SAE J2973_201402

This SAE recommended practice specifies a standard geometry leak channel to set the leak threshold and compare results from a variety of leak test technologies and test conditions. This practice applies to fuel system assemblies and components which have a risk of allowing regulated fuel or fuel vapors to continuously escape to atmosphere. A component or assembly tested to this standard has a zero HC leakage threshold because the selected leak channel (Equivalent Channel) will self-plug and will not emit measurable hydrocarbon liquid or vapors. Therefore this standard eliminates leaks as a source of evaporative emission. This practice was primarily developed for pressurized and non-pressurized fuel systems and components containing liquid hydrocarbon based fuels. Fuel components and systems must have no Hydrocarbon (HC) leakage, to support compliance with certain HC emission regulatory requirements. This practice recommends use of a standard geometry leak channel (Equivalent Channel) to set the leak threshold for fuel components and systems. The method enables usage of multiple leak test technologies and test conditions, as long as they comply with the specified test practices and requirements.