Abstract:
A fuel removal device comprising: means for establishing releasable fluid communication with an interior volume of an engine-mounted diesel fuel filter; a first conduit affixed to the releasable communication means for conveying diesel fuel contained in the interior volume of the engine-mounted diesel fuel filter out of the fuel filter; a collection receptacle in fluid communication with the fuel conveying conduit, the collection receptacle having a plurality of walls and located external to the automotive vehicle associated with the engine-mounted diesel fuel filter and at least on pneumatic system controlling the removal of fuel from the diesel fuel filter.

Description:
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for changing an engine fuel filter, particularly in diesel engine configurations. 
     Diesel engine filters must be routinely changed to insure proper function of the associated engine. These devices tend to hold significant quantities of residual fuel. 
     Removal of diesel engine filters is an opportunity for spillage of the fuel which is contained in the filter housing. This poses a risk of environmental contamination and, can jeopardize worker safety. Thus the filter units to be changed or removed must be handled carefully to minimize these risks. This can add time and complexity to filter change operations and does not completely eliminate the risks outlined and associated with filter change operations. Additionally removal of the fuel with the associated filter wastes fuel that could be otherwise used in engine operations. Recovery of the fuel could provide additional cost savings in engine operation and use. 
     Heretofore it was understood that in various large diesel engines, the fuel filter could contain several ounces of fuel. Newer fuel filters have been proposed that will contain up to a gallon of diesel fuel or more. The fuel in the filter is, typically mixed with water and/or other contaminating materials. If this fuel material is discarded indiscriminately, it can cause environmental degradation. Even if the material is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, the fuel value of this petroleum product is lost or severely compromised. At best, the material is collected for recycle and/or use as a lower-grade petroleum product in filter change operations typically employed. All too often, significant quantities of the fuel contained in a diesel engine fuel filter remain in the filter, creating waste and filter disposal problems. It would be advantageous if this material could be captured in some manner and reused in the fuel system of the associated vehicle. It would also be advantageous if the spent filter could be drained in an efficient manner so that little or no fuel remains in the filter to be discarded. 
     Heretofore various attempts have been made to address and overcome the problems associated with changing engine fuel filters, including but not limited to, the device and method outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,320 to Bedi. In U.S. &#39;320, a suitably configured fuel filter mount can be configured with quick connect couplers to releasably communicate with a reservoir for collecting fuel out of a filter, conditioning it and reintroducing it into the fuel filter upon the completion of fuel filter change operations. The device provides filter change capability for engines having limited filter volume but is not configured for vehicles having large volume filter devices. 
     Due to the typical volume of the diesel fuel filter, the newly positioned replacement filter must be charged with a suitable volume of fuel before starting the engine in order to obtain maximum engine efficiency and fuel usage. Thus fuel filter changes can also necessitate the additional step of charging the fuel filter with a volume of diesel fuel after the filter is in position. It has also been found that in engines with large volume filters, refilling the filter can introduce an air pocket in the fuel supply system that results in sputtering and suboptimal engine performance on engine restart. 
     Thus it would be desirable to provide a fast and efficient method for removing engine fuel from the filter prior to, or during the filter element change operation and replacing the fuel after replacement of the filter element. It would also be desirable to provide a method and device which would provide for the removal and replacement of the fuel filter element in a self-contained and efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     A method for to facilitate change of a large volume diesel fuel filter and a device for achieving the same are disclosed herein. The device comprises means for establishing releasable fluid communication with an interior volume of a vehicle mounted large volume diesel fuel filter; a first conduit affixed to the releasable communication means for conveying diesel fuel contained in the vehicle-mounted diesel fuel filter out of the fuel filter; a collection receptacle in fluid communication with the fuel conveying conduit, the collection receptacle having a plurality of walls and located external to the automotive vehicle associated with the engine-mounted diesel fuel filter and at least one pneumatic device controlling the removal of fuel from the diesel fuel filter. 
     The method described herein includes the steps of reintroducing sequestered diesel fuel held in a fuel containing receptacle into a diesel fuel filter and associated fuel conveying conduits in an associated vehicle engine, the suggested fuel is removed under vacuum from a spent fuel filter and introduced into a fresh fuel filter under pressure. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to more fully understand the present invention, the following drawing is presented in which like reference numbers are use throughout the various drawing figures and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the device disclosed herein in releasable contact with a diesel engine oil filter; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the an embodiment of the device disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a detail view of an embodiment of a pneumatic device as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the device disclosed herein; 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The method and device disclosed herein provide a quick and effective system for removing fuel from an associated diesel fuel filter and conduits in fluid connection therewith. Where desired or required, the method achieves reintroduction of sequestered diesel fuel into associated fuel conveyance line(s) conveying diesel fuel to the engine downstream and/or upstream of the fuel filter in a manner that prevents or eliminates entrained air in the fuel conveyance system. The method and/or device includes at least one pneumatic controller. 
     The device disclosed herein provides an integrated, self-contained means for at least one of the removal, collection and/or return of diesel fuel to an engine fuel filter during filter change operations. Because the fuel removal and return operations are relatively easy and self-contained, it is envisioned that the device will facilitate and streamline fuel filter change procedures. This can result in cost and time savings per filter change operation. 
     Various systems for fuel removal and replacement have been proposed and employed. Among these is a device and method presented by the present inventors as U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,320 the content of that disclosure are incorporated by reference herein. It has been found, quite unexpectedly that the pressure/pneumatic system disclosed herein can achieve rapid and efficient removal of large volume diesel filters over that disclosed in methods and devices such as previously described and disclosed by the present inventors. 
     Broadly construed, the device disclosed herein includes a housing configured to be positioned external to the associated automotive vehicle, a diesel fuel collection receptacle associated with the housing, a first conduit in fluid communication with the diesel fuel collection reservoir having means for establishing releasable fluid communication with the interior volume of a vehicle-mounted large volume diesel fuel filter. The device also includes means for utilizing pressurized gas in at least one of the diesel fuel removal from the onboard filter unit step, the diesel fuel filter purge step, and the diesel fuel reintroduction step. Typically, the device includes at least one pneumatically operable control mechanism. 
     The device  10  disclosed herein generally includes a fluid circuit and a pressure circuit and is depicted schematically at  FIG. 1 . The fluid circuit is defined, at least in part by conduit  12 , a collection reservoir  14 , and a return conduit  16 . The conduit  12  can include a filter device  18  as well as suitable check valve devices such as check valve  20  located downstream of the filter  18  and upstream of collection reservoir  14 . It is contemplated that the conduit  12  can be in fluid connection with the reservoir through any suitable means including but not limited to various fluid tight couplers and connectors (not shown.) 
     In the embodiment depicted in the various drawing figures, the conduit  12  is connected with a top or upwardly oriented face  22  of the reservoir  14 . When coupled in this manner, it is contemplated that fluid entering the reservoir can fall via gravity to the lower regions  24  of the reservoir  14 . It is considered within the broad purview of this disclosure that the connection between the conduit  12  and reservoir  14  can be located at other regions that facilitate conveyance of fuel from the engine fuel filter to the reservoir  14 . 
     The device is configured for return or replacement of at least a portion of the removed diesel fuel. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that at least a portion of the conduit  12  can be configured for bi-directional sequential fluid flow as indicated by the arrows A, B located on conduit line  12  with arrow A indicating fluid flow to the engine fuel filter  28  and arrow B indicating fluid flow from the engine fuel filter  28 . Where so configured, conduit  12  will have suitable valve flow controllers to permit fluid flow in the desired direction. The flow controllers can be controlled and operated as desired or required, for example, by suitable pneumatic control systems. While bi=directional systems are depicted, it is also considered within the purview of this invention to employ dedicated single-direction conduits if desired or required. 
     The diesel fuel filter  28  to which the device  10  is releasably connected is typically considered a “high volume diesel fuel filter.” As used herein, the term “high volume diesel fuel filter” is defined as a filter having an internal volume greater than two quarts. The maximum internal volume can be any suitable volume with maximum volumes of 1 to 1.5 gallons being typical in certain applications. 
     The device  10  disclosed is configured to effectively replace diesel fuel in a high volume diesel fuel filter. It is also contemplated that the device can be employed successfully with various lower volume diesel fuel filters in various applications. 
     In its broadest sense, a diesel engine fuel filter  28  is mounted along a fuel conveyance line on a suitable boss, bracket, or mounting assembly indicated as mounting assembly  30  in  FIG. 1 . The boss bracket or mounting assembly can be configured with means for achieving removable fluid connection between the device  10  and the fuel filter  28 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the coupling means are configured in the mounting assembly. Where desired or required, coupling means can be configured as a suitable portion of a quick connect assembly. It is contemplated that coupling means are a suitable portion of a quick connect coupling member such as coupling member  32 . The coupling member  32  can be disposed adjacent and/or in fluid communication with the fuel filter  28 . Thus the coupling member  32  may be placed in a preexisting drain located proximate to the lowest end of the mounting assembly  30  and can provide fluid egress for a fluid stream from the interior of the fuel filter  28 . Alternately, an additional drain opening can be produced in the mounting boss assembly (not shown). 
     The coupling member  32  establishes fluid access to the interior of the fuel filter as well as to associated regions in the fuel delivery circuit of the associated vehicle. Such regions include, but need not be limited to, the onboard fuel tank  36  via suitable fuel conveyance lines (designated as reference number  38 ) as well as the vehicle engine  40  via suitable fuel delivery lines (designated as reference number  42 ). In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, coupling member  31  is configured to matingly engage with coupling member  32  of a suitable quick connect coupling device. Coupling member  31  is located on the end of conduit  12 . 
     The externally positionable diesel fuel removal device  10  as disclosed herein can include means for drawing fuel from the filter  28  through the hose  12  into an external holding reservoir or receptacle  14  that is contained in a suitable housing such as housing  44  (see  FIG. 2 ). In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fuel drawing means is a device or apparatus capable of producing a sustained vacuum pressure in the interior of the reservoir  14  of greater than 50 psi. In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, the vacuum pressure generating apparatus is connected to a source of pressurized air  50  found external to the device  10 . Nonlimiting examples of such sources include shop air pressure line, pressure generators or the like that can be utilized in any suitable manner such as the manner that will be described in greater detail subsequently. 
     The reservoir or receptacle  14  can include means for permitting visual assessment of the removed fuel such as sight glass  46 . Such a device can permit the operator to ascertain the condition of fuel removed from the engine fuel filter as well as determining the amount of fuel removed. As depicted in the drawing figures, sight glass  46  can be mounted to correspond to a suitable visual access aperture  48  defined in a side face  50  of housing  44 . 
     The receptacle  14  can have any suitable construction capable of permitting and sustaining the vacuum pressure desired or required. Where desired or required, the receptacle  14  can include a suitable drain  46  located in the lower oriented region  24  to facilitate removal of material such as sediment and water as required or desired that may accumulate in the receptacle  14 . 
     The receptacle  14  will be configured to have a suitable internal volume to contain the volume of diesel fuel removed from the connected diesel filter together with a volume of diesel fuel removed from fuel conveyance lines such as lines  38  and  42  during filter change operations. In various embodiments such as the one depicted in the drawing figures, it is contemplated that the interior volume will also be sufficient to contain a volume of diesel fuel in addition to the amount removed from the associated diesel fuel filter and associated lines. The internal volume of the receptacle  14  can be sufficient to include a residual volume amount, a filled volume amount, and a filled volume headspace. Residual volume is designated in  FIG. 1  as V R  filled volume as V F , and head space as H 
     In order to minimize the accumulation of water and sediment in the receptacle  14 , the device  10  can also include at least one suitable filter  18  configured to remove at least a portion of the entrained water and sediment present in fuel drawn from the fuel filter  28 . In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, it is contemplated that the conduit-mounted filter  18  can have any suitable filtration media such as filtration media having a sieve size of approximately 30 microns or smaller. Where desired or required, it is contemplated that various filter media can be provided as various sizes to trap or entrain various material. As a non-limiting example, filtration media capable of trapping and or entraining water particles as small as 100 microns may be employed in particular instances. One non-limiting example of suitable filtration media includes 40 mesh screen. 
     Where desired or required, the filter  18  or components thereof can be removable or replaceable. It is also contemplated that the filter device can be equipped with suitable means (not shown) for indicating filter replacement is required. Such indicator means can include, but need not be limited to, visual, electronic or non electronic signals triggered by events such as a change in condition of the filtration media or the volume of contaminant accumulated in the filter  18 . It is also contemplated that the filter  18  can be equipped with suitable remote signaling devices that will prevent operation of the device  10  if the filter  18  requires service or refurbishment. Filter  18  can also be equipped with suitable self regeneration devices as desired or required. 
     In various embodiments, it is contemplated that the filter  18  can contain suitable filtration media capable of removing contaminants from hydrocarbon materials such as diesel fuel. Such filtration media may comprise one or several different materials as required to accomplish suitable fuel filtration. It is anticipated that such filtration media will be capable of removing contaminants such as by-products of incomplete combustion of the diesel fuel as well as contaminants derived from the engine itself. Such contaminants include, but are not limited to, metallic or metal-base materials which result from the engine operation and parts contained therein. Other contaminants may include components derived from engine lubricants, seals and gaskets, and the like. Additionally, the filtration media contained in the associated filter unit  48  can be one which is capable of removing or sequestering various contaminants derived from the external environment such as road dirt particles and the like. Filtration media capable of such functions are known to those skilled in the art. 
     The filtration media employed in associated filter  18  may be of a type which is removable from the associated filter unit on a periodic basis when the media becomes saturated or unable to provide suitable filtration function. Alternately, it is considered within the purview of this invention that the entire filter unit with filtration media contained therein will be removable from device  10  to permit replacement with a fresh filter unit  10 . 
     Thus, it is contemplated that diesel fuel contained in the receptacle  14  will be essentially clean filter diesel fuel. Where necessary, it is contemplated that the receptacle can include suitable access ports such as drain  46  to permit external access to the fuel contained therein. 
     The device  10  includes means for exerting a vacuum on the fluid fuel in the fuel filter  18  to draw fluid from the fuel filter  28  and associated conduits through a fluid conveying line such as line  12 . 
     In order to draw fluid from the engine fuel filter  28 , vacuum pressure is exerted on receptacle  14 . Vacuum pressure in receptacle  14  is translated through hose  12  and coupling members  30 ,  32  to effect removal of the fluid contained in the fuel filter  28 . Fuel is drawn through hose  12  in the direction of arrow B, though filter  18  past check valve  20  to the interior of receptacle  14  where it can be held while suitable fuel filter change operations are performed. 
     Where desired or required, it is contemplated that the line  12  may include various check valves, routing valves and the like. Where necessary it is contemplated that movement or activation of suitable valves can be controlled by suitable mechanisms, with pneumatic actuators and control systems being employed in suitable embodiments. One nonlimiting example of such a controlled valve is valve  52 , which is pneumatically coupled to trigger  62  indicated by broken line. 
     During fuel evacuation operations, valve  52  can be held in a location that permits fluid flow through conduit  12 . During fuel return operations, the valve  52  can be switched to direct fuel from return line  16  into line  12  toward filter  28 . 
     Upon completion of filter change operations, the fuel contained in the receptacle  14  can be reintroduced to the replaced fuel filter as by repressurization of the receptacle  14 . At least apportion of the fuel contained in the receptacle  14  can be conveyed back to the replacement fuel filter through suitable conveyance hoses. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , fuel is returned though fuel return line  16  to hose  12  in the direction of fluid flow arrow A. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , it is contemplated that the device  10  can include at least one directional valve such as directional valve  52  to divert fluid travel as desired or required. The valve can be of any suitable configuration and can be moved between at least a first and a second orientation in any suitable such as the operation to be described subsequently. 
     During fuel evacuation, procedures, suitable vacuum pressure can be exerted on the receptacle  14  to draw diesel fuel from the diesel filter, through line  12  into the receptacle  14 . When reintroduction is required, the receptacle  14  can be pressurized to a level sufficient to convey fuel into the fuel filter and associated fuel conveyance lines of the vehicle. 
     In the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, the device is operated pneumatically utilizing a suitable source of pressurized air  50 . Where desired or required, the source of pressurized air can be derived from a suitable pump, source of bottled gas or other on board device. It is contemplated that the device  10  can be configured to be removably coupled to an external source of pressurized gas such as a suitable shop air line or the like designated in  FIG. 1  as reference numeral  50 . 
     Suitable sources of pressurized gas will be those that can convey any suitable gaseous mixture including, but not limited to, conventional shop air, nitrogen and the like at pressures up to at least 125 psi. It is to be understood that in many situations shop gas is delivered at pressures greater than 125 psi. Elevated pressures can be utilized with delivery pressures up to and above 160 psi being contemplated in various situations. 
     The device  10  can include suitable coupling means to connect the device  10  to the source of pressurized gas  50 . Where desired or required, the device  10  can include at least one pneumatic line  54  to convey the pressurized air to desired location(s) in the device  10  suitable regulators and devices such as regulator  59  to reduce and maintain the introduced shop air to a suitable operational level. In the embodiment depicted, it is contemplated that the external source will be configured to deliver gas at a suitable operational pressure, for example, 125 psi. This pressure is considered exemplary for various embodiments. It is considered within the purview of this disclosure to employ other initial operational pressures as desired or required. The device  10  can include suitable coupling members and pressure regulating devices to maintain a suitable operational pressure. 
     Pneumatic line  52  can be equipped with suitable couplers as desired or required to connect the pneumatic line  54  to the external gas source  50  such as couplers  56 , as well as pressure regulator  59 . 
     In the embodiment as depicted, pressurized gas at 125 psi can be delivered to a suitable vacuum generation mechanism  58 . In the embodiment depicted, the vacuum generator mechanism includes a suitable venture device  60  coupled to a suitable stop valve  62  positioned to draw a vacuum on lines  64  and  66  coupled in pneumatic contact with the receptacle  14 . Lines  64  and  66  can be coupled to the receptacle  14  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted, lines  64  and  66  are connected at or near the upper face of the receptacle  14  at a location in the head space H above the maximum fuel level in the receptacle. 
     It is contemplated that the introduced pressurized gas can be utilized to draw a vacuum on the receptacle  14  to draw fluid from the connected fuel filter  28  into receptacle  14 . The receptacle  14  can be configured to be empty or essentially empty as required or desired. In the embodiment as depicted, it is contemplated that the receptacle will be configured to contain a residual volume of fluid fuel material  24  when the receptacle is in the non-filled state. The retained amount will generally be a volume sufficient to ensure introduction of a sufficient quantity of replacement fuel at a sufficient pressure during the fuel replacement phase of operations. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that this residual amount will be approximately 1 to 4 quarts. The residual amount will be fresh diesel fuel that can be introduced into the receptacle by any suitable means. 
     The vacuum pressure that is exerted is that sufficient to remove fuel resident in the vehicle fuel filter  28  and any associated lengths of the fuel delivery line  42  and fuel conveyance line  38 . In various situations, it is contemplated that vacuum pressures up to 125 psi can be employed. 
     In order to achieve and maintain suitable fluid levels in the receptacle  14  during removal and replacement operations, the receptacle can include appropriate fluid level controls such as liquid level sensors or floats  68  and  70 . It is contemplated that the device  10  will include suitable level controllers and regulators to limit maximum volume contained in the receptacle  14  and limit maximum volume delivered from the receptacle  14  into the appropriate fuel filter  28  and associated engine conduits. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , float  68  is a lower level regulator in pneumatic contact with line  64  via conduit  72 . When fluid levels are at or below the level defined by exceed the maximum level of float  68 , vacuum in the receptacle  14 , movement of or action upon float valve  88  can trigger a suitable message to maintain suitable vacuum levels in the receptacle  14 . When the fluid level reaches the lower set level, V 2  defined by float  68 , vacuum pressure exerted in line  72  is discontinued. This discontinuity is detected at feedback mechanism  74  and the vacuum exertion operations are discontinued. In the embodiments depicted, it is contemplated that the feedback mechanism  74  can be configured as any suitable configuration of pneumatic control mechanisms. 
     In order to draw fluid from the fuel filter  28  and associated conduits  42  and  38 , it is contemplated that a suitable operation sequence can be triggered by a suitable manually operable switch. In the pneumatic system depicted in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , a manually triggered switch can be connected to a suitable valve to initiate a fluid removal cycle in which fluid is drawn under vacuum into the receptacle triggering the initiation of the cycle. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a second pressure regulator  74  is positioned in line  54  downstream of regulator  59 . The second pressure regulator  74  is configured to achieve a pressure reduction from 125 psi to a suitable lower pressure level such as 75 psi in line  76  immediately downstream. 
     Activation of trigger mechanism  78  opens a line  76  for the delivery of pressurized gas through line  76  at a suitable operating pressure (for example 75 psi) to module  80  located proximate to overflow valve  80  associated with receptacle  14 . 
     Trigger  78  is also connected to a suitable pneumatic receptacle monitoring loop  82  in pneumatic communication with fluid high level monitor or float  70  located in receptacle  14 . In the embodiment as depicted pneumatic monitoring loop  82  is configured to include a suitable down pressure regulator  84  configured to step line pressure down from a level of approximately 75 psi to a suitable lower pressure level such as, for example, 25 psi, suitable variously for operating associated pneumatic controls. It is contemplated that the lower pressure gas stream is delivered to a suitable routing valve  86  to deliver pressurized air to the fuel filter  28  upon completion of the fuel removal process. The pressure level of the air so delivered is generally at a level sufficient to force any fluid remaining in the fuel filter  28  into the line  12  and receptacle  14 . 
     Pressurized gas can be conveyed to the fuel filter  28  in any suitable manner. In the embodiment depicted, the pressurized gas can be conveyed through a suitable line such as line  88 . Line  88  can be connected to the fuel filter housing of the associated filter  28  at any suitable location. Generally, suitable locations can be positions somewhat distal to the connector  32 . Suitable connections are those that permit and facilitate pressurized communication and can be accomplished by quick connectors and the like. 
     The pneumatic system as generally disclosed herein is configured to permit the sequential introduction a quantity of purge gas during and/or immediately after evacuation of the fuel from the fuel filter  28 . The duration of purge activities can be controlled by the activation and deactivation of circuit  91  triggered by movement of float  70 . Float  70  is located in the interior of receptacle  14  and can be calibrated to a level approximately equal to the contents of the fuel filter  28  plus an additional volume derived for conduits  38  and  42 . Float  70  is associated with a closable valve connected to vacuum line  92  of circuit. While open, vacuum line  92  experiences a negative pressure due to the action of vacuum line  64 . Once closed the cessation of vacuum pressure in line  90  triggers pneumatic switch  86  resulting in pressurization of line  88 . and delivery of positive pressure to filter  28 . After a suitable pressurization interval the action of pressurization can be discontinued either though pneumatic action or through a manual or time dependant action. The emptied fuel filter  28  can removed from engagement with the associated vehicle and replaced with a new or reconditioned filter as desired or required. 
     It is contemplated that the fluid removal operations will yield a spent fuel filter  28  that is essentially free of diesel fuel. As used herein, the term “essentially free of diesel fuel” is taken to mean a spent fuel filter having little or no contained diesel fuel that would be able to be spilled during subsequent operations leading to the removal and disposal of the spent filter. The filter components may contain small amounts of residual fuel and must be disposed of in a suitable manner consistent with accepted environmental standards. It is contemplated that at least 75% of the diesel fuel contained in the filter can be removed and retained. In many applications, this volume is greater than 90%, with quantities as high as 97% being feasible. 
     In filter change operations, it is envisioned that the spent fuel filter can be replaced by a suitable fresh filter upon completion of the fuel evacuation and spent filter removal. During filter change operations, it is contemplated that the device  10  can remain connected to the vehicle in the manner previously described. During filter change operations, it is contemplated that the device  10  can remain connected to the vehicle in the manner previously described. During filter change operations, it is contemplated that the device  10  can be in a suitable standby mode in which fuel is retained in the receptacle in a suitable pressure neutral state. 
     As indicated previously, in many situations fuel removal includes removal of a volume of fuel resident in engine fuel conveyance lines  38  and  42 . The amount of fuel removed from the associated lines  38 ,  42  is a volume sufficient to minimize or eliminate leakage of fuel during filter change operations. 
     Upon replacement of the spent fuel filter with a fresh unit, the device  10  can be triggered to return the retained fuel material to the fresh fuel filter and to the associated channels  38  and  462 . Fuel return can be achieved by any suitable mans, in the embodiment depicted, in order to initiate fuel return, the trigger  62  can be manually operated to initiate the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurization source  40 . Pressurized gas flows through line  54  past regulators  59  and  74  and on through line  76 , where it dead heads at device  86  and pressurizes trigger  62 . Activation of trigger  62  initiates the delivery of pressurized air goes into the receptacle  14  through line  66  forcing fluid through conduit  16  past routing valve  52  into conduit  12  in the direction of arrow A. 
     It is contemplated that the diesel fuel will be delivered through connector  32  into the fresh diesel filter  28  and into the channels  38  and  42  to replace material removed during fuel removal operations. The pressurized gas used to deliver the diesel fuel can be at any suitable pressure with a gas pressure of 75 psi being utilized in the embodiment depicted. 
     It is contemplated that the device  10  can be configured so that the fuel delivered to the fresh filter  28  and associated conveyance lines  38 ,  42  has a head pressure that gradually increases to 75 psi as the fuel is introduced into the fresh filter  28 . Gradual increase in the introduction pressure minimizes the initial volume of gas entrained in the system and facilitates gradual diffusion of the gas remaining in lines  38  and  42  so that at the completion of the fill phase, the volume of entrained air is essentially eliminated. Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that the gradual pressure buildup experienced by the filter  28  and fuel conveyance conduits  38 ,  42  results in the gradual diffusion of entrained air pockets through various connections and couplings in the powertrain system. This results in an essentially continuous stream of fuel in the fuel delivery and conveyance system upon engine restart. 
     It is contemplated that the pressurization can continue for an interval sufficient to achieve fuel system priming in the embodiment depicted in the drawing figures, this can be indicated by pressure equilibration brought about by triggering the lower float  68  and pressurization of line  72 . Rise in pressure in line  72  can feed back to trigger  62  closing line  66  to pressurized air. 
     In the embodiment depicted, the pressures equilibrate, the successful removal of the fluid to the fuel filter triggers the action of float  68 , opening an associated valve to line  72  and pressurizing the line. Pressurization of the line triggers valve  90 . Pressure drop in receptacle  14  closes valves associated with trigger  78  and stops the delivery of pressurized air in the associated circuits. 
     Once the fuel has been transferred from the device  10  to the fresh filter  28  and associated conduits  38 ,  42 , the system can be decoupled and the vehicle placed into service or prepared for additional maintenance operations as desired or required. 
     The device disclosed herein can be employed to accomplish filter change operations in diesel engines, particularly diesel engines with large volume filter units. In the filter change method disclosed herein, it is contemplated that diesel fuel collected from the spent fuel filter and at least one engine-mounted fuel conveying conduit and sequestered in the collection reservoir of a device  10  is reintroduced into the associated diesel engine through a fresh diesel fuel filter with at least a portion of the reintroduced fuel entering at least one fuel conveying conduit located on the associated engine under pressure derived from a pressurization source external to the device. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.