Latest Press Releases - Page 1
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Audible / Visual Indication (fuel fill closure)
During the heat of the day, a boat's fuel tank can warm and the liquid within it expand. This built-up pressure used to be vented off through fittings. But in 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that fuel systems on new boats be sealed to protect air quality from hydrocarbon emissions. Perko has responded with its full line of EPA-compliant, replacement sealed gas caps with built-in vacuum over pressure relief (VOPR), each proudly made in the USA.
Whether it falls overboard at the fuel dock or has simply lost its lustrous shine, it's important for boat owners to know what type of system they have to correctly select the proper cap. The company's packaging makes selecting the right model easy: blue is for pre-2011 vented systems and green is for post-2011 sealed designs.
Using the wrong cap can be dangerous to both the boater and the environment. A sealed version on a vented system may cause a tank to over-pressurize and create a hazardous condition. Conversely, a vented unit on a sealed design will defeat the EPA regulations and allow harmful fuel vapors into the atmosphere. Owners who are unsure of what they have should consult a marine fuel system professional or their boat builder before changing the fuel cap.
Perko offers a wide variety of replacement caps to fit any boat style. Options include chrome-plated bronze, black or white polymer, and stainless steel models with the new international color-coded inserts. An owner can easily find a model that will enhance the look of his boat. Matching water, waste and diesel versions are available.
Perko's website features an episode of Ship Shape TV that helps educate boaters on sealed vs. vented caps at http://www.perko.com/sstv_video/sstv_perko_gas_caps/. Perko's replacement gas caps start at around $30 for plastic models and $60 for metal versions.
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Increased Marine Canister Capacities Offers New Options
With newly increased fuel tank capacity ratings, Delphi marine canisters from Perko offer more flexibility than ever before. Delphi canister recertification has increased capacities by approximately 20%, allowing boat builders to use smaller, space-saving models.
All Delphi canisters have been recertified to optimize their capacity. The 1/2 liter and 1 liter canisters, which previously handled trailerable boat tank capacities of 45 and 90 gallons respectively, are now certified for 62 and 124 gallons. Delphi's 4-liter canister, its largest, has been certified for a trailerable boat tank capacity of 496 gallons and non-trailerable boat tank capacity of 992 gallons.
Perko now also offers the Delphi 3/4 liter canister. This new product is certified for trailerable boat tanks with capacities of up to 93 gallons and for non-trailerable boat tanks up to 186 gallons.
Available with or without a heat shield, every Delphi marine canister comes with a choice of 5/8" x 5/8" or 5/8" x 5/16" connection. Heat shields are factory installed and delivered, ready for mounting into a boat.
Specifically tailored to meet boat builder needs, Delphi canisters from Perko employ marine-grade activated carbon, ensuring low moisture adsorption. Their patented floating brackets facilitate installation, and accommodate movement without placing stress on the canister body.
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Air Fuel Separator Furnishes In-Line Ventilation
Boat builders can face compliance challenges when installing fuel tanks, particularly with units made of plastic. The air/fuel separator from Perko allows manufacturers to satisfy EPA diurnal emissions requirements, while also meeting USCG regulations regarding access to tank-mounted fittings. It also creates a simpler, more convenient setup.
Installation of this convenient Perko component makes placement of vent valves on the tank unnecessary. When properly located in the vent lines to the canister, this in-line venting device eliminates any need to access the far ends of longer tanks.
With a vent valve mounted inside, the air/fuel separator provides rollover protection and over-pressure relief, while delivering the airflow restriction required for automatic pump shutoff. It also safeguards against sloshing and helps keep liquid fuel from reaching the canister.
The air/fuel separator measures 6-3/4" L x 4-1/3" W, and projects 3-1/2". It mounts with the same floating brackets used on canisters, and connects to 5/8" vent lines with standard hose clamps. Units fitted with factory-installed heat shields are available for engine room installation.
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New fill limit valves encompass many ullage settings
Ullage requirement, or the airspace necessary in a fuel tank, is dependent both on tank shape and tank and boat size. Boatbuilders who leave too little ullage risk tank over-pressurization. Too much airspace, on the other hand, sacrifices precious range unnecessarily. Perko offers an easy and affordable solution, even for unusual or large tanks, with its new 0586XL series fill limit valves.
Locating a valve outside the standard 1/2" to 1-1/2" setting range presents a challenge. Until now, boatbuilders have had to pay the tank's manufacturer for modification, an expensive and imperfect solution.
Designed to work specifically for larger boats with deep fuel tanks, Perko's new 0586 series valves come in extra large versions in addition to all the standard sizes. Besides offering the popular 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1-1/8" and 1-1/2" heights, Perko now provides valves with shutoff heights ranging from 2" up to over 6", in 1/2" increments.
Boatbuilders can order the new fill limit valves in quantities as low as five pieces. Custom sizes between 1-1/2" and 10" are also available when purchased in quantities of 25 or more.
Prices for the new 0586XL fill limit valve series start at $32. Like all Perko tank-mounted valves, the 0586 and 0586XL series come in 1" NPTF threaded, SAE five-bolt pattern flanged, or swivel versions.
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New emissions components solve tank access issues
Compliance with current EPA regulations regarding diurnal emissions can create fuel tank access problems. Perko's new emission components tackle this by eliminating the need to access fittings located in hard-to-reach areas of fuel tanks.
The new Perko air/fuel separator allows boatbuilders to run vent lines directly inside the tank, then connect them to fittings mounted in more convenient spots. In many cases, an air/fuel separator system also offers a lower installed cost than a vent valve system.
Another Perko product, the distant sensing fill limit valve, establishes ullage from the center of the tank, the ideal location for the most accurate operation. The use of an internal vent line allows for placement of the actual valve in a more convenient location.
OEMs can install either the air/fuel separator or the distant sensing fill limit valve, or both, depending on any particular fuel tank's configuration. Perko offers distant sensing fill limit valves for both plastic and aluminum fuel tanks.