Understanding Fuel Effects on Hydrocarbon Permeation through Vehicle Fuel System Materials

Hydrocarbon permeation is one of the remaining main sources of vehicle evaporative hydrocarbon emission. However, very little information exists on the role of fuel properties on permeation losses. Therefore, experimental and modeling studies were conducted to determine the relationships between hydrocarbon permeation through HDPE (high density polyethylene) and fuel properties. Half-gallon HDPE bottles without EVOH were used in this study, because they were easily available and because steady state permeation can be measured in a matter of few days instead of several months in the case of HDPE/EVOH bottles. A permeation equation was developed using both theory and experimental data, which shows that permeation increases exponentially with fuel aromatic content, increases linearly with fuel RVP, and increases exponentially with temperature. The equation is useful for predicting how fuel and ambient temperature affect hydrocarbon permeation through vehicle fuel system.