DE202016004261U1 - Multi-layer fuel tank - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible fuel tank consisting of several layers, for example for aircraft, helicopters or vehicles.

Description

Compared to the prior art, this invention is a flexible, multi-layer fuel tank for gasoline or kerosene for aircraft, helicopters or vehicles. It consists of different layers of foil or fabric or a mixture of both. The layers can be processed individually and put together. This concept of different layers is new to a tank. This principle is known, for example, from kitesurfing. Here a bladder (bubble) is placed in a fabric. When inflating the bladder, he is stretched and presses against the stitched tissue. Together, they give a very stable and easy way to shape the kite.

In the context of the invention, the individual layers thereby fulfill different functions for the tank: ball safety, diffusion tightness, stability and media resistance. They can be connected to each other flat or only partially, or can be made separately and nested. The advantage is that each layer can take on a function. Thus, layers with particularly high diffusion-tightness such as aluminum can be used separately or in a connected position in the tank. As a result, a high diffusion-tightness of the tank can be ensured. The container should actually diffuse less than 5 mg / m2 and day and thus can meet very high environmental requirements. This is not possible in the prior art with normal fuel tanks made of plastic.

A layer may consist of a film which is provided with or without one or more barrier layers and which consists of TPU. TPU, PET, PVC or PE are particularly suitable for fuels. All films can be constructed in multiple layers. Important is also the stability of the materials. The films in a multi-layer system can be manufactured specifically for the requirements of the fuel tank. If film layers can not be integrated, such as the diffusion-tight aluminum layer, which does not bond to the films, this layer can also be made separately and then the tanks are placed in a container made of aluminum foil. Barrier layers that are already embedded in the films can be PA or EVOH. These already ensure a very high diffusion-tightness. The additional inclusion of a fabric helps to increase the stability of the tank. This makes it possible to build very light tanks with a lightweight polyamide fabric on the outside and a lightweight foil bladder on the inside.

It would be conceivable that a tank consists of a gasoline-resistant film made of PVC. In this film, a barrier layer is incorporated. Outside of this film, a conductive layer is applied. Then an aluminum layer is made separately. The flexible tank made of PVC is placed in the layer of aluminum and both are connected to each other, for example via a flange. The inner layer allows hardly any fumes and is dense and resistant to the fuel. A first diffusion protection therefore already offers this tank location. The second layer of aluminum is glued, for example. This layer is almost completely diffusion-tight and ensures that the diffusion of less than 5 mg / m2 and day can be maintained. Another possibility would be to incorporate the aluminum already in the film. This has the advantage that it is not necessary to produce two foil tanks and to put them into each other at the end. The aluminum can also be incorporated into a film or a fabric and thus ensure the diffusion-tightness. It can be vapor-deposited onto the fabric and the fabric subsequently glued and sewn, for example. The seams can then be sealed, for example with a sealant. Depending on the requirements, the fabric can be used as a polyamide fabric or incorporated as a fabric-reinforced film in a film made of PET, PE, PVC or TPU.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable to manufacture an aramid layer on the outside. This helps to make the tank safer against bullets. The ball should be stopped by the aramid and the energy of the ball adsorbed by the flexible tank.

The individual layers of the tank can be connected to the filler neck by a press connection, for example, a flange. Otherwise, the layers can be unconnected. The layers can also be welded or glued together.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Inside

2

Outside

3

4

5

6

permeation-proof layer

7

Foil layer

8th

conductive position

9

tear-resistant position

10

bulletproof location

11

fuel-resistant film layer

12

13

Inner flexible location

14

Outside flexible location

15

tank

16

shutter

17

squeeze

Claims (15)

A flexible fuel tank consisting of several layers, for example for aircraft, helicopters or vehicles. A flexible fuel container according to claim 1, which diffuses through a low diffusing layer less than 5 mg / m2 and day. A flexible fuel container according to claim 1, which is ball-secured by an outer layer of a bullet-proof fabric. A flexible plastic container according to claim 1, wherein the layers are combined in a composite material. A flexible fuel tank according to claim 1, wherein the individual layers are manufactured and nested one inside the other. One or more layers consisting of a TPU, PVC, PET or PE film according to any one of the preceding claims and provided without or with one or more barrier layers. A layer of film according to any one of the preceding claims, whose barrier layer consists of PA. A layer of film according to any one of the preceding claims, whose barrier layer consists of PA / EVOH / PA. A layer of film according to any one of the preceding claims, whose barrier layer consists of aluminum. A layer according to any one of the preceding claims of a fabric. A layer according to any one of the preceding claims of a fabric having a diffusion-inhibiting coating. A layer according to one of the preceding claims from a diffusion-proof layer, for example aluminum. A layer of bullet-proof fabric, such as aramid. The layers are connected at least at the filler neck by press connection. The layers are connected at least at the filler neck by gluing or welding.

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