Apparatus and method to detect fuel leak in a zero-vapor fuel system

A fuel storage module, comprising:

• a first container with at least one open end;
• a second container with at least one open end;
• a flexible membrane being disposed between the open ends of the respective first container and the second container;
• a fuel pump being coupled to one of the first and second containers;
• a first valve in communication with at least one of the first and second containers;
• a second valve in communication with the other one of the first and second containers and, the second valve not in communication with a charcoal vapor canister;
• and
• a sensor being disposed within one of the first and second containers, wherein the sensor senses the presence of air in one of the containers.

A fuel vapor control system for an internal combustion engine, the system comprising:

• a fuel tank;
• a flexible member being disposed within the fuel tank, the member separating a first compartment and a second compartment;
• a fuel pump coupled to one of the first and second compartments;
• a first valve communicating with at least one of the first and second chambers;
• a second valve communicating with the other one of the first and second chambers and in further communication with a vacuum source, the second valve not in communication with a vapor canister;
• and a
• sensor being disposed within one of the first and second chambers, wherein the sensor is a liquid-air discriminator.

A method of operating a fuel vapor purge system, the vapor system including fuel storage chamber and an air chamber of a fuel tank, the method comprising:

• providing fuel to the storage chamber to allow the formation of fuel vapors in the fuel storage chamber;
• expelling air and fuel vapors in the storage chamber without communicating to a vapor canister;
• and
• detecting the entry of air into the fuel storage chamber.

A failsafe method of retaining fuel within a fuel tank, the tank having a fuel storage chamber and an air chamber, the method comprising:

• depressurizing the fuel storage chamber to a pressure lower than ambient air pressure;
• preventing air from venting out of the air chamber;
• and
• retaining fuel in the storage chamber upon a rupture of the fuel storage chamber that allows outside air to enter the storage chamber.