Fuel Supply System in Petrol Engines

Fuel is the main component that ensures prime vehicular movement. However, what seems like a simple process of refuelling at the petrol pump involves some level of technicality. It is the fuel supply system of a vehicle that ensures an effective supply of fuel to the engine, allowing it to run. Read on to learn more about this system within petrol engines.

What Is a Fuel Supply System?

The fuel supply system in itself is a comprehensive working unit that delivers the required mix of fuel and air to the combustion chamber of the engine that receives, where this mixture for proper combustion. The following components make up the entire fuel supply system in petrol engines:

• Fuel Tank:

  Stores the fuel

• Fuel Pump:

  Pumps the stored fuel from the tank to the injector under optimum pressure for a consistent flow

• Fuel Lines

  Transport fuel from tank to engine and maintain the flow for a steady supply

• Fuel Injectors:

  Ensure proper combustion by injecting or spraying a certain amount of fuel-air combination into the engine

• Fuel Gauge:

  Shows the tank's fuel status

• Fuel Filter:

  Cleans the fuel of impurities so that the engine isn't clogged or damaged

• Fuel Pressure Regulator:

  Ensures maintenance of optimal pressure

• Air Cleaner:

  Filters incoming air for combustion

• Supply and Return Pipelines:

  Supply required fuel to the engine and return excess fuel to the tank for regulating pressure and temperature

• Carburettor:

  Used to mix fuel with air for combustion in older engines

Types of Fuel Supply System

The fuel supply system that enables combustion is different for Spark-ignition (petrol) engines and Compression-ignition (diesel) engines.

Furthermore, petrol engines also have different types of fuel supply systems. The size of the vehicle, the relative cost of different systems, and the associated advantages and disadvantages will determine which type of supply system is employed. These different types are as follows:

• Gravity System:

  This is the simplest and most cost-effective fuel supply system and is generally used in smaller vehicles like two-wheelers. In this system, the fuel flows into the carburettor, as directed by natural gravity. This necessitates the fuel tank to be mounted in the highest position.

• Pump System:

  A fuel pump installation is an expensive mechanism for supplying fuel from the tank to the pump through a steel pipe. It is available in both mechanical and electrical versions, making it functional across all types of vehicles. Most contemporary automobiles use an electric pump for internal fuel supply.

• Pressure System:

  The pressure system allows for flexibility in the installation of the fuel pump and provides a controlled fuel supply. This is achieved by using a separate air pump or the engine exhaust to create pressure inside the tank, facilitating the flow of fuel. However, this method requires hand priming for start-up and carries the risk of possible pressure leaks.

• Fuel Injection System:

  This is a more modern and expensive fuel supply system used in most present-day vehicles. Here, the carburettor is replaced with separate fuel injectors that atomise the fuel before delivering it as needed. It ensures accurate and controlled delivery of fuel under different load and speed conditions. However, the possibility of petrol backflow is a disadvantage of this system.

Factors That Determine Fuel Quality

The fuel supply system can be impacted by fuel quality. Even with mechanisms in place within the supply setup for filtering fuel and air, contaminants are not the only factors that determine fuel quality. Key determinants of fuel quality are:

 

Ignition Quality:

This refers to how readily the fuel will burn in the combustion chamber of the vehicle and is measured using the octane number. As a determinant of the fuel's combustion behaviour, a high ignition quality indicated by a high octane number is desirable due to its characteristic of a short ignition delay.

 

 

Volatility:

Fuel volatility affects vehicle performance by influencing various key parameters of engine functioning. Volatility is the measure of a fuel's evaporation rate, which impacts its flow and combustion inside the engine.

 

 

Calorific value:

The combustion of petrol produces heat that makes an engine work, and its calorific value measures this.

 

Signs of Deterioration of Fuel Supply System

You can determine the condition of the fuel supply system in a petrol engine by evaluating certain signs. Deteriorations in the system are indicated by:

• Start issues
• Poor fuel efficiency or mileage
• Performance deterioration
• Sputtering or misfiring engine
• Fuel odour
• Overheated engine
• Whining fuel tank
• Power deficiency
• Inconsistent running or stalling
• Lack of power

The causes behind these irregularities might be diverse. Some issues may be caused by low fuel pressure, others by lower-quality fuel or technical malfunctions. It is essential to identify the root cause of the issue to avoid a larger problem.

Conclusion

It is important to maintain the fuel supply system of the engine, as it directly impacts the functioning of your vehicle. Make sure to choose a car insurance policy that includes engine protection cover for the efficient maintenance of this expensive and indispensable component of your car.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.