The Function of a Vehicle's Charcoal Canister?

[DelBeau]

An automotive charcoal canister contains activated carbon, which functions to adsorb gasoline vapors from the fuel tank into the activated carbon. During high engine load conditions, the ECU controls the opening of the solenoid valve to direct these fuel vapors behind the throttle body into the engine for combustion. Below is a detailed introduction to the vehicle's charcoal canister: 1. The automotive fuel vapor adsorption and desorption device, commonly known as the 'charcoal canister,' is designed to reduce the emission of gasoline vapors from the fuel tank and carburetor. Typically installed between the fuel tank and the engine, this system addresses gasoline's volatile nature—where fuel vapors often fill the tank at normal temperatures—by channeling these vapors into the combustion process to prevent atmospheric release. 2. The canister houses an active material. When the engine operates and the solenoid valve is engaged, the engine draws in fuel vapors from the tank and those adsorbed by the active material into the intake manifold. Conversely, when the engine is off or the solenoid valve remains closed, fuel tank vapors enter the charcoal canister and are absorbed by the active material.