Moeller Marine

Fueling the Fun

Anti Spitback

Anti-Spitback Fuel Tanks Fill

In a pre-2011 vessel, the fill level in the tank was determined either by the owner hearing the fuel rise in the fill hose, or by fuel spitting out the vent of the deck fill. The 2011 EPA regulation requires that the filling process be controlled to prevent spitting back raw fuel into the vessel or the waterway. The key is that operators must be able to fill the fuel tank without fuel “spitting back” or spilling.

Adopting automotive technology, marine industry engineers developed several effective solutions. A typical system includes a Fluid Limit Vent Valve (FLVV) installed on the tank, and a flapper style check valve install on the fuel inlet hose just above the tank. As fuel rushes into the tank during filling, the air that is displaced runs out through the FLVV. When the fuel reaches the maximum fill level, the FLVV closes, shutting off airflow. At this point, the fuel backs up the fill hose and trips the aspirator on the nozzle to shutoff. The check valve prevents fuel in the tank from backing up the fill hose, onto the vessel, or into the waterway.

Moeller reviews your specific requirements to develop a fully integrated fuel system for each project. We work with every major diurnal component manufacturer to deliver a range of EPA-compliant and NMMA-certified options for your unique build requirement. In 2015, Moeller introduced a fully compliant, low cost vent valve; click here for more information. To learn more about the anti-spitback requirement–and how we can help you develop a fully compliant solution—contact your Regional Sales Manager or click here.

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