomes choked to an extent that a sufficient fuel supply rate to the high pressure fuel pump cannot be maintained. This quantity of fuel is referred to hereafter as the maximum permitted fuel quantity. The output signal of the fuel volume sensor can be monitored to determine when the actual quantity of fuel filtered by the filter element approaches the calculated maximum permitted fuel quantity, and to provide an indication that the filter element requires replacement.
The fuel system conveniently further includes a pressure sensor arranged to monitor the fuel pressure drop across the filter element and/or the fuel pressure upstream of the filter element. If the pressure drop becomes excessively high or the pressure upstream of the filter element exceeds a predetermined level, a signal can be produced indicating that the filter element has become choked. The pressure sensor can also be used to monitor operation of the filter to sense, for example, tearing of the filter element resulting in the continued flow of contaminants towards the high pressure pump which may cause damage thereto.
The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which:
Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a fuel system in accordance with an embodiment; and
Figures 2 to 5 are views similar to Figure 1 of alternative embodiments.
The fuel system illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a fuel reservoir 10 which is arranged to contain a supply of diesel fuel. A low pressure fuel pump 12 is arrange to draw fuel from the reservoir 10 through a suitable sedimenter arrangement 14 which includes a baffle arranged to define a flow path to permit relatively dense contaminants to be removed from the flow of fuel under the action of gravity, the low pressure fuel pump 12 being arranged to supply fuel to a fuel filter 16 arranged to remove further contaminant particles from the flow of fuel. The filter 16 carries a fuel pressure sensor 18 which is arranged to monitor either the pressure drop across a filter element of the filter 16, or alternatively to monitor the fuel pressure on the dirty side of the filter element. The output of the pressure sensor 18 is supplied to a control unit 20 which includes an appropriate display. Where the fuel system is used in a vehicle, the control unit 20 and display are conveniently located within the cab of the vehicle thus permitting easy monitoring of the display.
Fuel from the filter 16 is supplied to a fuel volume sensor 22, the fuel passing through the fuel volume sensor 22 being supplied to a high pressure fuel pump 24 which is arranged to compress the fuel and supply the fuel at high pressure to a plurality of fuel injectors 26, the injectors 26 being located to deliver fuel under high pressure to respective cylinders of an associated compression ignition internal combustion engine. Any fuel which is not delivered by the injectors 26 is returned to the fuel reservoir 10 through a backleak line 28.
The output signal of the fuel volume sensor 22 is supplied to the control unit 20 and is used by the control unit 20 to calculate the volume of fuel which has passed through the filter element of the filter 16 since the filter element was installed in the filter 16. The control unit 20 compares the quantity of fuel which has been filtered using the filter element with a calculated maximum permitted quantity which is indicative of the quantity of fuel which it is estimated can be filtered by the filter element before the filter element become choked to a sufficient level that fuel can no longer be supplied at a sufficient rate to the high pressure fuel pump 24 to permit continued efficient operation of the engine. Once the volume of fuel which has been filtered by the filter element approaches the calculated maximum permitted quantity, then an indicator light 30 is illuminated to provide an indication that the filter element requires replacement. The display device of the control unit 20 is conveniently arranged to display the quantity of fuel which has been filtered by the filter element, thus the operator can determine how much of the useful working life of the filter element has been used.
The control unit 20 further monitors the output of the pressure sensor 18, and is arranged such that if the output of the pressure sensor 18 exceeds a predetermined level, then an indication is provided on the display of the control unit to provide a warning that early choking of the filter element is occurring, and if desired the warning lamp 30 may be illuminated. A warning indication may also be produced if the output of the pressure sensor 18 falls below a predetermined level, indicating that the filter element of the filter 16 may have ruptured, thus fuel containing a high level of contaminants may be being supplied towards the high pressure fuel pump 24.
It will be appreciated that when the engine is started from cold, the fuel supplied to the filter 16 is likely to contain wax particles which results in temporary clogging of the filter element. In order to avoid the production of warning signals suggesting that the filter has failed or become clogged in these circumstances, the pressure sensor 18 conveniently also monitors the temperature of fuel supplied to the filter 16, the control unit 20 being arranged to compensate for temperature variations before providing an indication that the filter is operating incorrectly. In the event that the wax particles cause clogging to such a level that it will not clear or may cause the engine to stop operating correctly, then the system is conveniently arranged to cause the output of a signal indicating that the engine should be switched off or the vehicle not driven until the fuel has been heated to an extent sufficient to avoid the precipitation of wax.
It will be appreciated that the control unit 20 may be supplied with signals from other sensors, for example a water sensor associated with the filter 16, and that the display of the control unit 20 may be used to output a signal indicating when the quantity of water collected by the filter 16 exceeds a predetermined level and requires drainage therefrom.
Further, the output of the fuel volume sensor 22 may be used to provide an indication as to when the engine oil requires changing, this signal being based upon the assumption that a known fraction of the quantity of fuel supplied to the engine will flow past the engine piston rings, in use, diluting the engine oil.
In use, when the filter element of the filter 1 6 is replaced, an appropriate signal is applied to the control unit 20 to reset the calculation as to how much fuel has been filtered by the filter element, but for the purposes of determining when the oil requires changing, it is desirable for the data regarding the total quantity of fuel supplied to the engine to be retained.
Although the replacement of the filter element should result in the production of a signal resetting the calculation of the quantity of fuel filtered by the filter element, it will be appreciated that no such signal should be triggered if the same filter element is replaced in the filter 16, or if an incorrect filter is fitted.
The fuel volume sensor 22 takes the form of a known volume sensor arrangement and is of the positive displacement type. The sensor 22 may, for example, operate using a miniature piston and crank arrangement, or may use elliptical gears. The pressure sensor 18 may be of any suitable type, for example using a moveable or pressure sensitive surface or membrane.
To improve the accuracy of the measured fuel volume, the quantity of air in the fuel flow is preferably measured using an appropriate technique.
For example, the quantity of air could be monitored optically by monitoring changes in the transmittance of light through the fuel supply.
Alternatively, a bobbin could be incorporated within one of the fuel lines, the vertical position of the bobbin being dependent upon the quantity of air in the fuel flow. A further technique is to use the sensitivity of the volume sensor to monitor the air quantity, such an arrangement relying upon the operation of the sensor becoming more erratic as the air quantity increases. A final technique, where the filter incorporates an air management arrangement is to assume that the air quantity downstream of the filter is not greater than the maximum permitted by the air management arrangement, sensing the quantity of air in the air collection chamber of the air management arrangement so that excessive air build-up leading to overspill of air from the chamber can be monitored.
The arrangement illustrated in Figure 2 is similar to that of Figure 1 but differs in that excess fuel supplied to the high pressure fuel pump is returned through a fuel line 32 to the clean side of the fuel filter 16. As this fuel is returned to the clean side of the filter element, and hence does not flow through the filter element, the effective working life of the filter element is not altered by the return of fuel to the filter 16. It will appreciated that the returned fuel flows, subsequently, through the fuel volume sensor 22, thus the output of the fuel volume sensor 22 does not provide an accurate signal of the quantity of fuel which has passed through the filter element. However, the control unit 20 may be arranged to compensate for any such inaccuracies, using the output of other sensors provided in the fuel supply system to monitor the quantity of fuel returning from the high pressure fuel pump 24 to the clean side of the filter 16.
Figure 3 illustrates an arrangement in which fuel returning from the high pressure fuel pump 24 is returned to the dirty side of the filter 16, and thus passes through the filter element before returning through the fuel volume sensor 22 to the high pressure fuel pump 24. As this fuel has already been filtered by the filter element, the quantity of contaminants contained in the returned fuel is lower than that supplied to the filter directly from the fuel reservoir. In order to compensate for the lower level of contaminants in this part of the fuel being filtered by the filter 16, the quantity of fuel returned from the high pressure fuel pump 24 is monitored by returning the fuel through the fuel volume sensor 22, and supplying a signal indicative of the quantity of fuel returned by the fuel pump to the control unit 20.
Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement which is similar to that of Figure 3 but in which rather than returning the fuel directly to the dirty side of the filter element, the fuel is returned to the reservoir 10. In this case, the signal indicative of the quantity of fuel returned by the high pressure fuel pump 24 is of use in calculating the quantity of fuel supplied to the injectors 26, and hence in determining when the engine oil requires replacement. If the quantity of fuel flowing through the backleak line 28 is significant, then this flow of fuel should also be directed through the fuel volume sensor 22.
The arrangement illustrated in Figure 5 is effectively a combination of the arrangements of Figures 3 and 4, an orifice arrangement 34 being arranged to control the quantity of fuel returned directly to the dirty side of the filter, and to control the proportion returned to the reservoir 10.
The return of fuel to the dirty side of the filter 16 is of assistance in increasing the rate at which the temperature of the fuel supplied to the filter increases upon initial start up of the engine, thus reducing waxing.
Claims (5)
- CLAIMS 1. A fuel system comprising a fuel filter including a filter element, and a fuel volume sensor arranged to produce a signal indicative of the quantity of fuel which has been filtered by the filter element.
- 2. A fuel system as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor arranged to monitor the fuel pressure drop across the filter element and/or the fuel pressure upstream of the filter element.
- 3. A fuel system as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the output of the pressure sensor is used to produce a signal to indicate that the filter element has become choked.
- 4. A fuel system as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the output of the pressure sensor is used to produce a signal to indicate that the filter element has become torn.
- 5. A fuel system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9800651A GB2333244A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1998-01-14 | Sensors in fuel filter systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9800651A GB2333244A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1998-01-14 | Sensors in fuel filter systems |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9800651D0 GB9800651D0 (en) | 1998-03-11 |
| GB2333244A true GB2333244A (en) | 1999-07-21 |
Family
ID=10825204
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9800651A Withdrawn GB2333244A (en) | 1998-01-14 | 1998-01-14 | Sensors in fuel filter systems |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2333244A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7481919B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2009-01-27 | Keenan Andrew D | Multiple filter controller |
| US8157987B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2012-04-17 | Keenan Andrew D | Multiple filter controller and method of use |
| US20220145821A1 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2022-05-12 | Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh | Method for monitoring a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for carrying out such a method |
| US11384706B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2022-07-12 | Caterpillar Inc. | Systems and methods for predicting engine fuel filtration system service cycle |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4654140A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-03-31 | Chen Yen Ming | Pressure indicating device for indicating clogging condition of a filter |
| US4918426A (en) * | 1988-05-02 | 1990-04-17 | Amway Corporation | Method and apparatus for sensing fluid flow volume to indicate end of filter life |
| US5089144A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1992-02-18 | Nartron Corporation | Filter condition indicator having moveable sensor and aggregate flow counter |
| GB2259587A (en) * | 1991-09-11 | 1993-03-17 | Ford Motor Co | Engine fuel supply |
-
1998
- 1998-01-14 GB GB9800651A patent/GB2333244A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4654140A (en) * | 1985-11-18 | 1987-03-31 | Chen Yen Ming | Pressure indicating device for indicating clogging condition of a filter |
| US4918426A (en) * | 1988-05-02 | 1990-04-17 | Amway Corporation | Method and apparatus for sensing fluid flow volume to indicate end of filter life |
| US5089144A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1992-02-18 | Nartron Corporation | Filter condition indicator having moveable sensor and aggregate flow counter |
| US5089144B1 (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1996-11-12 | Nartron Corp | Filter condition indicator having moveable sensor and aggregate flow counter |
| GB2259587A (en) * | 1991-09-11 | 1993-03-17 | Ford Motor Co | Engine fuel supply |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7481919B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2009-01-27 | Keenan Andrew D | Multiple filter controller |
| US8110114B2 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2012-02-07 | Keenan Andrew D | Multiple filter controller and method of use |
| US8157987B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2012-04-17 | Keenan Andrew D | Multiple filter controller and method of use |
| US20220145821A1 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2022-05-12 | Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh | Method for monitoring a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for carrying out such a method |
| US11661900B2 (en) * | 2019-07-30 | 2023-05-30 | Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH | Method for monitoring a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for carrying out such a method |
| US11384706B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2022-07-12 | Caterpillar Inc. | Systems and methods for predicting engine fuel filtration system service cycle |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9800651D0 (en) | 1998-03-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |