Abstract

Apparatus for receiving crankcase emissions from an internal combustion engine and for separating the liquid and solid portions of the emissions from the gaseous portion thereof. The apparatus includes a container or vessel having an open top which is closed by a cap. The cap has an inlet port for receiving crankcase emissions, an outlet port for permitting the separated gaseous portion of the emissions to be directed through a PVC valve to the intake manifold of the engine, and an air inlet port for allowing ambient air to mix with the crankcase emissions as they are directed toward the interior of the container. The cap carries a porous body which separates the incoming crankcase emissions flowing between the inlet port and outlet port into the liquid, solid and gaseous portions, the liquid and solid portions being trapped in the container while the gaseous portion is permitted to flow toward the outlet port for exit from the container. The vacuum produced in the intake manifold when the engine is operating causes a vacuum in the container which, in turn, causes the crankcase emissions to be drawn into the container. Also, this vacuum unseats a valve in the air intake port against the bias force of a spring to allow ambient air to enter the container and mix with the incoming crankcase emissions and thereby increase the air content of the gaseous portion. When the engine is not operating, the vacuum is no longer present in the container and the valve in the intake port closes by virtue of the bias force of the spring.