Physical modeling of evaporative emission control system in gasoline fueled automobiles: A review

Abstract Fuel evaporative emission from a vehicle fuel tank have long been known to be an important source of pollution, and international regulation on automotive Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are becoming increasingly stringent every year, because of their effects on human health and environment. The most cost-effective solution for limiting the release of VOC to the environment is their adsorption by activated carbon through an evaporative canister device that is integrated in the vehicle fuel system. Analysis and development of these systems requires an in-depth study of the evaporation and the adsorption/desorption processes. Many theoretical and experimental studies have been performed during the years, and several physical models have been developed. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of these studies, specifically focusing on the mathematical modeling of the evaporation phenomena and its application for describing real conditions, along with several fuel adsorption and desorption (purging) models of carbon canisters. A knowledge of the evaporation phenomena and adsorption/desorption process can lead to a better canister design and purging strategies, in order to match the vehicle emission regulations that are being adopted worldwide, in a view of sustainable mobility.