Fuel Tank Overflow Prevention Device

Spill in New Zealand

The reduction or elimination of fuel spills in and around sensitive marine ecosystems is an important issue both for protection of species and for the ability to continue to provide recreational access to sensitive lakes, streams and seashore areas. While very clear laws already exist these rules are often not enforced because of the problems that exist with implementing the no fuel spill rules. A recent patent awarded to a small company in Maine has begun to address these issues. This project will focus on the optimization of a prototype system to reduce the complexity of the system and to optimize it for production for small boats.
The second semester will focus on the testing and deployment of a small boat system using existing infrastructure to build and test the system.

Solid Model of Design of First Gen System

Milestones

Proposal for modified milestones and initial deliverables: September 15, 2005

Research current patented design targeted for innovation
Meet with advisor and schedule weekly lab time
Familiarize group with current testing apparatus located in Crosby Lab
Have group members complete laboratory safety training
Research current shut-off system used in automotive industry
Test existing system to understand operating principle
Meet with Fluids Professor to develop and understand fluid flow models
October 4: Submit preliminary version of project website
December 6: Presentation of results, including operational machine

Test of existing system to understand operating principle

Development of simple fluid flow models to understand the automatic shut-off of fuel filler systems
Presentation of first semester results including operational machine: December 6, 2005
Proposal for new design including solid models and quotations for materials and part cost
Test of new design
Proposal for improved system design
Set up of projects for final review, Maine Day: May 3, 2006
Open house, operational review of project: May 4, 2006
Final Project Report due: May 10 2006