Automotive Design Problems

Stoneman Solutions fuel filling rig

Have you ever filled your car and found your shoes were covered with fuel? Why does this happen? The answer may not be as straight forward as you think! Changes in car styling and body design as well as ever more stringent regulations affect your ability to fill your vehicle with fuel. Many Engineers do not appreciate the effect of complex fluid flow problems within vehicles. Stoneman Solutions Ltd have undertaken projects for many of the major names in the Automotive Industry.

Click on a link below to learn more about our understanding of fuel fluid problems and view examples of our problem solving work.

• Changes to forecourt nozzle design and differing types of nozzle cause changes in the filling performance.

• Manufacturers need increased filling flow rates to reduce fill times. Filling up without flowbacks.

• Rounded and flowing body designs make it more difficult to fit fuel-filling holes in the car without affecting the styling.

• Poor design of the filling system increases the risk of fuel splash back, nozzle cut-off and difficulty in filling.

• Moving the fuel tank under the rear seat for reasons of impact safety makes long fill pipes essential, also increasing the length of the tank venting system and their complexity.

• The addition of tank vent and safety shut off valves provides more problems and increase system losses.

• On board vapour recovery systems increase filling difficulties and raise production costs.

• Blow moulded plastic fuel tanks are being introduced by many major automotive manufacturers. This has reduced production costs but increased the phenomenon known as "Slosh" noise. How can Slosh noise be economically reduced?

We have worked with clients around the world and are at the leading edge of fuel flow work. Use our expertise and experience to solve your problems.