Fuel Pump Filter Clogging Prevention via Periodic Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel filters in fuel dispensers often clog due to congealing fuel components and bacteria growth, especially in low-use scenarios, leading to reduced fuel flow and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A fuel pump unit with a bypass channel connecting the pressure side to the suction side via the fuel filter, equipped with a control device that periodically recirculates fuel through the filter when not in use, using a flow meter and temperature sensor to adjust recirculation intervals based on flow and temperature conditions, and optionally incorporating a heating member to prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the pump is stopped to conserve energy during low-use periods, then energy consumption is reduced, but fuel filter clogging increases due to stagnant fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic recirculation of fuel through the filter at scheduled intervals when the pump is not in active use. This periodic action prevents continuous stagnant conditions that cause clogging, while avoiding continuous operation that would waste energy. The control unit activates the pump periodically to circulate fuel through the filter, maintaining cleanliness without requiring constant pump operation.
2Reliability
If the pump operates continuously to prevent filter clogging, then fuel filter reliability is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the system uses periodic recirculation cycles where the pump operates at intervals to circulate fuel through the filter. This maintains filter reliability by preventing stagnant conditions and deposit formation, while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The control unit manages these periodic cycles based on system needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a bypass channel allows fuel recirculation without passing through the filter, then energy efficiency is improved, but filter clogging worsens due to lack of cleansing
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the bypass channel for continuous or frequent recirculation to maintain energy efficiency, but periodically redirects fuel flow to pass through the filter via the main pump operation. This periodic filtration action cleanses the filter and prevents clogging, while the bypass provides efficient recirculation during intervals when the filter is being maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass channel enables continuous fuel recirculation without interruption, maintaining system operation and energy efficiency. Combined with periodic pump activation that forces filtration, this ensures the filter receives periodic cleansing while the system maintains continuous useful action through the bypass recirculation path.
4Reliability
If recirculation runs constantly to prevent clogging, then fuel filter reliability is maintained, but wear on the pump unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic recirculation cycles where the pump operates intermittently rather than continuously. This periodic operation maintains filter reliability by regularly circulating fuel through the filter to prevent clogging, while significantly reducing the cumulative operating time and wear on the pump unit compared to constant recirculation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces clogging by preventing congealing and bacteria growth, maintaining fuel flow, and minimizing maintenance through controlled recirculation, while optimizing energy use and reducing wear on the pump unit.
Implementation Method 1
The clogging of the fuel filter by congealing fuel components is reduced by periodically recirculating fuel through the fuel filter
Implementation Method 2
a fuel pump unit for a fuel dispensing unit comprising a pump with a suction side and a pressure side
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a fuel pump unit (8) for a fuel dispensing unit comprising a pump (9) with a suction side (14) and a pressure side (15), said suction side (14) having an inlet (16) equipped with a fuel filter (17), and a bypass channel (18) connecting said pressure side (15) to said suction side (14) via said fuel filter (17). The fuel pump unit is characterised in that said fuel pump unit (8) further comprises a control device (7) adapted to periodically start said pump (9), when the fuel flow through said fuel filter (17) has stopped, to recirculate fuel via said bypass channel (18) and through said fuel filter (17) to reduce clogging of the filter. The invention also relates to a fuel dispensing unit comprising such a fuel pump unit (8) and a method for reducing the clogging of a fuel filter (17) in a fuel pump unit (8).