Patent · US Active

Carbon canister with valve activated by weight of saturated carbon

US8075677B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
10References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2009
Grant dateDec 13, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 20, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01D2259/4516
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A carbon canister with a valve activated by the weight of nearly saturated or saturated carbon communicates with piping from an underground tank. The invention includes carbon within a casing inside a canister, a weight actuated valve, and piping in communication with the atmosphere. When an ORVR vehicle refuels, the pressure lowers in the tank that draws air into the canister. After refueling, the tank remains subject to conditions that generate hydrocarbon vapors. Those vapors then return to the canister and adhere to the surface of the carbon. The carbon, heavier with hydrocarbons, lowers the canister and closes the weight actuated valve. Closing the valve returns pressure control to an external pressure vacuum relief valve. The next refueling draws in atmospheric air to purge the hydrocarbons in the canister and thus lighten it. A secondary purge valve also removes hydrocarbons from the canister. Once the carbon lightens, the inlet valve opens and the vapors return to the canister for adsorption. This cycle regenerates the carbon.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.