초록 ▼

The invention provides a method for separating fuel from water in a marine propulsion system and a reusable device for separating water from fuel in marine and diesel engines thereby preventing or limiting water from entering the combustion process of the engine. The device includes two generally th

The invention provides a method for separating fuel from water in a marine propulsion system and a reusable device for separating water from fuel in marine and diesel engines thereby preventing or limiting water from entering the combustion process of the engine. The device includes two generally thin-walled housings which secure and contain a plurality of petroleum sorbent filter elements therein. The filter elements are constructed from multiple adjacent microfibers layers bonded to each other by entanglement of said microfibers between adjacent layers, each element allowing passage of fuel therethrough but being substantially impervious to the passage of water. At least some of the filter elements are treated such that the surface of the element which faces the incoming fuel is heated until at least some of the microfibers coalesce and bond together.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [9.] For use with a diesel engine, fuel tank and fuel line therebetween, a fuel-water separator for series insertion in said fuel line, comprising:a. a vertically oriented thin-walled lower housing having an outer perimeter, a generally closed bottom end containing a drain mea

[ What is claimed is:] [9.] For use with a diesel engine, fuel tank and fuel line therebetween, a fuel-water separator for series insertion in said fuel line, comprising:a. a vertically oriented thin-walled lower housing having an outer perimeter, a generally closed bottom end containing a drain means, and a generally open top end defining a first generally hollow interior space and a first supporting means therein;b. a vertically oriented thin-walled upper housing having a generally closed end with fuel inlet means for fluid connection to said fuel line from said fuel tank and fuel outlet means for fluid connection to said fuel line to said diesel engine, and a generally open end defining a second generally hollow interior space and a second supporting means therein;c. a plurality of petroleum sorbent filter elements formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers bonded to each other by entanglement of said microfibers between adjacent said layers, each said element allowing passage of fuel therethrough but being substantially impervious to the passage of water, and having a first and second face; andd. joining means for releasably securing said upper housing open end to said lower housing rein at least some of said plurality of petroleum sorbent filter element first faces are heat treated until at least some of said microfibers coalesce and bond together into a crust-like layer, and whereby said first and second supporting means compressibly support said plurality of filter elements therebetween in a sealing relationship such that fuel cannot pass around the perimeter of said elements, and such that each said first element face faces and is in fluid connection with said fuel inlet means, and each said second element face faces and is in fluid connection with said fuel outlet means.