Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a polyoxymethylene base polymer that is compounded with a conductive filler and pigment carbon black are disclosed that exhibit electrostatic dissipative (ESD) capabilities while also being laser weldable. The polymer composition can be formed into shaped or molded articles such as filters, flanges, connectors, etc. for use in fuel systems where conductivity, ductility, weldability, and resistance to aggressive fuels are required. The compositions can be compounded into a pellet product which can then be formed into a shaped article that complies with the ESD capabilities required by SAE J1645. At the same time, parts produced from the compositions can absorb laser energy sufficiently to form a high quality welded interface with parts produced from other compositions that are transparent to laser radiation and cannot absorb laser energy sufficiently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrostatic discharge mitigation for a fuel module. In one embodiment, the system includes a fuel pump having a power and ground connection for pumping fuel. A fuel filter in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the fuel filter including one or more components made of a non-conductive plastic and having a sulfonated surface covered with a conductive surface formed over the sulfonated surface. The conductive surface is electrically coupled to the vehicle ground plane. A method is provided for mitigation of electrostatic discharge in a fuel module. In one embodiment, the method includes sulfonating non-conductive plastic components of the fuel module to provide a sulfonated layer on the non-conductive plastic components and forming a conductive layer over the sulfonated layer to provide an electrical discharge path for electrostatic buildup resulting from fuel moving through the fuel module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for electrostatic discharge mitigation for a fuel module. In one embodiment, the system includes a fuel pump having a power and ground connection for pumping fuel. A fuel filter in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the fuel filter including one or more components made of a non-conductive plastic and having a sulfonated surface covered with a conductive surface formed over the sulfonated surface. The conductive surface is electrically coupled to the vehicle ground plane. A method is provided for mitigation of electrostatic discharge in a fuel module. In one embodiment, the method includes sulfonating non-conductive plastic components of the fuel module to provide a sulfonated layer on the non-conductive plastic components and forming a conductive layer over the sulfonated layer to provide an electrical discharge path for electrostatic buildup resulting from fuel moving through the fuel module.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a polyoxymethylene base polymer that is compounded with a conductive filler and pigment carbon black are disclosed that exhibit electrostatic dissipative (ESD) capabilities while also being laser weldable. The polymer composition can be formed into shaped or molded articles such as filters, flanges, connectors, etc. for use in fuel systems where conductivity, ductility, weldability, and resistance to aggressive fuels are required. The compositions can be compounded into a pellet product which can then be formed into a shaped article that complies with the ESD capabilities required by SAE J1645. At the same time, parts produced from the compositions can absorb laser energy sufficiently to form a high quality welded interface with parts produced from other compositions that are transparent to laser radiation and cannot absorb laser energy sufficiently.

Abstract: Composite components and methods for forming composite components are provided. A method includes inserting a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tape into a molding device, and feeding a parison into the molding device. The parison includes a thermoplastic material. The method further includes blow molding the parison within the molding device such that the parison bonds with the tape, forming the composite component. A composite component includes a blow molded inner layer comprising a thermoplastic material. The composite component further includes an outer layer bonded to the inner layer during blow molding of the inner layer. The outer layer includes a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic tape.

Abstract: Polymer compositions containing a plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition that is compounded with a conductive filler composition are disclosed that are flexible while also exhibiting electrostatic dissipative (ESD) capabilities. The polymer compositions can be formed into shaped articles such as tubes, hoses, etc. for use in fuel transfer systems. The plasticized, impact modified polyoxymethylene composition includes a functionalized polyoxymethylene, a plasticizer, and an impact modifier. Meanwhile, the conductive filler composition includes a conductive filler and a high flow polyoxymethylene. The compositions can be compounded into a pellet product which can then be formed into a shaped article that complies with the ESD capabilities required by SAE J1645.

Abstract: An improved sender module closure system for providing a reliable, sealed interface between a sender module and a fuel tank at the access port thereof, includes an interfacing ring set composed of a base ring and a helmeted lock ring. The base ring is permanently connected to the fuel tank at the access port, and has a plurality of upstanding lock fingers. The helmeted lock ring is a separate piece, composed of a lock ring component and an integrally connected helmet component. The lock ring component has a plurality of finger apertures, one for receiving each lock finger. The helmet component protectively covers the sender module and has helmet apertures for external access to connectors of the sender module.