Thermoplastic liner for and method of overwrapping high pressure vessels
US5499739A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0168
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressure vessel liner for fuel tanks used to store high pressure gasses including methane or compressed natural gas includes thermoplastic materials exhibiting low permeability and mechanical properties resistant to thermal and pressurization strains over the operating cycle of the fuel tanks. The pressure vessel liner is made from a material selected from the group consisting of modified nylon 6 or nylon 11. The present invention also discloses a method of forming a reinforced composite fuel tank wherein the pressure vessel liner is overwrapped with both low-angle helical and high-angle helical filament windings. The high-angle helical windings are overwrapped around the liner across at least the cylinder-to-dome transition region at angles between 60.degree. and 88.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the liner. High angle helical filament windings at these angles eliminate excessive composite windings typically added to account for weak transition points in these regions. The high-angle helical windings can be effectively wound without slippage, thereby providing a simplified overwrapping process and improved reinforced liner construction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.