SwRI: Fuel Systems and Contamination Research

  image of SwRI Fuel Systems and Contamination Research Laboratory
 

SwRI Fuel Systems and Contamination Research Laboratory

Excessive wear and malfunctions in automotive systems are often caused by contaminants or small particles that may be built in, self generated, or ingested from the environment.


In addition to premature and abrasive wear, these contaminants may cause:

  • Blockage

  • Lockup

  • Premature failure of automotive components

  • Valves

  • Pumps

  • Seals

  • Fuel injectors

Premature and abrasive wear may eventually result in:

  • Machine performance degradation

  • Shortened service life

  • Customer dissatisfaction

  • Catastrophic failure

      image of simulation of residue on a component
     

    Measurement of contaminant sensitivity is becoming more important as vehicle longevity requirements increase and production processes leave internal residue in the component.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) engineers and scientists address these contamination problems using a multidisciplinary approach that employs:

  • Failure analysis

  • Laboratory testing

  • Experimentation

  • Field work

  • Modeling

  • Predictive correlation

  • Design elaboration

  • Concurrent engineering

SwRI Department of Vehicle Systems Research

The Department of Vehicle Systems Research focus area includes:

  • Contaminant characterization

  • Accelerated life testing (key-life testing)

  • Material compatibility

  • Modeling and simulation

  • Test procedure development

  • Lubricity, friction, and wear

  • Environmental evaluation

  • Filtration

  • Emissions and safety issues

  • Component and systems development

ISO Certification

As an independent, multidisciplinary research, development, and testing organization, SwRI provides an unbiased, third-party perspective. The Fuels and Lubricants Research Division has achieved certification to ISO 9001, an internationally recognized quality standard, and ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems.


For more information about fuel systems and contamination research capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Xiaojian Tao, Ph.D., at xtao@swri.org or (210) 522-6962.

©1998-2009 Copyright Southwest Research Institute
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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.