Ameer Randolph
There are various pipes that can be found above a fuel tank, depending on the type of vehicle or tank in question. For example, a gasoline vent tube can be found above the petrol tank of a 1989 Kawasaki ZZR 250 motorcycle. This tube relieves vapour pressure, which can be dangerous, and replaces the volume of fuel drawn through the carburettors with fresh air. Another example is the fill pipe, which is used to fill oil tanks. The fill pipe is usually secured by a cap to prevent water from entering the tank. In the case of twin tanks, a connector pipe can be found on top of the two tanks, which forces oil from the first tank into the second.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To allow fuel to exit the tank, drain overflow, and prevent vapor pressure from building up |
| Types | Petrol overflow drain pipe, gasoline vent tube, return fuel pipe, fill pipe, dump valve, fuel filler neck or pipe |
| Materials | Plastic, rubber, thermoplastic, textile sheath, steel |
| Location | Above the ground, underground, inside the car, under the seat, at the bottom or top of the tank |
| Maintenance | Tighten hose clamps if the pipe comes loose from the tank, add a regulator in the return line if the car doesn't run properly |
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What You'll Learn
The pipe could be a gasoline vent tube
The pipe above the fuel tank could be a gasoline vent tube, which serves three purposes. Firstly, it releases gasoline vapours, which can be dangerous under pressure, making it safer to relieve vapour pressure than to let it build up. Secondly, as fuel is drawn through the carburettors or fuel pump, the volume must be replaced in the tank with fresh air, or the vacuum in the tank will resist further gasoline extraction. Thirdly, if the tank is overfilled, the excess fuel will drain through the tube towards the ground.
In the case of motorcycles, this pipe is often referred to as a petrol overflow drain pipe. If the tank is overfilled, the excess fuel will drain through this pipe. It may also be internally connected to a pipe that drains rainwater or any water that tries to enter the tank.
In oil tanks, the fill pipe is used to fill the tank with oil. It is secured by a cap to prevent water from getting into the oil and can stand a few inches above the ground or sit flush with the surrounding earth. Oil tanks also have a shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of oil between the tank and the furnace. This is useful for repairs or maintenance, and to prevent larger problems in an emergency.
In cars, the fuel filler neck or pipe connects to a rubber hose that connects to the tank. Hose clamps are used to secure the hose. If the hose comes loose from the tank, the clamps need to be tightened.
In some cases, the pipe above the fuel tank may be a return fuel pipe from the pump in the engine compartment running through the interior to the tank at the rear.
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It may be a petrol overflow drain pipe
The pipe above the fuel tank could be a petrol overflow drain pipe. This pipe serves three purposes. Firstly, it allows fuel to exit the tank easily in case of overfilling. Secondly, it may be internally connected to a pipe that drains rainwater or any water that tries to enter the tank. Lastly, it helps to relieve vapour pressure. As the temperature fluctuates, it is safer to relieve vapour pressure than to let it build up. The vapours should not be ejected onto a potential spark source (battery) or hot running motor.
Petrol overflow drain pipes are present in motorcycles like the 1989 Kawasaki ZZR 250. They are also present in cars, as evidenced by a user who noticed fuel pouring out from underneath their new car and was informed that it was due to an overflow pipe.
It is important to note that blocking this pipe can cause the vehicle to run poorly.
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The fill pipe is used to fill the tank
The fill pipe plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient transfer of fuel into the tank. It is designed to accommodate the fuel nozzle and facilitate the flow of fuel into the tank during refuelling. The pipe is typically equipped with a tight-fill connector that mates with a cam and groove coupling to establish a secure connection for refuelling.
In some cases, the fill pipe may also serve as an overflow drain. If the tank is overfilled, the excess fuel can be drained through the fill pipe to prevent spillage. This dual function enhances the safety of the fuel system by providing a controlled release of excess fuel.
The design and construction of the fill pipe are subject to specific standards and regulations. For example, the top mouth of the pipe must be properly welded and not threaded, and the vent openings should be covered with wire mesh to prevent the escape of vapours. The size and material of the fill pipe are also specified, typically made of mild steel with a nominal bore size of 100 mm.
Additionally, the fill pipe may be referred to as a "riser" in the context of underground storage tanks. The term "submerged fill pipe" is used to describe a scenario where the discharge opening of the pipe is entirely submerged when the liquid level reaches a certain height above the bottom of the tank. This distinction is important for understanding the behaviour of the fill pipe under different operating conditions.
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The return fuel pipe runs from the pump to the tank
The fuel return line is an essential part of a vehicle's fuel system. It is responsible for routing excess or unused fuel from the engine back to the fuel tank. This line is typically a high-pressure fuel hose that connects the engine and the tank, ensuring that any unused fuel is returned safely.
The fuel return line plays a crucial role in engine operation and performance. By continuously pumping fuel through the system at a higher rate than needed, the return line helps to keep the fuel lines cool and prevents vapour lock by flushing out vapour bubbles. This continuous flow of fuel ensures that the injectors receive a constant pressure, regardless of their actual demand.
In some fuel systems, the return line may be routed to the bottom of the fuel tank, which can create back pressure and potentially cause issues with the fuel pump. From a physics standpoint, it requires more pressure to drop fuel from the top of the tank than to push it in from the bottom. However, running the return line into a sump tank at the bottom of the fuel cell without creating back pressure on the fuel pump remains a challenge.
A faulty fuel return line can have significant consequences for the vehicle's functionality and safety. Fuel leaks, poor engine performance, and strong fuel odours are common signs of a compromised fuel return line. If left unattended, a small spark could ignite leaking fuel, leading to a dangerous fire. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect the fuel return line and seek professional help when needed.
Overall, the return fuel pipe, which runs from the pump back to the tank, is an integral component of a vehicle's fuel system, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the engine.
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Vent pipes are used to prevent vapor locking
The pipe above a fuel tank is typically a vent pipe, also known as a gasoline vent tube. These pipes serve multiple purposes, including acting as a petrol overflow drain pipe and allowing fuel to exit the tank easily.
Vent pipes are essential in preventing vapor lock, a phenomenon where vapour traps and restricts the flow of liquid in a pipe system. Vapor lock is more likely to occur in fuel injector lines after the flow divider, as the heat from the engine radiates outwards and upwards. This heat causes the fuel in the fuel lines to vaporize, turning it from a liquid to a gas, and making it challenging to pump liquid fuel to the injector nozzles.
To prevent vapor lock, high-point vents are installed in the piping to release air or gas when the pressure exceeds a certain threshold. These vents may be temporary or permanent, depending on the system's design and the likelihood of vapor lock occurring during normal operations. Temporary vents can be dismantled after the system is vented, while permanent vents are necessary for systems prone to vapor lock.
Additionally, the pressure of the pump can be utilized to expel air from the high points of the lines. Other methods to mitigate vapor lock include pointing the airplane into the wind to cool the engine and using a boost pump to push air bubbles out of the lines.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several pipes that can be found above a fuel tank, depending on the type of tank and its setup. These include the fill pipe, the vent pipe, and the return fuel pipe.
The fill pipe is used to fill the tank with fuel. It is secured by a cap to prevent water from entering the tank and can be located a few inches above the ground or flush with the surrounding surface.
The vent pipe releases air and vapors from the tank during the fueling process. It is important to prevent vapor buildup, which can be dangerous under pressure. The vent pipe also helps indicate when the tank is full by producing an audible whistling sound as the air escapes.
The return fuel pipe returns excess fuel from the engine compartment back to the fuel tank. In some cases, it may also be connected to a pipe that drains rainwater or any water that tries to enter the tank.
