Managing Blow-by in Modern Engines: A Comprehensive Review of Crankcase Ventilation Technologies

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 01 | Page :
    By

    Rahul Bachute,

  • Sachin Karale,

  • Pramod Wadate,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil School of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. PG Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil School of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil School of Engineering, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Blow-by in internal combustion (IC) engines occurs when high-pressure combustion gases escape past the piston rings into the crankcase. These gases typically carry oil aerosols, unburned hydrocarbons, and fine particulate matter, which, if not effectively managed, can disrupt lubrication, accelerate component wear, and contribute to harmful emissions. Effective crankcase ventilation is therefore essential not only for ensuring engine durability but also for meeting increasingly stringent emission regulations. This paper examines the mechanisms of blow-by formation and its influence on engine performance, with particular focus on advanced crankcase ventilation solutions. Conventional separation techniques are reviewed alongside emerging high-efficiency approaches, including electrostatic and diffusion-based aerosol filtration, which show significant promise for capturing ultra-fine particles with minimal pressure drop. Additionally, the study presents the design, material selection, and experimental validation of an optimised reed valve assembly for pressure management. The proposed configuration employs an aluminium top housing for structural integrity and a PA-GF35 composite bottom housing for thermal and mechanical resilience. Remote mounting of the reed valve was investigated as a strategy to reduce pressure pulsations, improve oil return stability from the turbocharger, and enhance long-term durability. A combined finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental testing programme confirmed the mechanical robustness, sealing efficiency, and operational reliability of the design under realistic cyclic loading. Results demonstrate improved crankcase pressure stability, reduced oil carryover, and enhanced turbocharger lubrication integrity. The findings highlight that integrating advanced filtration technologies with robust, strategically positioned reed valve systems can deliver a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and regulation-ready solution for modern high-performance and hybrid-assisted IC engines.

Keywords: Engine blow-by, crankcase ventilation, PCV system, reed valve setup, oil mist separation, turbocharged engine health, fuel efficiency, emission control, modern filtration, eco-friendly engine design.

How to cite this article:
Rahul Bachute, Sachin Karale, Pramod Wadate. Managing Blow-by in Modern Engines: A Comprehensive Review of Crankcase Ventilation Technologies. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-.
How to cite this URL:
Rahul Bachute, Sachin Karale, Pramod Wadate. Managing Blow-by in Modern Engines: A Comprehensive Review of Crankcase Ventilation Technologies. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236736


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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
01
Received 13/08/2025
Accepted 29/10/2025
Published 11/02/2026
Publication Time 182 Days
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