What Are the Vapour Emission Control System Requirements in Modern Vehicles?

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Fuel vapors from vehicles are a major source of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which contribute to smog and air pollution. To reduce this, modern automotive regulations around the world require vehicles to be equipped with a Vapour Emission Control System (VECS). These systems must comply with strict engineering and operational standards.

At BM Process, we support industries with advanced emission control solutions, aligning with both local and international standards.

 

Key Requirements for Vapour Emission Control Systems

1. Sealed Fuel System Design

The fuel tank, filler cap, and fuel lines must be airtight to prevent vapor leaks.
Use of rollover valves and pressure relief valves is mandated for safety and control.

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2. Charcoal Canister Integration

The activated carbon canister must be large enough to store expected vapor volume.
It should be designed to absorb and retain vapors even during extreme temperature conditions.

3. Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) Integration

The EVAP system must be monitored by the vehicle’s OBD system.
Any malfunction (like leaks, valve failure) must trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and warning light on the dashboard.

4. Purge Valve Operation Standards

Purge valves should operate at specific engine load and temperature ranges.
The release of vapors must be carefully timed to avoid performance or emission issues.

5. Leak Detection Testing

Systems must undergo Evaporative Emission Testing (like pressure and vacuum decay tests).
Many countries require a 0.040″ or 0.020″ leak detection standard, especially in the U.S. (EPA & CARB standards).

Discover how we apply automation and testing integration to monitor systems like VECS in real-time environments.

 

Global Compliance Norms

Country/Region Regulation Requirement Highlights
USA EPA / CARB OBD-II monitoring, <0.020″ leak detection
EU Euro 6 Sealed tank, canister performance, system durability
Netherlands Euro 6 + RDW Alignment with Euro 6 standards; RDW type approval mandates strict emissions and system integrity validation
Germany Euro 6d-TEMP Enhanced particulate monitoring, real driving emissions (RDE) testing, and evaporative emission control validation
Japan J-OBD Stringent leak testing and onboard diagnostics

Refer to the EPA official guidelines for up-to-date U.S. evaporative emissions requirements.

 

Manufacturer Responsibilities

  • Perform durability validation of VECS over 100,000+ km
  • Ensure thermal resistance of the canister system
  • Provide documentation for emission testing and regulatory approvals

BM Process helps clients meet regulatory validation and compliance for emission-sensitive equipment and systems.

 

Conclusion

Meeting vapour emission control system requirements is no longer optional  it’s a legal and environmental obligation. Automotive engineers must design systems that meet both performance and compliance standards to ensure reduced emissions, better fuel economy, and cleaner air. With its focus on sustainable design and compliance, BM Process remains a reliable engineering partner for emission-sensitive technologies.