Membrane Fuel Vapor Separator for Tank Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel vapor emission processing systems are inefficient in separating fuel components from vapor before discharge, leading to increased internal pressure in fuel tanks and unnecessary fuel vapor leaks into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A separation apparatus with a membrane disposed within a tube in the fuel emission control system increases turbulence of fuel vapor, separating it into a fuel-rich and a fuel-lean mixture, with the fuel-rich mixture being discharged back into the tank for adsorption and the fuel-lean mixture being released into the atmosphere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a membrane separation means is introduced to separate fuel vapor into fuel-rich and fuel-lean vapor, then fuel vapor leaks are reduced and atmospheric emissions are minimized, but the internal pressure of the fuel tank increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separation means is integrated within the existing fuel vapor processing system structure, with the membrane element nested inside a housing that is disposed within the fuel tank assembly. This nesting approach allows the separation function to be added without creating a completely separate system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the fuel vapor separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane separation means is combined with the existing fuel vapor processing components, including the housing, inlet port, and outlet port structure. By merging the separation function with the existing vapor processing pathway, the system achieves fuel vapor separation without requiring entirely separate infrastructure, thus reducing system complexity while effectively minimizing fuel vapor leaks.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a membrane separation means is introduced to separate fuel vapor, then atmospheric emissions are reduced, but the physical dimensions of the emission control system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separation means is nested within the existing fuel tank assembly structure, utilizing the available internal space. The housing containing the membrane element is disposed within the fuel tank, and the membrane element itself is positioned within the housing, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the additional physical dimensions required for the emission control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a thin membrane element as the separation means allows for effective fuel vapor separation with minimal physical dimensions. The membrane's thin film structure provides high separation efficiency in a compact form factor, reducing the volume required for the emission control system while effectively minimizing atmospheric emissions.
3Quantity of substance
If the membrane separation means is implemented as an independent spatial unit, then separation function is provided, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane separation means is merged with the existing fuel vapor processing system components, including the housing, inlet port, and outlet port. This integration allows the separation function to be provided while avoiding the complexity of an entirely independent spatial unit, as the membrane assembly shares structural elements with the existing vapor processing pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and associated components of the membrane separation means serve multiple functions: they contain the membrane element, provide structural support, facilitate vapor flow through the separation medium, and interface with the existing fuel tank assembly. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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
This approach effectively reduces fuel vapor leaks by maximizing the separation of fuel components from air, allowing for efficient recycling of fuel vapor and minimizing atmospheric emissions, while also reducing the physical dimensions of the emission control system.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane being disposed within the tube... separates the fuel vapor into a fuel-rich mixture and a fuel-lean mixture
Implementation Method 2
The disposition of the membrane increases turbulence of the fuel vapor in the tube
Implementation Method 3
a canister adsorbing fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a separation apparatus for use in a fuel emission control system. The separation apparatus includes a tube being disposed within a conduit of the fuel emission control system and a membrane being disposed within the tube. The tube includes an introduction port for introducing a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. The disposition of the membrane increases turbulence of the fuel vapor in the tube and separates the fuel vapor into a fuel-rich mixture and a fuel-lean mixture. The tube further includes a discharge port for discharging the fuel-rich mixture.