Katerina Swanson
A breather tube on a fuel tank is a component that allows the tank to 'breathe'. It is necessary to relieve pressure and vacuum in the tank, which can be caused by changes in temperature and fuel level. Without a breather tube, pressure could build up and cause damage to the tank. The breather tube also allows for the intake of air as fuel is released from the tank and the expulsion of air as fuel is deposited into the tank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow the tank to 'breathe' by letting air in and out |
| Reason | Fuel expands and contracts with temperature changes |
| Function | Enables the intake of air as fuel is released and expulsion of air as fuel is deposited |
| Additional function | Some diesel fuel tank breathers also filter incoming air |
| Types | Unfiltered tank vents, filtered tank vents, fine-filtered tank vents, fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers |
| Installation | Breather hoses should be installed to avoid kinks and pinch points |
| Maintenance | Regularly inspect and maintain the system to ensure filters are not clogged |
| Exhaust air | Direct away from electrical and hot engine components |
| Incoming air | Should be as clean as possible |
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What You'll Learn
Breather tubes prevent fuel starvation
A breather tube on a fuel tank is an essential component that serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows the tank to breathe by facilitating the exchange of air as fuel is consumed or added. This ventilation system helps relieve both vacuum and pressure within the tank.
The function of the breather tube is critical in preventing fuel starvation. By providing a passage for air to enter and exit, the breather tube maintains a balanced pressure inside the fuel tank. This is crucial because gasoline expands as it warms up and contracts as it cools down. Without the breather tube, the expanding gasoline could lead to a buildup of pressure, potentially causing damage to the tank.
Additionally, the breather tube helps prevent fuel from becoming trapped in the tank's lines. If fuel becomes trapped, it can result in a pressure or vacuum buildup, leading to the sudden purging of gas and odours through the vent line. This not only wastes fuel but can also cause potential harm to the tank and the vehicle.
The breather tube's strategic placement is carefully designed to optimise its function. It is brazed into the bottom of the tank and extends upwards towards the filler neck, entering a tubular circular part. This design ensures that air can enter above the fuel level, allowing atmospheric pressure to be maintained.
Furthermore, the breather tube plays a vital role in preventing fuel spillage. In the past, vented gas caps with holes were used, but they had the drawback of allowing fuel to splash out during acceleration or when turning corners. The breather tube provides a more controlled ventilation system, reducing the risk of fuel spillage while still allowing the necessary airflow.
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They enable the tank to 'breathe'
A fuel tank needs to breathe. As simple as that. Gasoline expands in volume as it warms up and shrinks in volume as it cools down. The fuel level of your tank changes throughout the day, even if you are not driving it. Therefore, a vent is required somewhere that will relieve both vacuum and pressure.
A breather tube on a fuel tank, also known as a tank breather, is a valve apparatus that is connected to a fuel tank vent. It enables the tank to breathe by allowing air to enter or exit the tank at a sufficient rate to avoid excessive tank pressurisation. This is important because pressure build-up, vacuum, and repeated exposure to both can lead to tank degradation, including ballooning, splits, and major tank ruptures.
The breather tube 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. An appropriately matched fuel tank breather is able to exhaust air at the maximum rate fuel is expected to be deposited into the tank, avoiding tank pressurisation. Some diesel fuel tank breathers also filter incoming air, contributing to fuel cleanliness.
There are several different types of vent valves and breathers for fuel tank applications, including unfiltered tank vents, filtered tank vents, fine-filtered tank vents, and fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers. The type of breather tube or valve can vary depending on the specific application and requirements.
In summary, breather tubes on fuel tanks are essential to enable the tank to breathe, maintain optimum air intake and exhaust, and prevent tank degradation due to pressure build-up.
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They allow for air intake and expulsion
A breather tube on a fuel tank allows for air intake and expulsion. This is necessary because fuel tanks need to breathe. In other words, they need to relieve both vacuum and pressure. This is because gasoline expands in volume as it warms up and shrinks in volume as it cools down. The fuel level of your tank changes throughout the day, even if you are not driving.
If fuel becomes trapped in the line, the tank will build pressure or vacuum until there is enough pressure to purge the vent, which will cause gas and/or odour to come from the vent line. If enough pressure builds up, it could damage the tank. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the vent is mounted vertically, as mounting the vent at an angle may cause it to shut off.
The breather tube allows for the optimum intake of air as fuel is released from the tank, and expulsion of air as fuel is deposited into the tank or expands within the tank. An appropriately matched fuel tank breather is able to exhaust air at the maximum rate fuel is expected to be deposited into the tank, avoiding tank pressurisation. This is why some diesel fuel tank breathers also filter incoming air, contributing to fuel cleanliness.
There are several different types of vent valves and breathers for fuel tank applications, including unfiltered tank vents, filtered tank vents, fine-filtered tank vents, and fine-filtered remote fuel tank breathers.
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They prevent pressure build-up and vacuum
Fuel tanks require ventilation to prevent pressure build-up and vacuum. Gasoline and diesel expand in volume as they warm up and shrink as they cool down. This expansion and contraction can cause pressure build-up in a sealed tank, which can lead to damage and even ruptures.
A breather tube, or vent tube, is a solution to this problem. It is a small tube or pipe that is connected to the fuel tank and allows air to enter and exit the tank. This ventilation prevents pressure build-up and vacuum, ensuring the tank can breathe. The breather tube also allows for the displacement of air as fuel is added to or removed from the tank. Without this ventilation, it would not be possible to fill or empty the tank efficiently, as air would be trapped inside.
Breather tubes are designed to be installed vertically, with the vent line running higher than the highest point on the tank. This design prevents fuel from escaping through the vent when the vehicle accelerates, turns a corner, or tips over. It is important that the breather tube is installed correctly and maintained to ensure it does not become blocked or obstructed, which could lead to pressure build-up and the associated risks.
Some breather tubes have additional features, such as filters, to prevent the ingress of dirt, water, and dust into the fuel tank, maintaining fuel cleanliness. Other designs incorporate a one-way valve that shuts off if the vehicle tips over, preventing fuel from leaking out through the breather tube.
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They can filter incoming air
Breather tubes on fuel tanks play a crucial role in ensuring the proper ventilation of the fuel system, and one of their essential functions is to filter the incoming air. This ventilation system is designed to allow air to flow in and out of the fuel tank as needed. The breather tube is typically connected to the top of the fuel tank and runs to a vent, often located near the fuel filler neck. This vent allows air to enter and escape from the fuel tank, equalizing pressure and preventing a vacuum from forming.
Incoming air needs to be filtered for several reasons. Firstly, the fuel tank breathers help to prevent water and contaminants from entering the fuel tank. The breather tube may be equipped with a filter or a simple baffle system that captures water vapor and prevents it from condensing inside the fuel tank. This is particularly important in marine applications or regions with high humidity, where water vapor in the air could otherwise accumulate in the fuel tank and contaminate the fuel.
Additionally, the breather tube's filtration capacity helps to keep out dust, dirt, and other airborne debris. This is especially relevant in dusty or dirty environments, such as off-road driving conditions or construction sites. By filtering the incoming air, the breather tube prevents these contaminants from entering the fuel tank and potentially causing issues with the fuel system, such as clogged fuel filters or injectors. This filtration process ensures that clean air enters the fuel tank, reducing the risk of performance issues or damage to fuel system components.
In some cases, the breather tube may also incorporate a desiccant or drying agent to further enhance its filtering capabilities. This is particularly useful in cold climates, where condensation can form inside the fuel tank due to temperature variations. The desiccant helps absorb moisture from the incoming air, reducing the chance of water contamination in the fuel. This additional filtration measure ensures that the fuel remains clean and free of water, which could otherwise lead to engine performance problems or damage over time.
Moreover, the breather tube's filtration function can help reduce evaporative emissions from the fuel tank. By filtering the incoming air, the breather tube helps to capture and contain fuel vapors, preventing their release into the atmosphere. This is an important aspect of emissions control, especially in regions with strict environmental regulations. The filtered air allows for the proper ventilation of the fuel tank while minimizing the escape of harmful vapors, contributing to a more environmentally friendly fuel system.
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Frequently asked questions
A breather tube on a fuel tank allows the tank to breathe by letting air in and out. This is necessary because the volume of fuel in a tank changes throughout the day as it gets warmer or cooler, causing the fuel to expand and contract.
A breather valve is a small valve that sticks out of the fuel tank, while a breather tube is a longer tube that extends from the tank. Some people prefer the breather valve as it is less cumbersome and vents the tank in the same way as the breather tube.
If you do not have a way for your fuel tank to breathe, pressure will build up inside the tank, which can lead to damage and even ruptures.
The choice between a breather tube and a breather valve depends on personal preference and the specific application. Both options effectively vent the fuel tank to prevent pressure build-up.
Yes, there are several types of breather valves for fuel tank applications, including unfiltered, filtered, and fine-filtered tank vents, as well as remote fuel tank breathers. These valves vary in terms of filtration and refuelling rates.
