Fuel filter for fuel-water separation

摘要

A fuel filter constructed and arranged with a heater and designed for fuel-water separation includes a unitary housing (casting) which has an open top to be closed by a threaded lid and a closed base which in combination with a surrounding sidewall defines an interior space. A fuel filter cartridge including a filter element, centertube, and top and bottom endplates is disposed in the interior space such that there is a water collection space between the bottom endplate and the closed base of the housing. The lid includes a plurality of snap-fit fingers arranged in an annular array for press-on attachment to the top endplate. A heater ring is provided within the housing and is positioned around the filter cartridge. The heater ring provides both a flow path for entering fuel and a plurality of positive-temperature-coefficient stones which assist in the heating of the fuel. Control of the heater ring is provided by a heater connector and thermostat combination. The thermostat senses the temperature of the housing near the heater ring and is designed to provide an open circuit when the designed temperature is exceeded. A drain valve is mounted to the housing in flow communication with the water collection space and is operated by a manual lever which controls the movement of a spring-biased plunger. A water-in-fuel sensor is mounted to the housing and extends into the water collection space for deriving conductivity readings.