Tank Vent Assembly with Check Valve and Filter for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank vents in the refuelling systems for diesel-powered equipment in dirty and dusty environments lack adequate air filtration, failing to meet stringent contamination control standards, as they typically do not have air filtering mechanisms, and existing filtered vents do not ensure that all air and fuel pass through the filter element, leading to potential contamination ingress.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief valve and vent assembly that includes a vent body with an exhaust check valve allowing fluid flow from the tank to atmosphere, a filter element with an ambient air inlet and check valve for controlled air intake, a strainer upstream of the filter, and a labyrinth to reduce moisture entry, ensuring that all incoming and outgoing air and fuel bypass the filter element, except for controlled ambient air intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a generic air filter element is installed on the tank vent, then the degree of filtration is improved, but air and fuel from the pressure relief valve bypass the filter element causing contamination ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The vent system is divided into separate functional pathways: a primary vent passage for normal operation with filter integration, and a secondary pressure relief passage. The pressure relief valve is positioned to discharge directly to atmosphere bypassing the filter, while the filter remains effective for the primary venting function. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the pressure relief pathway. This check valve selectively directs flow: during normal operation it allows air-fuel mixture to pass through the filter via the primary vent passage, while during pressure relief events it redirects the discharge away from the filter. The check valve mediates between the conflicting requirements of filtration and pressure relief.
2Ease of operation
If the vent inlet is directly exposed to the atmosphere, then free discharge of air during refuelling is improved, but rainfall and wash-down water enter the vent causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible diaphragm or membrane is positioned at the vent inlet to separate the atmospheric opening from the internal vent passages. This flexible barrier allows air to pass freely during normal operation while preventing water and contaminants from entering. The flexibility maintains the free discharge function while adding protective filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent inlet assembly uses composite construction combining a hydrophobic filter material with a flexible membrane. The hydrophobic property repels water while allowing air passage, and the flexible membrane provides mechanical protection. This composite structure simultaneously achieves free air discharge and water ingress prevention.
3Temperature
If remote mounted air filters and desiccant elements are installed on tank vents, then moisture removal is improved, but the micron rating of the air filters is too coarse to meet contamination control standards
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtration and moisture removal functions are merged into a single integrated vent assembly. The assembly combines a high-efficiency filter element (meeting contamination standards), desiccant material for moisture removal, and pressure relief functionality in one unit. This integration ensures all air passing through the vent receives comprehensive treatment for both contamination and moisture control.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs: (1) fine particle filtration meeting contamination standards, (2) moisture removal via desiccant, (3) pressure relief, and (4) normal venting operation. This universal design eliminates the need for separate remote-mounted components and ensures all functions work together within a single integrated system.
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
The solution provides enhanced filtration and contamination control by ensuring all incoming and outgoing air and fuel are properly routed, minimizing moisture entry and maintaining filter integrity, while allowing controlled air intake and exhaust, thus meeting modern contamination standards.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust check valve connected to the vent body at or adjacent the exhaust outlet, the exhaust check valve being configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid passageway in one direction only from the tank to atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
mining equipment OEM's have installed remote mounted air filters and desiccant elements to tank vents to remove airborne contaminants and moisture from air entering the tank
Implementation Method 3
remote mounted air filters and desiccant elements to tank vents to remove airborne contaminants and moisture from air entering the tank
Implementation Method 4
one or more float elements arranged to co-operate with a reciprocating vent tube located at least in part within the fluid passageway
Implementation Method 5
biasing means designed to urge the reciprocating vent tube into seated engagement with the vent body
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief valve and vent assembly include a tank vent including: (i) a vent body having a vent inlet adapted to connect to a tank and arranged to communicate with an exhaust outlet via a fluid passageway; (ii) an exhaust check valve connected to the vent body at or adjacent the exhaust outlet, the exhaust check valve being configured to allow flow in one direction only; and (iii) a pressure relief valve connected to the tank vent inlet and adapted to couple to a tank. The pressure relief valve, when closed, allows for venting air or air/hydrocarbon mixtures from the tank to the exhaust check valve via the fluid passageway. The pressure relief valve, when opened on pressurization of the tank, exhausts tank fluid from the exhaust check valve.