Artigo Completo:

Nowadays, water separation from diesel fuel is a critical requirement for modern diesel engines. The main reasons are: corrosion, wear on the fuel system, irregular combustion and acceleration of microbiological growth that clogs filters, pumps and pre-filters. Due to this, a pre-filter is placed at chassis side between fuel tank and pressure pumps in order to separate water from diesel. However, this function is getting even more difficult because of higher biodiesel content. Higher biodiesel levels mean higher water absorption due to its higher hygroscopic characteristic. Additionally, it is more difficult to separate water from diesel due to biodiesel higher bond to water molecules. In this way, new pre-filters concepts are under development considering higher water separation efficiencies. This paper presents a new product concept based on double-stage filtration technology. At this configuration, small water droplets are first coalesced and contaminants retained by a first stage. In a second stage, protected from contamination, final water separation happens. In order to illustrate technology potential, laboratory and field tests with prototypes are presented in order to confirm concept robustness at this new boundary condition.