초록 ▼

A fuel delivery system particularly useful for supplying petroleum distillate fuels to a fuel combustion device is described. When such device is operated in cold ambient conditions, fuel clogging can occur in the fuel supply lines. In the past, attempts to overcome such problems have been directed

A fuel delivery system particularly useful for supplying petroleum distillate fuels to a fuel combustion device is described. When such device is operated in cold ambient conditions, fuel clogging can occur in the fuel supply lines. In the past, attempts to overcome such problems have been directed toward applying heat to the portions of the conduits subject to restrictions or by introducing solvents into the fuel. These steps are, however, unsatisfactory. In accordance with this invention, the fuel supply conduits are drained of fuel upon shut-down of the associated engine or other fuel fired device. Upon an engine start-up command, a small quantity of fuel is warmed, preferably using an electric immersion type heater. Once a sufficient fuel temperature is reached, the fuel conduits are reprimed with fuel. Since the fuel does not cold soak in these conduits, fuel clogging problems are eliminated. Various methods for venting the fuel supply conduit enabling such purging and priming is described.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of preventing fuel clogging in a fuel delivery system of a combustion device due to exposure to low temperatures, said fuel delivery system of the type having a fuel tank and a fuel supply conduit for transmitting said fuel from said fuel tank to said combustion device and a fuel pump for p

A method of preventing fuel clogging in a fuel delivery system of a combustion device due to exposure to low temperatures, said fuel delivery system of the type having a fuel tank and a fuel supply conduit for transmitting said fuel from said fuel tank to said combustion device and a fuel pump for pumping said fuel from said fuel tank to said combustion device comprising the steps of; providing a vent means for said fuel supply conduit, purging said fuel supply conduit of fuel when said combustion device is inoperative, said vent means acting to supply gas to said fuel supply conduit during said purging step, whereby substantially all of said fuel is removed from said fuel supply conduit and returned to said fuel tank such that said fuel supply conduit is not subjected to fuel waxing or clogging therein caused by said exposure to low temperatures, and priming said fuel supply conduit with said fuel prior to operating said combustion device by energizing said fuel pump, said vent means acting to provide an escape for gases trapped in said fuel supply conduit whereby said fuel is available for said combustion device.