WATER SEPARATION AND FILTRATION STRUCTURE

摘要

A fuel conditioning structure filters fuel prior to the water separation mechanism. A coalescing media employs hydrophilic synthetic fibers that coalesce water even with the low surface tension present in fuels treated with additives/surfactants. The coalescing media employs a gradient structure of fine fibers/small voids to larger fibers/larger voids in the direction of fuel flow. This structure promotes water adhesion on the fine fibers and coalescence into large whole water droplets that are easily rejected by a water barrier. Pre-filtration extends the life of the coalescing media and water barrier by keeping these structures free of particulates, oxidized fuel and asphaltenes. This configuration helps prevent degradation in the ability of these layers to separate water over the life of the filter.