Segmented Filter Element with Spacers for Fuel Vapor Sorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filter systems face challenges in maintaining low flow resistance while maximizing the filtration capacity for hydrocarbons in fuel vapor streams, which is crucial to prevent automatic deactivation of fuel nozzles during refueling and ensure efficient hydrocarbon removal.
Innovation Solution
The filter element features multiple layers of substrate material with spacers between them, creating defined gaps that optimize fluid flow and increase contact between hydrocarbons and the sorbing surface, enhancing filtration capacity and ensuring low flow resistance by introducing turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple layers of substrate material are used to increase filter capacity, then the filter capacity is improved, but the flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate material is divided into multiple layers with spacers creating gaps between them. This segmentation allows the fluid to flow through defined paths while maintaining multiple sorbing surfaces, thereby increasing filter capacity without proportionally increasing flow resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension by creating gaps between layers using spacers. This dimensional approach allows fluid to access sorbing surfaces from multiple directions (axial and radial flow paths), increasing contact opportunities without simply stacking layers directly on top of each other which would increase resistance.
2Loss of energy
If the fluid flows quickly through the filter to maintain low flow resistance, then the refueling process continues smoothly, but fewer hydrocarbon molecules contact the sorbing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented into multiple layers separated by spacers, creating a multi-level structure. This segmentation increases the total surface area available for sorption while maintaining open flow paths, allowing more hydrocarbon molecules to contact the sorbing surface during rapid flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing radial gaps between layers, the invention creates additional flow dimensions. Fluid can move axially through the filter and radially across the gaps, increasing the probability of hydrocarbon molecule-sorbing surface interactions without significantly increasing flow resistance.
3Loss of energy
If the gaps between layers are made larger to reduce flow resistance, then the flow resistance decreases, but the contact between hydrocarbons and sorbing surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes gap dimensions in the radial direction while maintaining effective sorbing surface area. The spacers create controlled radial gaps that allow fluid passage while keeping the sorbing surfaces positioned to maximize contact opportunities, balancing flow resistance and sorption efficiency.
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 configuration significantly increases the filter capacity by ensuring more hydrocarbon molecules come into contact with the sorbing surface, maintaining low flow resistance and preventing unfiltered gas molecules from passing through, thus ensuring a continuous refueling process.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer forms regions of increased flow resistance in the gaps between the layers. As a result, turbulence of the fluid to be filtered can be achieved, resulting in as many molecules as possible of the substance to be sorbed coming into contact with the sorbing surface
Implementation Method 2
a sorbing, in particular adsorbing, surface is formed on at least one side
Data Source
AI summary
Filter element (1) for filtering a substance, in particular a hydrocarbon, out of a fluid flow, in particular out of a fuel container, with a substrate material (2) on which a sorbing, in particular adsorbing, surface is formed on at least one side, at least in part, wherein the filter element (1) includes multiple mutually-opposite layers of the substrate material (2), wherein the individual layers are arranged so as to be mutually spaced, and wherein the filter element (1) includes at least one spacer (6) that is provided between two layers in each case.