Fuel pumps are sealed to protect their internal components from contamination and ensure reliable operation under various conditions. Sealing of the fuel pumps keeps out the dirt, moisture, and other contaminants from the assembly and from mechanical failure. Studies show that even minimal-sized particles less than 10 microns will give fuel pump components considerable abrasion, hence leading to losses as high as 15% efficiency. The sealing of the pump for the manufacturer mainly extends the unit’s life, which typically ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
Sealing also provides pressure for the fuel within the system. Most fuel pumps usually work within a pressure range of 30-80 psi. A sealed pump is vital in maintaining such pressure, since any leaks could lead to fuel vaporization or its delivery to the engine in an inefficient manner. For example, if the seal breaks, it can drop the pressure considerably to a lean fuel mixture that would hurt performance and possibly cause stalling or misfires in the engine.
Other factors that have a close relationship with this invention include the safety of the fuel systems themselves. Fuel systems may be designed with flammable liquids in mind, and sealed fuel pumps reduce the chance of fuel leaks that may lead to fires. In fact, automotive safety standards call for fuel systems to be designed with minimal chance of leakage and may contain spilled fuel. A sealed pump enhances such safety measures, adding another layer of protection to the vehicle and occupants.
Another good thing with sealing the fuel pump is that it can heighten efficiency. Since a sealed pump does not allow contaminants to come in, it keeps the flow rates at optimum and lessens the burden on the pump motor. This naturally means that a fuel pump operating at an efficiency optimum could achieve an improvement of 5-10% in fuel economy and is factually a big plus toward performance and economy.
As once said by Carroll Shelby, an automotive expert, “Performance is all about power and precision.” It is the precision involved in sealing the Fuel Pump units that ensures reliability and performance in the fuel delivery system. To get more information on sealed fuel pumps and for quality sealed fuel pumps, visit Fuel Pump.