skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Non-intrusive method of measuring PCV blowby constituents

Journal Article · · SAE Special Publication
DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/941947· OSTI ID:81268

A technique is presented that has been successfully demonstrated to non-intrusively and quickly sample gases typically found in PCV systems. Color Detection Tubes (CDTs) were used with a simple sampling arrangement to monitor CO{sub 2}, NO{sub x}, O{sub 2}, and H{sub 2}O(g) at the closure line, crankcase, and PCV line. Measurements were accurate and could be made instantaneously. Short Path Thermal Desorbtion Tubes (SPTDTs) were used at the same engine locations for the characterization of fuel- and oil-derived hydrocarbon (HC) fractions and required only 50 cc samples. High engine loads caused pushover of blowby vapors as indicated by increased concentrations of CO{sub 2}, NO{sub x}, H{sub 2}O(g), and fuel HCs in the engines` fresh air inlets during WOT operation. Peak concentrations of blowby vapors were measured in the crankcase under no load and part throttle conditions. Oxygen concentrations always opposed the trends of CO{sub 2}, NO{sub x}, and H{sub 2}O(g). SPTDT data revealed that the PCV system consumes approximately 100-200 times more fuel vapors than oil vapors, on a mass basis; however, PCV-derived oil consumption represented almost 12 percent of total engine oil consumption under no load conditions. 8 refs., 17 figs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
81268
Report Number(s):
CONF-9410173-; TRN: 95:005153-010
Journal Information:
SAE Special Publication, Journal Issue: 1053; Conference: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) international fuels and lubricants meeting and exposition, Baltimore, MD (United States), 17-20 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Oct 1994
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English