Technology | 22 Jan 2019
The implementation of tougher environmental norms and the need for sustainable and green initiatives are significantly influencing the fuel industry. The exclusion of sulfur from traditional diesel fuels to produce purer burning combustibles and the introduction of bio-ethanol are posing newer challenges in the particle, water, and soft organic contaminants filtration. Additionally, new and sophisticated engine designs developed to meet environmental regulations call for higher standards of fuel. Owing to this, the filter manufacturers in India are now being presented with a greater challenge to design filters which can perform in line with the developments of the fuel industry.
There are many opportunities for contaminant ingress in fuels right from the production to the point of use. 90% of engine problems are due to water or dirt in the fuel. Another source of ingress is through the tank vent. As the fuel tank is drawn down, ambient air is drawn into the tank. On-vehicle filtration is the best line of defense for an engine to function efficiently for extended service intervals. A fuel filtration unit consists of various units such as fuel modules, fuel filters, fuel water separators and strainers. Let us study specifically about how fuel modules play a vital role in fuel filtration process.
A fuel module is a subsystem integrating the filtration cartridge. It is used only for liquid filtration, and not for air filtration or crankcase ventilation. It is designed to serve multiple functions required in fuel filtration system. The fuel module helps in water separation, water draining, air venting, fuel pumping, by-pass filtration etc. Apart from that, it also works as a pressure & temperature sensor.
Inefficient fuel filtration can lead to wear of injector components and may lead to problems such as over fueling, deposits, elevated nozzle wear, reduced performance and a drop in fuel efficiency. With the current stringent emission norms and economy, Fleetguard fuel filtration provides an excellent shield for all fuel system components and enhance engine performance.
There are various advantages of fuel modules in a fuel filtration system such as:
Depending on their location in the system, the filters are classified into 3 types
1. Extended service interval
2. Efficiently removes hard particles
3. Provides the flexibility of a technology upgrade
4. Maintains the integrity of engine and provides protection
5. Competitive design for application works in severe conditions
6. Environment-friendly
7. Generates options for integrating additional features.
The fuel module performs following important functions:
1. Provides resistance from the contamination present in the surroundings
2. Separates & drains water out of the system
3. Measures fuel pressure & fuel temperature
4. Measures water content present in the fuel
5. Connects fuel circuit internal components
6. Extends the servicing interval.
Fleetguard is one of the leading filter manufacturers in India, providing complete fuel filtration solutions for heavy duty engines.