STAR EnviroTech Inc., an inventor and licensor of leak detection smoke technology, was recently awarded U.S. Patent No. 9,417,152 B2 for its Combination Smoke Machine and Nitrogen Generator. The technology is designed for many purposes, including safer and easier automotive fuel evaporative emissions (EVAP) testing by eliminating the addition of oxygen into a vehicle’s fuel tank and ending the time and cost of changing nitrogen cylinders.

This cost-effective, patented N2 generator design is the smallest available in any smoke machine, according to the company. The integration of the N2 generator into the carrying handle creates a portable smoke machine with a small footprint. STAR’s design, built in partnership with Parker Hannifin, the generator’s developer, is currently available in the OEM-approved Vacutec WV622N. The user simply connects the unit to workshop air and smoke is generated with an endless supply of clean, pure and dry nitrogen.

Using nitrogen to produce and deliver smoke during EVAP testing is recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), leading automakers, Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) papers, insurance liability companies and other responsible businesses and organizations promoting safer best business practices, according to the company.