US20120006839A1 - Fuel tank vent system - Google Patents
Fuel tank vent system Download PDFInfo
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- US20120006839A1 US20120006839A1 US12/830,539 US83053910A US2012006839A1 US 20120006839 A1 US20120006839 A1 US 20120006839A1 US 83053910 A US83053910 A US 83053910A US 2012006839 A1 US2012006839 A1 US 2012006839A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fuel tank
- relief valve
- interior
- fuel
- tank
- Prior art date
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- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 113
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims description 59
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 10
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 9
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 9
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000272525 Anas platyrhynchos Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K15/03519—Valve arrangements in the vent line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K2015/03256—Fuel tanks characterised by special valves, the mounting thereof
- B60K2015/03296—Pressure regulating valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K15/03504—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems
- B60K2015/03509—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems with a droplet separator in the vent line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K15/03504—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems
- B60K2015/03514—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means adapted to avoid loss of fuel or fuel vapour, e.g. with vapour recovery systems with vapor recovery means
Definitions
- Fuel tanks are often vented. However, liquid fuel sometimes undesirably enters the vent system.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel tank vent system according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system of FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a draft illustrating operational characteristics of the fuel tank vent system of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a fuel tank vent system 10 according to an example embodiment.
- fuel tank vent system 10 vents a fuel tank through an oleophobic membrane which inhibits liquid fuel from entering the vent system.
- Fuel tank vent system can further includes one or both of a carburetor and a pressure release valve that accommodate pressure buildups while a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane.
- Fuel tank vent system 10 includes fuel tank 12 , vent conduits 14 A, 14 B (collectively referred to as vent conduits 14 ), membranes 16 A, 16 B (collectively referred to as membrane 16 ), vapor system 18 , fuel pump 20 , carburetor 22 of fuel intake system 24 , pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 .
- Fuel tank 12 comprises a tank configured to contain and supply fuel for use by an internal combustion engine having intake system 24 .
- fuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank. In other embodiments, fuel tank 12 may be formed from other materials.
- Vent conduits 14 comprise openings within or passages extending from fuel tank 12 through which an interior of the fuel tank 12 is vented. Vent conduits 14 communicate with an interior of fuel tank 12 proximate to a top side of fuel tank 12 , allowing fuel vapors to rise and pass through vent conduits 14 . Vent conduits 14 direct vapors from fuel tank 12 to membranes 16 .
- vent conduits 14 may include a single vent conduit 14 or more than two vent conduits 14 .
- vent conduits 14 comprise tubes extending from fuel tank 12 to membranes 16 .
- vent conduits 14 merely comprise openings within fuel tank 12 , wherein membranes 16 are located within the openings and within the walls around the openings in fuel tank 12 .
- Membranes 16 comprise oleophobic membranes configured to allow the flow of vapors or gases therethrough while preventing or inhibiting the flow or movement of fuel and other liquids across such membranes. Membranes 16 have high gas permeabilities while repelling liquids. Membranes 16 extend between fuel tank 12 and vapor system 18 to inhibit fuel from entering vapor system 18 while permitting gases or vapors to pass to vapor system 18 .
- system 10 is illustrated as including two membranes 16 , in other embodiments, system 10 may include a single membrane 16 or more than two membranes 16 .
- membranes 16 each comprise a filter medium substrate treated with a coating material including a cross-linked fluorosulfone-containing oligomer, which coats the surface of the substrate. This coating provides permanent oleophobicity and hydrophobicity to the filter. Examples of the material from which membrane 16 may be provided are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,342 issued on Jun. 17, 2003 to Wang et al., the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, membranes 16 may be provided by other hydrophobic or oleophobic filters or materials.
- Vapor system 18 comprises one or more mechanisms configured to inhibit or reduce the extent to which vapors are released to atmosphere.
- vapor system 18 comprises one or more carbon canisters configured to collect and store hydrocarbons for later use or disposal.
- vapor system 18 comprises one or more conduits which direct vapors back to fuel intake system 24 where the hydrocarbons are consumed. For example, in one embodiment, such conduits direct hydrocarbons back to an upstream side of carburetor 22 .
- vapor system 18 may additionally include one or more filters for filtering predetermined vapor components, wherein some predetermined vapor components, such as hydrocarbons, are redirected for storage or consumption and wherein other predetermined vapor components are permitted to be released to atmosphere.
- vapor system 18 may have other configurations for filtering, consuming and/or storing vapors from fuel tank 12 .
- Fuel pump 20 comprises a fuel pump operatively coupled between fuel tank 12 and fuel intake system 24 so as to pump or pressurize the flow of fuel from tank 12 to intake system 24 .
- Fuel pump 20 increases the flow of fuel from fuel tank 12 to overcome the otherwise restriction of fuel flow that may occur when membranes 16 become fuel wetted. In some embodiments, fuel pump 20 may be omitted.
- Carburetor 22 is part of fuel intake system 24 and is configured to blend air and fuel from fuel tank 12 for use by an internal combustion engine including fuel intake system 24 . As compared to internal combustion engines without membranes 16 , carburetor 22 is configured to restrict intake of fuel to fuel intake system 24 . In particular, carburetor 22 may have a smaller bowl inlet needle valve seat diameter to counteract high fuel supply pressures that may occur when membranes 16 become fuel wetted. In yet other embodiments, where fuel intake system 24 is part of a fuel injection system, carburetor 22 may be omitted.
- Pressure relief valve 28 comprises a valve mechanism in pneumatic communication with an interior of fuel tank 12 which is configured to relieve or lessen pressure within an interior of tank 12 when pressures within tank 12 exceed a predetermined threshold. Pressure relief valve 28 inhibit excess pressure build up within fuel tank 12 which might occur during fuel heating on warm-up, during wetting of membrane 16 and during diurnal heating. Pressure relief valve 28 inhibit pressure buildups within fuel tank 12 that might otherwise damage, deform or expand tank 12 to an undesirable extent, such as when fuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank. For example, pressure relief valve 28 may prevent undesirable expansion of fuel tank 12 into contact with a hot part of an engine which might melt or damage fuel tank 12 . Pressure relief valve 28 may additionally inhibit excessive pressurization of fuel being delivered to fuel intake system 24 such that a proper flow rate of fuel to fuel intake system 24 is achieved. Nominally the pressure relief valve 28 is closed forcing fuel tank vapors through vapor system 18 .
- Vacuum relief valve 30 comprises a valve mechanism in pneumatic communication with an interior of fuel tank 12 which is configured to relieve or lessen vacuum within an interior of tank 12 when the vacuum within tank 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Vacuum relief valve 30 inhibits excess vacuum within fuel tank 12 which might otherwise damage, deform or contract tank 12 to an undesirable extent, such as when fuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank. Vacuum relief valve 30 counteracts any vacuum that may occur during fuel use or diurnal tank cooling. In one embodiment, vacuum relief valve 30 is configured to limit vacuum within fuel tank 12 to less than three inches of water vacuum relative to atmosphere. In some embodiments, vacuum relief valve 30 may be omitted.
- pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 are both incorporated into and as part of a fuel tank cap 34 .
- 34 which includes valve 28 and 30 , may screw or otherwise fit into a fill opening 36 through exterior walls of fuel tank 12 so as to close off the fill opening 36 of fuel tank 12 .
- Cap 30 is configured to be removed or separated from fuel tank 12 , allowing fuel to be filled into fuel tank 12 , and then later reattached to fuel tank 12 covering the fill opening 36 .
- the construction of fuel tank 12 is simplified and repair, replacement by subsequent addition of cap 34 including valve 28 and 30 is facilitated.
- pressure relief valve 28 may alternatively be incorporated into a wall of fuel tank 12 .
- the vacuum relief valve 30 may be incorporated as part of a wall of fuel tank 12 .
- both pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 may be provided in a wall of fuel tank 12 rather than being incorporated into cap 34 .
- pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 may be provided as part of a single valve mechanism which relieves pressure within fuel tank 12 at a predetermined pressure threshold within tank 12 and which also relieves vacuum within fuel tank 12 at a predetermined vacuum threshold within tank 12 .
- pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 may be provided as part of a single duck bill umbrella valve mechanism.
- fuel tank vent system 10 collects or consumes fuel vapors.
- a carburetor and a pressure release valve accommodate pressure buildups while a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane.
- fuel tank vent system 10 counteracts negative side effects of such membranes 16 to prevent damage to fuel tank 12 and ensure proper fuel flow to the fuel intake system 24 .
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates fuel tank vent system 110 , another embodiment of fuel tank vent system 10 .
- Fuel tank vent system 110 is similar to fuel tank vent system 10 except that fuel tank vent system 110 includes carbon canister 118 , vacuum relief valve 130 and cap 134 in place of vapor system 18 , vacuum relief valve 30 and cap 34 , respectively. Those remaining components of fuel tank vent system 110 which correspond to components of fuel tank vent system 10 are numbered similarly.
- Carbon canister 118 comprises a particular embodiment of vapor system 18 .
- Carbon canister 118 comprises one or more carbon collection canisters or containers configured to collect and store hydrocarbons for later use or disposal.
- Carbon canister 118 receives hydrocarbon vapors that have passed through membranes 16 .
- carbon canister 118 may comprise other vapor collection and/or consumption mechanisms.
- Vacuum relief valve 130 and cap 134 are similar to vacuum relief valve 30 and cap 34 except that vacuum relief valve 130 is not incorporated as part of cap 134 , but is instead incorporated as part of wall 138 of fuel tank 12 .
- Cap 134 merely includes pressure relief valve 28 .
- Vacuum relief valve 130 and pressure relief valve 28 perform similar functions as those performed by pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 described above.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fuel tank vent system 210 , another embodiment of fuel tank vent system 10 .
- Fuel tank vent system 110 is similar to fuel tank vent system 10 except that fuel tank vent system 110 includes vapor return conduit 218 , pressure relief valve 228 , vacuum relief valve 230 and cap 234 in place of vapor system 18 , pressure relief valve 28 , vacuum relief valve 30 and cap 34 , respectively.
- Those remaining components of fuel tank vent system 110 which correspond to components of fuel tank vent system 10 are numbered similarly.
- Vapor return conduit 218 comprises a particular embodiment of vapor system 18 .
- Vapor return conduit 218 comprises one or more conduits configured to direct vapors back to fuel intake system 24 where the hydrocarbons are consumed. For example, in one embodiment, such conduits direct hydrocarbons back to an upstream side of carburetor 22 .
- vapor system 18 may additionally include one or more filters for filtering predetermined vapor components, wherein some predetermined vapor components, such as hydrocarbons, are redirected for consumption and wherein other predetermined vapor components are permitted to be released to atmosphere or are directed to collection canisters.
- vapor system 218 may have other configurations for filtering, consuming and/or storing vapors from fuel tank 12 .
- Pressure relief valve 228 , vacuum relief valve 230 and cap 134 are similar to pressure relief valve 28 , vacuum relief valve 30 and cap 34 except that pressure relief valve 228 and vacuum relief valve 230 are not incorporated as part of cap 234 , but are instead incorporated as part of wall 138 of fuel tank 12 .
- Pressure relief valve 228 and vacuum relief valve 130 perform similar functions as those performed by pressure relief valve 28 and vacuum relief valve 30 described above.
- FIG. 4 schematically illustrates fuel tank vent system 310 , another embodiment of fuel tank vent system 210 .
- Fuel tank vent system 310 is identical to fuel tank vent system 210 except that fuel tank vent system 310 is specifically illustrated as having a fuel tank 312 including a fill tube or fill neck 313 .
- Fill neck 313 comprises a tube extending to a predetermined location or depth into an interior of fuel tank 212 . Fill neck 313 assists in regulating the filling of tank 312 to inhibit over-filling of tank 312 .
- FIG. 5 is a graph or chart illustrating venting characteristics of pressure relief valve 228 and vacuum relief valve 230 when incorporated into fuel tank vent system 310 .
- vacuum relief valve 230 is configured to vent air or gas into tank 312 at a flow rate greater than or equal to a maximum anticipated fuel consumption rate for the engine being supplied with fuel (F fcmax ).
- F fcmax a maximum anticipated fuel consumption rate for the engine being supplied with fuel
- vacuum relief valve 230 vents air into tank 312 at a flow rate of at least 25 cubic centimeters per minute (ccm or sccm).
- ccm or sccm cubic centimeters per minute
- pressure relief valve 228 is configured to vent out gas from the interior of fuel tank 312 during filling of tank 312 with fuel.
- Pressure relief valve 228 is configured to send out gas at a flow rate of no greater than V/T, wherein V is a volume of the fill neck 313 and wherein T is the desired recession time for a given capacity of tank 312 (the desired amount of time for fuel within fuel neck 3132 to recede when a desired percentage of the interior of the fuel tank 312 has been filled with fuel).
- Pressure relief valve 230 releases or vents gas from tank 312 at a maximum rate of V/T until the pressure within tank 312 attains a pressure of P n .
- Pressure P n is the neck head pressure or the distance between a rim of filler neck 313 and a desired fill capacity (nominally in a range from 2-6 inches).
- pressure relief valve 228 is configured to vent out gas from the interior of the fuel tank at a flow rate of between about 30 ccm and 170 ccm up to a pressure within the interior of the tank of 1.2 KPa.
- pressure relief valve 228 cooperates with fill neck 313 to provide a user with a positive indication of when fuel tank 312 is filled to its desired fill capacity, accommodating pressure changes resulting from membranes 16 .
- pressure relief valve 228 is further configured to vent vapors or gas from the interior of tank 312 at pressures exceeding P n .
- pressure relief valve 228 vents gas at a flow rate of at least F TMmax starting at a maximum pressure within the interior of the tank (P AFI ) that causes the air to fuel ratio to lie outside the air to fuel ratio operating range of the engine being supplied with fuel.
- the flow rate F TMmax is greater than or equal to a rate at which pressure increases within the interior from thermal expansion and motion generated vapors.
- pressure relief valve 228 accommodates pressure increases that may result from membranes 16 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to maintain an appropriate air to fuel ratio of the fuel being supplied to the engine from fuel tank 12 .
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Abstract
An apparatus and method vent a fuel tank through an oleophobic membrane. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve accommodates pressure buildups that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane. In one embodiment, a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank. that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane.
Description
- Fuel tanks are often vented. However, liquid fuel sometimes undesirably enters the vent system.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fuel tank vent system according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system ofFIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the fuel tank vent system ofFIG. 1 according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a draft illustrating operational characteristics of the fuel tank vent system ofFIG. 4 according to an example embodiment. -
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a fueltank vent system 10 according to an example embodiment. As will be described hereafter, fueltank vent system 10 vents a fuel tank through an oleophobic membrane which inhibits liquid fuel from entering the vent system. Fuel tank vent system can further includes one or both of a carburetor and a pressure release valve that accommodate pressure buildups while a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane. - Fuel
tank vent system 10 includesfuel tank 12,vent conduits membranes vapor system 18,fuel pump 20,carburetor 22 offuel intake system 24,pressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30.Fuel tank 12 comprises a tank configured to contain and supply fuel for use by an internal combustion engine havingintake system 24. In one embodiment,fuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank. In other embodiments,fuel tank 12 may be formed from other materials. - Vent conduits 14 comprise openings within or passages extending from
fuel tank 12 through which an interior of thefuel tank 12 is vented. Vent conduits 14 communicate with an interior offuel tank 12 proximate to a top side offuel tank 12, allowing fuel vapors to rise and pass through vent conduits 14. Vent conduits 14 direct vapors fromfuel tank 12 to membranes 16. - Although
system 10 is illustrated as including two vent conduits 14, in other embodiments,system 10 may include a single vent conduit 14 or more than two vent conduits 14. In one embodiment, vent conduits 14 comprise tubes extending fromfuel tank 12 to membranes 16. In another embodiment, vent conduits 14 merely comprise openings withinfuel tank 12, wherein membranes 16 are located within the openings and within the walls around the openings infuel tank 12. - Membranes 16 comprise oleophobic membranes configured to allow the flow of vapors or gases therethrough while preventing or inhibiting the flow or movement of fuel and other liquids across such membranes. Membranes 16 have high gas permeabilities while repelling liquids. Membranes 16 extend between
fuel tank 12 andvapor system 18 to inhibit fuel from enteringvapor system 18 while permitting gases or vapors to pass tovapor system 18. Althoughsystem 10 is illustrated as including two membranes 16, in other embodiments,system 10 may include a single membrane 16 or more than two membranes 16. - In one embodiment, membranes 16 each comprise a filter medium substrate treated with a coating material including a cross-linked fluorosulfone-containing oligomer, which coats the surface of the substrate. This coating provides permanent oleophobicity and hydrophobicity to the filter. Examples of the material from which membrane 16 may be provided are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,342 issued on Jun. 17, 2003 to Wang et al., the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In other embodiments, membranes 16 may be provided by other hydrophobic or oleophobic filters or materials.
-
Vapor system 18 comprises one or more mechanisms configured to inhibit or reduce the extent to which vapors are released to atmosphere. In one embodiment,vapor system 18 comprises one or more carbon canisters configured to collect and store hydrocarbons for later use or disposal. In another embodiment,vapor system 18 comprises one or more conduits which direct vapors back tofuel intake system 24 where the hydrocarbons are consumed. For example, in one embodiment, such conduits direct hydrocarbons back to an upstream side ofcarburetor 22. In some embodiments,vapor system 18 may additionally include one or more filters for filtering predetermined vapor components, wherein some predetermined vapor components, such as hydrocarbons, are redirected for storage or consumption and wherein other predetermined vapor components are permitted to be released to atmosphere. In some embodiments,vapor system 18 may have other configurations for filtering, consuming and/or storing vapors fromfuel tank 12. -
Fuel pump 20 comprises a fuel pump operatively coupled betweenfuel tank 12 andfuel intake system 24 so as to pump or pressurize the flow of fuel fromtank 12 tointake system 24.Fuel pump 20 increases the flow of fuel fromfuel tank 12 to overcome the otherwise restriction of fuel flow that may occur when membranes 16 become fuel wetted. In some embodiments,fuel pump 20 may be omitted. - Carburetor 22 is part of
fuel intake system 24 and is configured to blend air and fuel fromfuel tank 12 for use by an internal combustion engine includingfuel intake system 24. As compared to internal combustion engines without membranes 16,carburetor 22 is configured to restrict intake of fuel tofuel intake system 24. In particular,carburetor 22 may have a smaller bowl inlet needle valve seat diameter to counteract high fuel supply pressures that may occur when membranes 16 become fuel wetted. In yet other embodiments, wherefuel intake system 24 is part of a fuel injection system,carburetor 22 may be omitted. -
Pressure relief valve 28 comprises a valve mechanism in pneumatic communication with an interior offuel tank 12 which is configured to relieve or lessen pressure within an interior oftank 12 when pressures withintank 12 exceed a predetermined threshold.Pressure relief valve 28 inhibit excess pressure build up withinfuel tank 12 which might occur during fuel heating on warm-up, during wetting of membrane 16 and during diurnal heating.Pressure relief valve 28 inhibit pressure buildups withinfuel tank 12 that might otherwise damage, deform or expandtank 12 to an undesirable extent, such as whenfuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank. For example,pressure relief valve 28 may prevent undesirable expansion offuel tank 12 into contact with a hot part of an engine which might melt or damagefuel tank 12.Pressure relief valve 28 may additionally inhibit excessive pressurization of fuel being delivered tofuel intake system 24 such that a proper flow rate of fuel tofuel intake system 24 is achieved. Nominally thepressure relief valve 28 is closed forcing fuel tank vapors throughvapor system 18. -
Vacuum relief valve 30 comprises a valve mechanism in pneumatic communication with an interior offuel tank 12 which is configured to relieve or lessen vacuum within an interior oftank 12 when the vacuum withintank 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold.Vacuum relief valve 30 inhibits excess vacuum withinfuel tank 12 which might otherwise damage, deform orcontract tank 12 to an undesirable extent, such as whenfuel tank 12 comprises a plastic fuel tank.Vacuum relief valve 30 counteracts any vacuum that may occur during fuel use or diurnal tank cooling. In one embodiment,vacuum relief valve 30 is configured to limit vacuum withinfuel tank 12 to less than three inches of water vacuum relative to atmosphere. In some embodiments,vacuum relief valve 30 may be omitted. - As schematically shown in
FIG. 1 , in the example illustrated,pressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 are both incorporated into and as part of afuel tank cap 34. For example, 34, which includesvalve fuel tank 12 so as to close off the fill opening 36 offuel tank 12.Cap 30 is configured to be removed or separated fromfuel tank 12, allowing fuel to be filled intofuel tank 12, and then later reattached tofuel tank 12 covering the fill opening 36. As a result, the construction offuel tank 12 is simplified and repair, replacement by subsequent addition ofcap 34 includingvalve - In other embodiments,
pressure relief valve 28 may alternatively be incorporated into a wall offuel tank 12. In other embodiments, thevacuum relief valve 30 may be incorporated as part of a wall offuel tank 12. In yet other embodiments, bothpressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 may be provided in a wall offuel tank 12 rather than being incorporated intocap 34. In yet other embodiments,pressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 may be provided as part of a single valve mechanism which relieves pressure withinfuel tank 12 at a predetermined pressure threshold withintank 12 and which also relieves vacuum withinfuel tank 12 at a predetermined vacuum threshold withintank 12. For example, in one body,pressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 may be provided as part of a single duck bill umbrella valve mechanism. - Overall, fuel
tank vent system 10 collects or consumes fuel vapors. One or both of a carburetor and a pressure release valve accommodate pressure buildups while a vacuum relief valve accommodates pressure drops within the fuel tank that may result from use of the oleophobic membrane. As a result, fueltank vent system 10 counteracts negative side effects of such membranes 16 to prevent damage tofuel tank 12 and ensure proper fuel flow to thefuel intake system 24. -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates fueltank vent system 110, another embodiment of fueltank vent system 10. Fueltank vent system 110 is similar to fueltank vent system 10 except that fueltank vent system 110 includes carbon canister 118,vacuum relief valve 130 andcap 134 in place ofvapor system 18,vacuum relief valve 30 andcap 34, respectively. Those remaining components of fueltank vent system 110 which correspond to components of fueltank vent system 10 are numbered similarly. - Carbon canister 118 comprises a particular embodiment of
vapor system 18. Carbon canister 118 comprises one or more carbon collection canisters or containers configured to collect and store hydrocarbons for later use or disposal. Carbon canister 118 receives hydrocarbon vapors that have passed through membranes 16. In other embodiments, carbon canister 118 may comprise other vapor collection and/or consumption mechanisms. -
Vacuum relief valve 130 andcap 134 are similar tovacuum relief valve 30 andcap 34 except thatvacuum relief valve 130 is not incorporated as part ofcap 134, but is instead incorporated as part ofwall 138 offuel tank 12.Cap 134 merely includespressure relief valve 28.Vacuum relief valve 130 andpressure relief valve 28 perform similar functions as those performed bypressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 described above. -
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fueltank vent system 210, another embodiment of fueltank vent system 10. Fueltank vent system 110 is similar to fueltank vent system 10 except that fueltank vent system 110 includesvapor return conduit 218,pressure relief valve 228,vacuum relief valve 230 andcap 234 in place ofvapor system 18,pressure relief valve 28,vacuum relief valve 30 andcap 34, respectively. Those remaining components of fueltank vent system 110 which correspond to components of fueltank vent system 10 are numbered similarly. -
Vapor return conduit 218 comprises a particular embodiment ofvapor system 18.Vapor return conduit 218 comprises one or more conduits configured to direct vapors back tofuel intake system 24 where the hydrocarbons are consumed. For example, in one embodiment, such conduits direct hydrocarbons back to an upstream side ofcarburetor 22. In some embodiments,vapor system 18 may additionally include one or more filters for filtering predetermined vapor components, wherein some predetermined vapor components, such as hydrocarbons, are redirected for consumption and wherein other predetermined vapor components are permitted to be released to atmosphere or are directed to collection canisters. In some embodiments,vapor system 218 may have other configurations for filtering, consuming and/or storing vapors fromfuel tank 12. -
Pressure relief valve 228,vacuum relief valve 230 andcap 134 are similar topressure relief valve 28,vacuum relief valve 30 andcap 34 except thatpressure relief valve 228 andvacuum relief valve 230 are not incorporated as part ofcap 234, but are instead incorporated as part ofwall 138 offuel tank 12.Pressure relief valve 228 andvacuum relief valve 130 perform similar functions as those performed bypressure relief valve 28 andvacuum relief valve 30 described above. -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates fueltank vent system 310, another embodiment of fueltank vent system 210. Fueltank vent system 310 is identical to fueltank vent system 210 except that fueltank vent system 310 is specifically illustrated as having afuel tank 312 including a fill tube or fillneck 313. Fillneck 313 comprises a tube extending to a predetermined location or depth into an interior of fuel tank 212. Fillneck 313 assists in regulating the filling oftank 312 to inhibit over-filling oftank 312. -
FIG. 5 is a graph or chart illustrating venting characteristics ofpressure relief valve 228 andvacuum relief valve 230 when incorporated into fueltank vent system 310. As shown byarea 400,vacuum relief valve 230 is configured to vent air or gas intotank 312 at a flow rate greater than or equal to a maximum anticipated fuel consumption rate for the engine being supplied with fuel (Ffcmax). In the example illustrated,vacuum relief valve 230 vents air intotank 312 at a flow rate of at least 25 cubic centimeters per minute (ccm or sccm). As a result,vacuum relief valve 230 accommodates any vacuum that may result from an airflow restriction resulting from use of the oleophobic during start up of the engine so as to maintain a desired air to fuel ratio in the fuel being supplied to the engine. - As shown by
area 402,pressure relief valve 228 is configured to vent out gas from the interior offuel tank 312 during filling oftank 312 with fuel.Pressure relief valve 228 is configured to send out gas at a flow rate of no greater than V/T, wherein V is a volume of thefill neck 313 and wherein T is the desired recession time for a given capacity of tank 312 (the desired amount of time for fuel within fuel neck 3132 to recede when a desired percentage of the interior of thefuel tank 312 has been filled with fuel).Pressure relief valve 230 releases or vents gas fromtank 312 at a maximum rate of V/T until the pressure withintank 312 attains a pressure of Pn. Pressure Pn is the neck head pressure or the distance between a rim offiller neck 313 and a desired fill capacity (nominally in a range from 2-6 inches). In the example illustrated,pressure relief valve 228 is configured to vent out gas from the interior of the fuel tank at a flow rate of between about 30 ccm and 170 ccm up to a pressure within the interior of the tank of 1.2 KPa. As a result,pressure relief valve 228 cooperates withfill neck 313 to provide a user with a positive indication of whenfuel tank 312 is filled to its desired fill capacity, accommodating pressure changes resulting from membranes 16. - As shown by
area 404,pressure relief valve 228 is further configured to vent vapors or gas from the interior oftank 312 at pressures exceeding Pn. As shown byarea 406, when the pressure withintank 312 reaches a pressure which the air to fuel ratio being supplied to the engine is detrimentally impacted,pressure relief valve 228 vents gas at a flow rate of at least FTMmax starting at a maximum pressure within the interior of the tank (PAFI) that causes the air to fuel ratio to lie outside the air to fuel ratio operating range of the engine being supplied with fuel. In the example illustrated, the flow rate FTMmax is greater than or equal to a rate at which pressure increases within the interior from thermal expansion and motion generated vapors. As a result,pressure relief valve 228 accommodates pressure increases that may result from membranes 16 (shown inFIG. 3 ) to maintain an appropriate air to fuel ratio of the fuel being supplied to the engine fromfuel tank 12. - Although the present disclosure has been described with example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus comprising:
a fuel tank;
a vent conduit extending from an interior of the fuel tank;
an oleophobic membrane across the vent conduit; and
a vacuum relief valve between the interior of the fuel tank and atmosphere.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pressure relief valve between the interior of the tank and atmosphere.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to vent out gas from the interior of the fuel tank at a flow rate of between about 30 ccm and 170 ccm up to a pressure within the interior of the tank of 1.2 KPa.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to an engine configured to operate using an air to fuel ratio within an intended range and wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to vent gas out of the interior of the tank at a flow rate of at least FTMmax starting at a maximum pressure within the interior of the tank that causes the air to fuel ratio to lie outside the intended range and wherein the flow rate FTMmax is greater than or equal to the rate of thermal and vapor expansion within the fuel tank due to increasing thermal transients and motion generated vapors.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a cap incorporating the pressure relief valve.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the cap incorporates the vacuum relief valve.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fuel tank incorporating the pressure relief valve.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the cap incorporates the vacuum relief valve.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cap incorporates the vacuum relief valve.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fuel tank has an outer wall incorporating the vacuum relief valve.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vacuum relief valve is configured to vent gas into the interior of the fuel tank at a flow rate of at least 25 ccm.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a second that conduit influence communication with the interior of the fuel tank; and
a second oleophobic membrane across the second vent conduit.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a carbon canister connected to the vent conduit on an opposite side of the oleophobic membrane as the fuel tank.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vent conduit is connected to an intake system of an engine including the carburetor.
15. An apparatus comprising:
a fuel tank;
a vent conduit extending from an interior of the fuel tank;
an oleophobic membrane across the vent conduit;
a pressure relief valve in fluid communication with the interior of the tank; and
a vacuum relief valve between the interior of the fuel tank and atmosphere.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to vent out gas from the interior of the fuel tank at a flow rate of between about 30 ccm and 170 ccm up to a pressure within the interior of the tank of 1.2 KPa.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to an engine configured to operate using an air to fuel ratio within a range and wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to vent gas out of the interior of the tank at a flow rate of at least FTMmax starting at a maximum pressure within the interior of the tank that causes the air to fuel ratio to lie outside the range and wherein the flow rate FTMmax is greater than or equal to the rate of thermal and vapor expansion within the fuel tank due to increasing thermal transients and motion generated vapors.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a carburetor operatively coupled to the fuel tank and a fuel pump operatively coupled between the fuel tank and the carburetor.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a cap incorporating at least one of the pressure relief valve and the vacuum relief valve.
20. A method comprising:
venting an interior of a fuel tank across an oleophobic membrane to a vapor handling system; and
relieving a vacuum in the fuel tank through a vacuum relief valve.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/830,539 US20120006839A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2010-07-06 | Fuel tank vent system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/830,539 US20120006839A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2010-07-06 | Fuel tank vent system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120006839A1 true US20120006839A1 (en) | 2012-01-12 |
Family
ID=45437862
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/830,539 Abandoned US20120006839A1 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2010-07-06 | Fuel tank vent system |
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US (1) | US20120006839A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10639579B2 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2020-05-05 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Pleated tank vent |
US11077748B2 (en) * | 2016-02-25 | 2021-08-03 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Liquid reservoir shutoff vent |
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US5317909A (en) * | 1991-04-02 | 1994-06-07 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Abnormality detecting apparatus for use in fuel transpiration prevention systems |
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US10639579B2 (en) | 2014-10-01 | 2020-05-05 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Pleated tank vent |
US11077748B2 (en) * | 2016-02-25 | 2021-08-03 | Donaldson Company, Inc. | Liquid reservoir shutoff vent |
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Owner name: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHEARS, PETER D.;REEL/FRAME:024634/0972 Effective date: 20100628 |
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