Fuel Shut-Off Valve for Natural Gas Vehicles

TLX’s expert engineers saw the obstacles in designing a fuel shut-off valve for a natural gas application, and began identifying ways to improve valve performance.

Customer Problem

Desire for energy diversification and cleaner emissions have led to a rise in the number of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and commercial, heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) that use natural gas as fuel. While the increased interest and adoption of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) has promising implications, the shift presents many challenges to automotive and off-highway engineers.

Natural gas is stored and operates at a different pressure and temperature than conventional gasoline, therefore engine components must be reconfigured or designed to cope with the unique characteristics of natural gas. One such challenge was preventing gas leakage into the engine while not in use. A fuel shut-off valve was the component required to prevent natural gas leakage, however, several factors compromise the performance of the shut-off valve in NGV’s: large temperature gradients, flow requirements and size constraints.

The TLX Solution

TLX’s expert engineers saw the obstacles in designing a fuel shut-off valve for a natural gas application, and began identifying ways to improve valve performance. Using a fluorocarbon-based elastomer, the team at TLX was able to achieve drastically low leakage and maintain cold flexibility at temperatures down to -40C.

The engineers also used finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to help solve fit and flow problems stemming from the large temperature difference between natural gas and an energized solenoid. If you have a challenging NGV application that requires a solenoid or valve, please contact TLX to discuss your specific project.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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