Crankcase ventilation system
AssigneeElectro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
InventorsRaji REXAVIER, Stuart Leighton BELL
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A ventilation system is disclosed for use with an engine having a crankcase The ventilation system may have a first source of compressed air and a second source of compressed air. The ventilation system may also have a plurality of oil separators, each in separate communication with the crankcase. The ventilation may system further have a distribution manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of oil separators, and a shuttle valve fluidly connected between the distribution manifold and the first and second sources of compressed air.
Claims20
A ventilation system for use with an engine having a crankcase, the ventilation system comprising:
- a first source of compressed air;
- a second source of compressed air;
- a plurality of oil separators, each configured to separately communicate with the crankcase;
- a distribution manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of oil separators;
- and
- a shuttle valve fluidly connected between the distribution manifold and the first and second sources of compressed air.
A method of venting a crankcase of an engine comprising:
- directing fluid from the crankcase to a plurality of oil separators in parallel;
- pressurizing air at a first location;
- pressurizing air at a second location;
- and
- selectively diverting pressurized air from the first location or from the second location to the plurality of oil separators.
An engine comprising:
- an engine block defining a plurality of cylinders;
- a crankcase at least partially defined by the engine block;
- a crankshaft rotatably connected to the engine block;
- a turbocharger driven by exhaust from the plurality of cylinders to pressurize air;
- a compressor driven with power generated by the engine to pressurize air;
- a plurality of oil separators, each in fluid communication with the crankcase and having a compressed air inlet;
- a distribution manifold fluidly connected to the compressed air inlet of each of the plurality of oil separators;
- and
- a single shuttle valve disposed between the distribution manifold, the turbocharger, and the compressor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.