Sylvie Willis
Fuel tank breathers are important for maintaining the condition of fuel and the tanks that contain them. All fuel tanks are prone to expansion and contraction as the volume of fuel within them changes, which can lead to pressure build-up. This is where fuel tank breathers come in—they are designed to prevent pressure build-up in fuel storage tanks. They can also help maximise the working life and efficacy of filters by only filtering incoming air. Some fuel tank breathers feature a one-way valve, while others are designed to be installed remotely from the fuel tank to ensure incoming air is as clean as possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect the fuel and the tank |
| Function | Prevent pressure buildup in the fuel storage tank |
| Installation | Installed remotely from the fuel tank to ensure incoming air is as clean as possible |
| Maintenance | Regularly inspected and maintained to ensure filters are replaced before they become clogged |
| Hose Installation | Installed in a way that avoids kinks and pinch points, and the buildup of debris |
| Exhaust Air | Directed away from electrical and hot engine components, preferably to the ground |
| Hose Length | Excessive breather hose length should be avoided to prevent pressure/vacuum buildup |
| Types | Unfiltered tank vents, fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers, anti-spill rollover protection, pressure relief valves |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of fuel tank breathers
Preventing Tank Damage
Fuel tank breathers enable the tank to "breathe" by allowing air to move in and out and equalizing pressure with the outside environment. Without a breather, pressure can build up inside the tank when air cannot escape quickly enough during fuelling, potentially leading to damage, including tank ruptures. Similarly, a vacuum can form if air cannot enter the tank fast enough as fuel is consumed, causing degradation such as ballooning and splits.
Maintaining Fuel Cleanliness
Some fuel tank breathers are designed to filter incoming air, which helps maintain fuel cleanliness by reducing the amount of dirt, dust, and other contaminants that enter the tank. This is especially important in diesel fuel tanks, where cleanliness directly impacts engine performance and maintenance.
Avoiding Fuel Spills and Sprays
Appropriate tank venting with a breather helps prevent fuel spills and sprays. When a tank is overfilled, liquid fuel can escape through the vent, leading to spills. Additionally, pressurization caused by a lack of adequate venting can rupture fuel tanks, causing diesel sprays onto hot engine components and electrical systems, which pose a severe fire risk.
Accommodating Volume Changes
Fuel tanks are subject to expansion and contraction as the volume of fuel within them changes. Environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, cause diesel and other fuels to expand and take up more space. Fuel tank breathers help manage these volume changes by allowing air to escape during expansion and entering during contraction, preventing damage to the tank.
Optimizing Equipment Safety and Performance
Diesel fuel tanks, whether for bulk storage or vehicle use, require a tank vent or breather, or both, to ensure optimum equipment safety and performance. By preventing pressure build-up and vacuum, fuel tank breathers help maintain the integrity of the tank and avoid potential hazards associated with fuel spills and sprays.
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Preventing pressure build-up
Fuel tank breathers are an important component of fuel tank maintenance, ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the fuel and tank. All fuel tanks are susceptible to expansion and contraction as the volume of fuel within them fluctuates, which can lead to pressure build-up.
To prevent pressure build-up in fuel tanks, it is essential to have an effective fuel tank breather system in place. This system allows for the ventilation of the tank, ensuring that air can escape during the fuelling process and that the tank does not become pressurised. Here are some ways to prevent pressure build-up:
- Utilise a fine-filtered remote fuel tank breather, which can accommodate high refuelling rates and only filters incoming air, maximising the lifespan and effectiveness of the filters.
- Install anti-spill rollover protection and pressure relief valves. These valves open when the pressure within the tank exceeds a certain threshold, releasing the excess pressure and preventing damage to the tank.
- Implement vented level sensors that monitor the fuel level and trigger refuelling to stop when the tank reaches the optimal level, ensuring zero pressure build-up.
- Regularly inspect and maintain the breather system, including replacing filters before they become clogged and ensuring all hardware and hoses are in good working order, free from blockages or obstructions.
- Ensure that all breather hoses are installed without kinks or pinch points, and avoid excessive hose length, as this can contribute to pressure build-up.
- Direct exhaust air, containing hydrocarbon fumes, away from electrical and hot engine components, preferably towards the ground.
- Keep incoming air as clean as possible. In some cases, a remote installation of the tank breather from the fuel tank may be necessary to achieve this.
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Avoiding kinks and pinch points
A fuel tank breather, also known as a tank vent, is a device that allows air to move into and out of a fuel tank to equalise the pressure inside and outside the tank. This is necessary because fuel tanks are prone to expansion and contraction as the volume of fuel within them changes. For example, when diesel and other fuels get warmer, they expand and take up a larger volume.
To ensure the safety and optimal functioning of a fuel tank breather, it is important to avoid kinks and pinch points in the breather hoses. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Install the breather hoses properly: Ensure that the hoses are not twisted, bent, or crushed during installation. This can be achieved by using the correct fittings, such as a bulkhead fitting, and following the manufacturer's instructions for installation.
- Avoid excessive hose length: Longer hoses are more susceptible to kinks and can also contribute to the build-up of pressure or vacuum.
- Maintain the system: Regularly inspect and maintain the breather system to ensure that the hoses are in good condition and free from debris such as dirt, mud, or ore. This includes cleaning or replacing filters before they become clogged.
- Consider the hose routing: Design the hose routing to avoid sharp bends or obstructions that could cause kinks. This may involve mounting the vent vertically and ensuring that the hose has sufficient clearance from surrounding components.
- Use high-quality hoses: Opt for high-quality hoses that are designed for fuel tank ventilation systems. These hoses are typically more durable and resistant to kinking.
By following these guidelines, you can help prevent kinks and pinch points in your fuel tank breather system, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
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Cleanliness of incoming air
The cleanliness of the incoming air is an important consideration for fuel tank breathers. Contaminants in the air can cause damage to the fuel tank and associated systems. To prevent this, some fuel tank breathers incorporate filters to ensure the incoming air is clean.
There are several types of filtered tank vents available, including:
- Coarse-filtered tank vents: These filters prevent the introduction of large dirt, water, and dust particles into the fuel tank and fluid stream.
- Fine-filtered tank vents: Designed to exclude particulate contaminants greater than 3 microns in size. This type of filter is mandatory for many modern diesel engines due to their small internal tolerances.
- Fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers: These filters only filter incoming air, maximising the working life and efficacy of the filters. They also allow for high refuelling and fluid dispensing rates.
It is important to note that not all fuel tank breathers have filters, and unfiltered tank vents may be used with a traditional auto shut-off diesel refuelling system. However, to maintain fuel cleanliness, these vents can be connected to a filter canister.
To ensure optimal performance and safety, it is recommended that fuel tank breathers are regularly inspected and maintained. This includes replacing filters before they become clogged and ensuring that all hardware and hoses are in good working order, free from blockages, kinks, and pinch points.
Additionally, the installation of the breather hose can impact the cleanliness of the incoming air. It is important to avoid debris build-up by installing the hose in a way that prevents the collection of dirt, mud, or ore. One way to achieve this is by using a U-bend shape.
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Different types of fuel tank breathers
A fuel tank breather is a valve apparatus connected to a fuel tank vent, allowing the tank to "breathe". It enables the 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 prevents pressure build-up and the creation of a vacuum, which can lead to tank damage, spills, and sprays.
There are several types of fuel tank breathers:
- Unfiltered tank vents: These are free-to-air vents that may be connected to a traditional auto shut-off diesel refuelling system. They can be paired with a filter canister to maintain fuel cleanliness according to OEM specifications.
- Filtered tank vents: These vents are designed to prevent the entry of large dirt, water, and dust particles into the fuel tank and the fluid stream. They are available in different grades.
- Fine-filtered tank vents: This type of vent is designed to exclude particulate contaminants greater than 3 microns in size. They can allow for high refuelling and fluid dispensing rates and maximise the working life of filters.
- Desiccant breathers: These breathers are ideal for tank farms and large applications. They offer high airflow and absorbency and can be used in low-flow, steady-state operations and humid environments.
- Rebuildable breathers: These are rugged steel breathers suitable for high-flow and chemically harsh environments.
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Frequently asked questions
A fuel tank breather is a component in the fuel system of a vehicle that helps maintain the pressure balance within the fuel tank. It consists of a valve that lets air enter or exit the tank, a cap that seals the tank and prevents leaks, and sometimes a vapor separator.
A fuel tank breather works by allowing air to move into and out of the fuel tank, equalising the pressure inside and outside the tank. The breather valve opens when the pressure is too high, letting air escape and preventing overpressure.
A fuel tank breather is important because it prevents issues that could affect engine performance and safety. It stops pressure build-up, which could lead to tank damage, spills, or even a burst tank. It also ensures that the engine receives enough air, which is crucial for its functioning.
Some best practices for a diesel fuel tank breather include installing breather hoses without kinks or pinch points, ensuring the hoses are free of debris, regularly inspecting and maintaining the system, and directing exhaust air away from electrical components.
If a fuel tank breather becomes clogged, it can lead to excessive pressure buildup in the fuel tank, which may cause the tank to deform or burst. This can result in engine problems such as stalling and performance issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to prevent these issues.
