Abstract: A modular structure for a mitigating evaporative fuel emissions, such as for an automobile, is described. The structure may include a plurality of frames and membranes for flowing fuel vapor and reducing the emission of hydrocarbon therefrom. The structure may include flow guides that provide a meandering flow path for both the fuel vapor and a permeate. A flow guide providing parallel flow paths is also described.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for mitigating evaporative fuel emissions of an automobile may include a membrane component and a thermal component connected to the membrane component. The thermal component may be configured for condensing, in the membrane component or in the thermal component, fuel vapor generated from a fuel tank of an automobile.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a separation apparatus for use in a fuel emission control system. The separation apparatus includes a tube being disposed within a conduit of the fuel emission control system and a membrane being disposed within the tube. The tube includes an introduction port for introducing a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. The disposition of the membrane increases turbulence of the fuel vapor in the tube and separates the fuel vapor into a fuel-rich mixture and a fuel-lean mixture. The tube further includes a discharge port for discharging the fuel-rich mixture.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission mitigation system for a motor vehicle includes a canister filled with an adsorbent material connected to a membrane module. The membrane module contains a membrane that separates gaseous hydrocarbons from inert air components within fuel vapor generated by the evaporation of fuel due to the heating of the motor vehicle. The gaseous hydrocarbons separated by the membrane are returned to the canister, where they will again be adsorbed by the adsorbent material. The inert air components are vented from the membrane module into the open atmosphere outside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An improved evaporative emission mitigation system for a motor vehicle includes a canister filled with an adsorbent material connected to a membrane module. The membrane module contains a membrane that separates gaseous hydrocarbons from inert air components within fuel vapor generated by the evaporation of fuel due to the heating of the motor vehicle. The gaseous hydrocarbons separated by the membrane are returned to the canister, where they will again be adsorbed by the adsorbent material. The inert air components are vented from the membrane module into the open atmosphere outside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A modular structure for a mitigating evaporative fuel emissions, such as for an automobile, is described. The structure may include a plurality of frames and membranes for flowing fuel vapor and reducing the emission of hydrocarbon therefrom. The structure may include flow guides that provide a meandering flow path for both the fuel vapor and a permeate. A flow guide providing parallel flow paths is also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a separation apparatus for use in a fuel emission control system. The separation apparatus includes a tube being disposed within a conduit of the fuel emission control system and a membrane being disposed within the tube. The tube includes an introduction port for introducing a fuel vapor generated in a fuel tank. The disposition of the membrane increases turbulence of the fuel vapor in the tube and separates the fuel vapor into a fuel-rich mixture and a fuel-lean mixture. The tube further includes a discharge port for discharging the fuel-rich mixture.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control system for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a fuel tank includes a membrane module disposed and connected between the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank, and configured to reduce discharge of fuel vapor generated from the fuel tank to the atmosphere. The membrane module includes a first passage and a second passage separated by a membrane, and the fuel vapor permeates the membrane in the membrane module. The evaporative emission control system further includes a buffer-volume housing connected to the membrane module by an additional passage and configured for storing fuel-rich vapor that has permeated the membrane. Furthermore, the evaporative emission control system includes an activated carbon filter disposed between the fuel tank and the membrane module, and a purge valve disposed between the membrane module and the engine.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for mitigating evaporative fuel emissions of an automobile may include a membrane component and a thermal component connected to the membrane component. The thermal component may be configured for condensing, in the membrane component or in the thermal component, fuel vapor generated from a fuel tank of an automobile.

Abstract: A canister for use in an evaporative emission control system that includes an external housing; a membrane module separating the external housing into an inlet side and an outlet side; an entrance located on the inlet side in fluid communication with a fuel tank, such that a vapor mixture flows into the inlet side; an exit located on the outlet side in fluid communication with an internal combustion engine; a first valve that reversibly connects the inlet side to atmosphere; and optionally, a second valve that reversibly connects the outlet side to atmosphere. The membrane module includes one or more structured membranes having a surface with a plurality of folds, the membrane being shaped as a flat sheet or into a cylindrical geometry. The vapor mixture flows from the entrance along the surface of the membrane, such that gaseous fuel vapor permeates through the membrane to the outlet side.