Rajan Wilcox
A fuel tank breather is a valve apparatus connected to a fuel tank vent, which allows the tank to 'breathe'. It is designed to prevent pressure build-up, vacuum, and tank degradation, including ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures. Fuel tank breathers enable the optimum intake and expulsion of air as fuel is released from the tank or deposited into it. They also help maintain fuel cleanliness by filtering incoming air. There are various types of fuel tank breathers available, including unfiltered, filtered, and fine-filtered tank vents, as well as those with one-way valves to prevent fuel spills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Enable the tank to 'breathe' |
| Prevent pressure build-up, vacuum, and tank degradation | |
| Ensure fuel cleanliness | |
| Types | Unfiltered tank vents |
| Filtered tank vents | |
| Fine-filtered tank vents | |
| Fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers | |
| Fuel tank breather with one-way valve |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel tank breathers prevent tank degradation
Fuel tank breathers are a type of filter that cleans and protects fluids from moisture and particulate contamination as they are added to storage tanks. They ensure that air and moisture are dispersed from the system as fluid levels change, and the new air entering the system is filtered. Tank breathers trap air particles before they enter a tank, keeping the oil clean and reducing the buildup of contaminants and maintenance costs over time.
Fuel tank breathers are particularly useful in avoiding water in diesel tanks. Every time fuel is removed from a tank, moist air enters and the water condenses on the tank roof, dripping into the fuel. Water in the fuel can cause injector erosion, fuel degradation, and the growth of microorganisms. Air breathers need to be placed on a small piping set with a bypass for when the tank is filled.
Pressure build-up, vacuum, and repeated exposure to both can lead to tank degradation, including ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures. Tank breathers allow for the optimum intake of air as fuel is released from the tank and the expulsion of air as fuel is deposited into the tank (or expands within it). An appropriately matched fuel tank breather can exhaust air at the maximum rate at which fuel is deposited into the tank, avoiding tank pressurisation.
There are several types of vent valves and breathers for fuel tank applications, including unfiltered, filtered, fine-filtered, and fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers. Filtered tank breathers are available in different grades to prevent the introduction of large dirt, water, and dust particles into the fuel tank and fluid stream. Fine-filtered tank vents are mandatory for many modern diesel engines due to very small internal tolerances.
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They enable the tank to 'breathe'
A fuel tank breather is a valve apparatus that is connected to a fuel tank vent, allowing the tank to "breathe". It enables the optimum intake of air as fuel is released from the tank and the expulsion of air as fuel enters the tank or expands within it. This mechanism prevents pressure build-up, vacuum, and degradation of the tank, including ballooning, splits, and ruptures.
The breather ensures that air is drawn into the fuel tank at the maximum rate at which fuel is dispensed, avoiding a vacuum. Some breathers also filter incoming air, enhancing fuel cleanliness. It is important to install breather hoses in a way that avoids kinks and pinch points, and to regularly inspect and maintain the system, replacing filters before they become clogged.
The Rolling Mavericks Long Fuel Tank Vent Tube with a one-way valve is an example of a fuel tank breather. It is designed to replace stock fuel tank vents on motorcycles, preventing fuel spills by allowing air in while stopping fuel from gushing out.
Overall, fuel tank breathers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and performance of fuel tanks, whether in bulk storage or vehicle applications. They ensure the optimal intake and expulsion of air, preventing pressure build-up and potential damage to the tank.
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They can filter incoming air
A fuel tank breather, or vent, is necessary to release built-up pressure from within the tank. Without a breather, the pressure could damage the tank.
Breathers can also filter incoming air. Air filtration is important for maintaining air quality and preventing damage to machinery. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that portable air cleaners can reduce indoor air pollution, but they cannot remove all pollutants from the air.
Air filters can be made from a variety of materials, including woven or non-woven synthetic cloth, glass fibre mats, or similar materials. The filter medium can be treated with a special wetting fluid to improve dust capacity and filtration efficiency.
The shape of the filter housing can also affect the filtration process. For instance, deflecting incoming air with louvres or vanes can create a swirling motion that carries solids and moisture outwards, allowing them to drop to the bottom of the housing while the remainder of the air passes through a filter element.
In some cases, air filtration may not be economically feasible or toxins may be present, so an alternative approach is to use a catalytic oxidizer system to destroy air toxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by oxidizing them into carbon dioxide and water vapour.
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They prevent vacuum and pressure build-up
A fuel tank needs a breather to prevent vacuum and pressure build-up. Vacuum and pressure build-up can lead to tank degradation, including ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures. This can cause damage to your tank. A fuel tank breather is a valve apparatus that is connected to a fuel tank vent, allowing the tank to 'breathe'. It enables the optimum intake of air as fuel is released from the tank and the expulsion of air as fuel is deposited into the tank (or expands within it). This avoids excessive tank pressurisation.
Fuel tank breathers allow air to be drawn into the fuel tank at the maximum rate the fuel is expected to be consumed or dispensed, avoiding a vacuum. Some diesel fuel tank breathers also filter incoming air, contributing to fuel cleanliness. For example, fine-filtered tank vents are designed to exclude particulate contaminants greater than 3 microns in size, which is mandatory for many modern diesel engines.
Fuel tank breathers with one-way valves are available as excellent replacements for stock fuel tank vents, usually connected to the headstock. The one-way valve prevents fuel spills by letting air in but stopping fuel from gushing out of the tank.
To ensure optimum equipment safety and performance, diesel fuel tanks require a tank vent or tank breather, or potentially both.
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They prevent fuel spills
Fuel tank vents are essential for preventing fuel spills. They allow air to move into and out of a fuel tank, equalising the pressure with the outside of the tank. Without a vent, air cannot exit the tank quickly enough when it is being filled, leading to pressure build-up and potential spills. Similarly, without a vent, air cannot enter the tank quickly enough when fuel is being consumed, creating a vacuum inside the tank, which can also lead to spills.
Repeatedly exposing a tank to both pressure build-up and vacuum conditions leads to tank degradation, including ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures. These issues not only cause spills but also pose serious safety risks, as fuel can spray onto hot engine components and electrical systems, causing fires. Therefore, appropriate tank venting solutions are crucial for optimum equipment safety and performance.
There are various types of tank breathers and fuel tank vents available, offering different flow rate capacities, mechanisms of action, and filtration levels. For example, Banlaw offers diesel fuel tank vent systems with unfiltered, filtered, and fine-filtered variations. The filtered tank vent is particularly useful for heavy equipment operating in dusty environments as it prevents particles from entering the tank and fuel system, reducing the risk of blockages.
Additionally, remote tank breathers are located remotely from the tank itself, providing several benefits in terms of safety, performance, and convenience. They reduce the risk of fire or explosion in the event of a fuel leak by separating the breather from the tank. Remote tank breathers can also be installed in more accessible locations, making servicing and repairs easier.
Overall, fuel tank vents and breathers play a critical role in preventing fuel spills and ensuring the safety of vehicles, their occupants, and the environment. By maintaining safe pressure levels within the tank, they help to avoid structural damage and prevent the release of hazardous materials.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel tank needs a breather to avoid pressure build-up, vacuum, and tank degradation, which can lead to ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures.
A fuel tank breather is a valve apparatus connected to a fuel tank vent, which enables the tank to 'breathe'. It allows for the optimum intake of air as fuel is released from the tank and the expulsion of air as fuel is deposited into the tank or expands within it.
Some best practices include: installing breather hoses in a way that avoids kinks and pinch points, ensuring hose installation avoids the build-up of debris, regularly inspecting and maintaining the system, directing exhaust air away from electrical and hot engine components, and ensuring incoming air is as clean as possible.
