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Low-evaporative products from Walbro Engine Management can help manufacturers of outdoor power equipment meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) evaporative emissions regulations

April 21, 2005                                                            

TUCSON, AZ  The regulations, which go into effect in 2006, limit the amount of hydrocarbons that can be emitted by small off-road engines and equipment through evaporative losses.

"Walbro is the only company manufacturing a complete fuel storage and delivery system, including tank and fuel line, approved to meet CARB evaporative emissions regulations," notes Andrew V. Masterman, President, Walbro Engine Management. In addition, Walbro can provide low permeation fuel line quick connectors for its fuel lines. Walbro is committed to helping its customers meet the challenge of CARB's evaporative emissions regulations. "Our low-evaporative products, including multi-layer fuel tanks, multi-layer fuel lines and quick-connects, offer practical solutions to meet CARB regulations in a cost-effective fashion."

Walbro provides co-extruded, multi-layer fuel lines that include an EVOH vapor barrier layer. These lines, designated Permblok PB 550 and PB 562, were recently certified by CARB in an Executive Order for use in small off-road engine evaporative systems and will allow customers using these lines to avoid testing, they will just simply reference the EO. The lines are available pre-formed, or in a flexible, convoluted design. A cost-effective quick-connect system that meets low permeation regulations also is available.

An EVOH layer is also used in Walbro's line of co-extruded, multi-layer fuel tanks. These tanks are type-approved by CARB in specific product applications because of their EVOH vapor barrier design. Walbro can provide these tanks in a variety of shapes and sizes up to five gallons (19 liters).

Manufacturers can meet the CARB regulations in several ways, depending on the type of equipment and engine displacement, for example:

Manufacturers of hand held products can satisfy CARB regulations by using a tank with an EVOH layer, such as the Walbro multi-layer tank. Small off-road equipment other than walk-behind mowers can meet the CARB regulations with a design-based system consisting of three elements:
A: a low evaporative fuel tank with an EVOH layer (such as Walbro's multi-layer tank)
or a metal tank,
B: low-evaporative fuel lines (such as Walbro's PB 550 and PB 562), and
C: a carbon canister.

Walk-behind mowers less than 225 cc in displacement will require a Sealed Housing for Evaporative Determination (SHED) test to verify that they meet CARB regulations, regardless of the components used. The proven performance of Walbro's low evaporative fuel tank and fuel lines can help manufacturers develop an effective system for these applications.

In addition, Walbro can provide SHED testing services on a contract basis at its North American Technical Center in Cass City, Michigan

Walbro Engine Management, a unit of TI Automotive, is the world's largest manufacturer of carburetors and a major manufacturer of ignition systems, fuel injection and air/fuel management components, and fuel storage and delivery components for engines targeted at outdoor power equipment, marine, recreational and two-wheel applications. Walbro Engine Management has facilities in the United States, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Thailand and China.