Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Steven E Ives

John Edward Brevick

Eric W Schneider

Ellen S Schwartz

Gregory F O'Daniel

Changsoo Kim

Robert F Hill

Richard F Reising

Thomas B Ascroft

A combustion engine is configured to substantially reduced pressure in the crankcase relative to atmospheric conditions. Under the conditions of reduced pressure, removal of contaminants present in the lubricating oil present is effected, which may provide one or more benefits including extended service intervals, reduced volumes of motor oils used, and lessened wear of internal engine components.

High vacuum crankcase ventilation

An oil mist separator for a gas flow having oil particles suspended therein, comprising a separator element including a duct having an open end, a closed end and a the wall extending between said open and closed ends. The separator element further comprises a longitudinal axis extending between the open and closed ends with the longitudinal axis being parallel to the side wall. The separator element includes an inlet orifice formed in the side wall and a drain orifice formed in the side wall between the inlet orifice and closed end. The separator element also includes an impingement plate mounted within the side wall, with the impingement plate extending upward from the closed end a sufficient distance so that the impingement plate faces the inlet orifice. The separator element is supported in the gas flow so that the longitudinal axis is approximately vertical and the closed end is below the open end, and so that the gas flow enters the separator element through the inlet orifice and strikes the impingement plate resulting in the oil particles adhering to the impingement plate and flowing downward toward the closed end with the oil particles exiting from the separator element through the drain orifice, and the gas flow exits the separator element through the open end.

Oil mist separator

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Durand, MI, United States of America

Steven E Ives