Help Identifing a componet...

[RBRx]

After replacing the rear axle bushings I saw underneath my trunk well passenger side a curious looking black box which to my belief was a fuel pump but an internet search for the fuel pump came up with nothing similar looking. It's been bugging me for some time, It looks like a xbox 360 power supply with what looks to be a fuel line in & out and lastly some electrical so does anyone know what it is? (08 aveo)

[AndrewButler05]

If you can attach a pic I could say for certain, but I believe you have discovered the charcoal canister.

[RBRx]

If you can attach a pic I could say for certain, but I believe you have discovered the charcoal canister.

Yup you're right that's what it is, came up in a search

What's its purpose is it just a glorified filter?

[xintersecty]

Yes it is a glorified filter. However it does have a purpose and a good purpose. I found this on the net:

A charcoal canister is part of the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system in many modern automobiles, which is designed to keep gasoline from evaporating into the atmosphere. Rather than venting a gas tank to the atmosphere, an EVAP system can allow fumes to flow into a canister that contains activated carbon and is therefore capable of adsorbing the fuel vapor. This process, coupled with the closed fuel system, can help ensure that a minimal amount of fuel vapor is allowed to reach the atmosphere.
The adsorption process used by these canisters makes use of the unique properties of activated carbon. Activated carbon is most often created from charcoal, though it may also be obtained by processing other materials, such as peat and wood. The activation process results in carbon with a very porous structure and tremendous surface area in comparison to its physical size. Fuel vapors may then be contained on the surface of this activated carbon. Unlike absorption or chemisorption, this can allow the fuel vapor to be trapped while remaining free to be used at a later time. In adsorption, one material can be bound to the surface of another material, while absorption involves one material being bound inside the volume of another material. Chemisorption can involve an actual chemical reaction at the surface of a material, as seen in corrosion.

By containing fuel vapors that would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere, the charcoal canister can have a positive environmental impact. Rather than being vented to the atmosphere or absorbed and disposed of, the fuel vapors can be reintroduced to the fuel system and burnt. During such circumstances, air can be passed through the canister, freeing some of the vapor and carrying it to the intake. This can allow vapors that would otherwise have been lost to be reclaimed and used during combustion. To that end, all automobiles manufactured in the US since the early 1970s have had closed fuel systems, and similar systems were also introduced to many markets throughout the world around that same time.