Systems Information
Understanding the crankcase breather system
Emission controls for internal combustion engines have become increasingly important as concerns over the environment have risen. One area where improvement has been noted is in crankcase emission controls.
Crankcase emissions result from gas escaping past the piston rings of an internal combustion engine and entering the crankcase due to high pressure in the cylinders during compression and combustion. As the blow-by gas passes through the crankcase and out the breather, the breather becomes contaminated with oil mist. The gas also contains wear particles and air/fuel emissions. In closed systems, the crankcase emissions are directed into the engine intake system causing internal engine contamination and loss of efficiency.
The oily crankcase emissions coat engine components, such as the inside of engine compartments or chambers, fouling expensive components and increasing costs, such as clean-up, maintenance and repair costs. As the oily residue builds up on critical engine components, such as radiator cores, turbocharger blades, intercoolers and air filter, the residue becomes a "magnet" for dust, grit and other airborne contaminants. The accumulation of contaminants on these components reduces efficiency, performance and reliability of the engine.
Crankcase emission control systems filter the crankcase particulate emissions and separate the oil mist from the crankcase fumes. The separated oil is collected for periodic disposal or returned to the crankcase.. Since most of the crankcase particulate emissions are soluble hydrocarbons, returning the cleaned, oil-free crankcase emissions to the engine inlet increases engine efficiency. Fitting an efficient air to oil separator will almost entirely eliminate this problem.
Design & Function
We have designed our system so that it has sufficient capacity but at the same time at 100 mm in diameter & 210 mm height it is not too large so that space for it can be found in most engine bay areas. The kit can be fitted vertically but it can be rotated to the horizontal position if required, also has a seperate Prolock clamp type of mounting bracket which is easily adjustable for height and angle.
Fitting kits are available for specific vehicles but universal type fittings are available so that it can be adapted to a wide range of vehicles. Another feature is that it can be easily disassembled for cleaning and replacement of the internal filter. It is also possible to cut and shorten the body section and retaining bolt to make a much shorter design if space is really tight. The head cover can be rotated through 360 degree to accomodate the oil hose layout required for a particular engine, we normally supply 60-100 cm of oil resistant hose with each kit.