Eaton Introduces Zero-Leak Compact Combo Valve to Manage Harmful Fuel Vapours
Eaton’s Vehicle Group has introduced a new zero-leak Compact Combo Valve that safely vents harmful evaporative fuel vapours in the tank by stacking a Fill Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) and a new Zero-Leak Grade Vent Valve (GVV).
A key benefit of the Compact Combo is reduced fuel vapour permeation. The smaller footprint of the stacked valves allows for a tighter seal when welded to the tank, in turn reducing permeation.
This innovative configuration reduces the product’s footprint by 20 mm, which decreases potential leak paths and provides fuel tank manufacturers more design flexibility. The Zero-Leak GVV fulfils all government-mandated requirements for zero-leak vapor valves.
“Eaton’s world-class engineering teams are leading the way in developing innovative and highly efficient fuel vapour management products,” said Brian Contat, business unit director, Fuel Emissions, Eaton’s Vehicle Group. “As evaporative emissions reduction and vehicle standards become more stringent, Eaton’s fuel emissions products deliver a competitive advantage worldwide that helps our customers achieve or exceed upcoming emissions regulations.”
New Compact Combo technology reduces hydrocarbon emissions during refuelling
The new Compact Combo Valve technology reduces hydrocarbon emissions with 98 percent efficiency during the vehicle refuelling process and allows manufacturers to meet vehicle hydrocarbon emissions standards while the vehicle is parked.
The Compact Combo Valve has several unique design features that increase valve functionality to meet both tank and customer requirements. These features include a seal that reduces liquid leak in static venting conditions, as well as the ability to change the shut-off height of the FLVV through component substitution. Eaton also offers an added slosh baffle feature for vehicle applications involving aggressive driving dynamics that may cause shifting liquid fuel to leak.
“We can use short or long FLVV housings, depending on the application, for maximum permeation reduction,” Contat said. “We are able to cover all shut-off height requirements to vent above the shut-off valve when the main refuelling valve is closed and the GVV shut-off height remains constant and optimized.”
Zero-Leak GVV prevents fuel leakage in all conditions
The GVV’s position at the top of the fuel tank prevents liquid leakage during all situations, including when the vehicle is traveling or parked at an angle. This is an added benefit when compared with competitive technologies that do not allow optimized positioning within the fuel tank during such conditions.
“Our design gives customers greater freedom to perform grade venting, which allows manufacturers to meet zero-leak vapor valve requirements,” Contat said. “You have to ensure you’re venting during all normal vehicle operations and degrees of parking.”
The zero-leak vapor valve requirement is an industry requisite to meet vehicle safety, driveability, emissions, and component durability specifications. Eaton’s new Zero-Leak GVV sealing methodology employs an elastomeric seal over-moulded onto a substrate to ensure this requirement is met.
Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment using power management technologies and services. They provide sustainable solutions that help the customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9 billion, and they sell products to customers in more than 175 countries.
