EP2778499A1 - Boss structure - Google Patents

Boss structure Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2778499A1
EP2778499A1 EP20140158941 EP14158941A EP2778499A1 EP 2778499 A1 EP2778499 A1 EP 2778499A1 EP 20140158941 EP20140158941 EP 20140158941 EP 14158941 A EP14158941 A EP 14158941A EP 2778499 A1 EP2778499 A1 EP 2778499A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
boss
internal liner
boss part
boss structure
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP20140158941
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2778499B1 (en
Inventor
Cengiz Ozkan
Emre Sen
Fikret Senel
Veysel Celal BEYSEL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS
Original Assignee
Tofas Turk Otomobil Fabrikasi AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP2778499A1 publication Critical patent/EP2778499A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2778499B1 publication Critical patent/EP2778499B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/06—Closures, e.g. cap, breakable member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0604—Liners
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0619—Single wall with two layers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/066—Plastics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0305—Bosses, e.g. boss collars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a boss structure of compressed natural gas tanks which enable to store natural gas on vehicles.
  • the storage method that is most widely used for storing natural gas on vehicles is storage via compression.
  • Storage in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tanks is made in cylindrical tanks under 200-250 bar pressure.
  • a boss section part made of a metallic material is used for providing a gastight (sealing) connection with a valve to be coupled at the boss section.
  • the metal boss section part should be rigidly fixed into the plastic internal liner.
  • the first one of the forces that will act on the metal boss section part is the pressure of the compressed natural gas that will act on in the axial direction of the tank.
  • the second force is the rotation force that will act on in composite winding process and torquing and tightening the valve to the boss section metal part.
  • the most widely used applications are filling the gaps of different forms provided on the metal boss section part by the molten plastic material during production of the plastic internal liner and thereby providing integration.
  • the most critical points here are the form of the gaps, ability to produce this form with gaps in the metal boss insert (1) by the selected production method, and ability to fill these gaps by the production method selected during production of the plastic internal liner. It is expected that the integration form provided after the production ensures the expected strength criteria.
  • plastic blow-molding method is widely used for production of plastic internal liner.
  • Another application used in production of plastic internal liner (3) is producing the boss section parts via plastic injection and then welding it with the middle cylindrical part produced by extrusion via plastic butt welding.
  • the United States patent document no. US5476189 discloses a pressure vessel for holding fluidized gases.
  • the vessel comprises an outer shell fabricated of a composite material.
  • a damage mitigating material is used in the outer shell, and its design is made different for safety purposes.
  • the European patent document no. EP0550951A1 discloses a boss region having a polar opening in a pressure vessel.
  • the boss comprises a filament wound outer shell and a non-metallic internal liner.
  • the United States patent document no US5979692 discloses a boss section pressure vessel.
  • the boss includes an outer reinforcing shell and an inner liner having a radially extending flange.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can be produced in a single stage.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can resist the forces created by the pressure of compressed natural gas in the axial direction of the tank.
  • a further objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can be fixed on an outer apparatus during torquing and tightening of the valve and which thus enables to prevent transmission of the resulting torque to the internal liner which has a weak strength.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which provides strength in the rotation direction since it does not rotate independent of the internal liner.
  • the boss structure (1) of the present invention comprises:
  • the invention relates to a coated or uncoated metal boss structure (insert) which is used in composite type CNG (compressed natural gas) tanks.
  • the outer shell (2) is manufactured from a composite material.
  • resin and carbon fiber filament material are used as composite material for producing the outer shell (2).
  • the main function of the outer shell (2) is to provide strength against the high pressure load produced by the compressed natural gas (CNG) stored in the tank.
  • the internal liner (3) enables sealing for the high pressure compressed natural gas stored therein and provides a surface for the outer shell (2) that is wrapped thereon.
  • the internal liner (3) can be produced with different plastic materials such as HDPE (high density polyethylene), XPE (cross-linked polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene) and PA (polyamide) and mixtures thereof by using rotational molding method.
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • XPE cross-linked polyethylene
  • PP Polypropylene
  • PA polyamide
  • "fluoridation" can also be applied to the tanks produced with rotational molding method.
  • the boss part (4) enables a sealing connection with the valve that is mounted to the tank for controlling natural gas flow.
  • the boss part (4) which is preferably made of a metal material, should be rigidly integrated with the internal liner (3) so that it can maintain its position under high pressure.
  • the boss part (4) should also be resistant against the rotational forces acting thereon.
  • the boss part (4) is preferably made of aluminum material considering the strength and weight criteria. It can be produced coated or uncoated in order to provide different features. All of the integration solutions used in the design are provided so as to allow production of the boss part (4), which is preferably made of aluminum material, by machining (metal cutting) methods in an economical manner. In mass production conditions, the part can be economically produced at higher numbers by casting method.
  • the boss part (4) can be produced completely during production of the internal liner (3) via rotational molding method, by being processed directly in the internal liner (3) mold by providing integration with the internal liner (3).
  • a sealing gasket (5) which enables gas-tightness of the valve that will be mounted to the tank.
  • the valve (4) can be tightened to the boss part (4) under torque by using a sealing gasket (5).
  • boss structure (1) of the present invention brings along integration solutions, different aspects and advantages.
  • composite resin outer shell (2), plastic internal liner (3) and metal boss part (4) are used together in harmony and thereby the tank is enabled to fulfill the expected targets.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to the boss structure (1) of the CNG (compressed natural gas) tanks. The boss structure (1), which is manufactures in a single stage, can resist the forces created by the pressure of compressed natural gas in the axial direction of the tank. The boss structure (1) of the present invention has a boss part (4) which can be fixed on an outer apparatus during torquing and tightening of the valve and which thus enables to prevent transmission of the resulting torque to the internal liner which has a weak strength.

Description

    Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a boss structure of compressed natural gas tanks which enable to store natural gas on vehicles.
    • Background of the Invention
  • The storage method that is most widely used for storing natural gas on vehicles is storage via compression. Storage in CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tanks is made in cylindrical tanks under 200-250 bar pressure.
  • There are four types of compressed natural gas tanks:
    1. 1. Metal tanks made of high quality steel.
    2. 2. Hoop wrapped filament resin matrix composite tanks with steel or aluminum metal internal liner.
    3. 3. Fully wrapped filament resin matrix composite tanks with steel or aluminum metal internal liner.
    4. 4. Fully wrapped filament resin matrix composite tanks similar to type-3 but with non-metallic internal liner.
  • When Composite Type-4 CNG Tanks are examined, it is seen that they are comprised of the following sub-layers of different materials.
    • Plastic internal liner
    • Boss section metal part
    • Composite wrap layer
  • In Composite Type-4 CNG Tanks, a boss section part made of a metallic material is used for providing a gastight (sealing) connection with a valve to be coupled at the boss section. In order to enable safe storage of natural gas under high pressure in the tank, the metal boss section part should be rigidly fixed into the plastic internal liner.
  • The first one of the forces that will act on the metal boss section part is the pressure of the compressed natural gas that will act on in the axial direction of the tank. The second force is the rotation force that will act on in composite winding process and torquing and tightening the valve to the boss section metal part. A solution should be provided to the problem by developing solutions of integration with the plastic internal liner so as to provide strength of the metal boss section part against these forces.
  • When solutions of integration with plastic internal liner of the metal boss section part of Composite Type-4 CNG Tanks are reviewed, it is seen that different patents have developed different solutions.
  • The most widely used applications are filling the gaps of different forms provided on the metal boss section part by the molten plastic material during production of the plastic internal liner and thereby providing integration. The most critical points here are the form of the gaps, ability to produce this form with gaps in the metal boss insert (1) by the selected production method, and ability to fill these gaps by the production method selected during production of the plastic internal liner. It is expected that the integration form provided after the production ensures the expected strength criteria.
  • It is observed that casting method is used in production of the metal boss section part, while plastic blow-molding method is widely used for production of plastic internal liner. Another application used in production of plastic internal liner (3) is producing the boss section parts via plastic injection and then welding it with the middle cylindrical part produced by extrusion via plastic butt welding.
  • The United States patent document no. US5476189 , an application in the state of the art, discloses a pressure vessel for holding fluidized gases. The vessel comprises an outer shell fabricated of a composite material. A damage mitigating material is used in the outer shell, and its design is made different for safety purposes.
  • The European patent document no. EP0550951A1 , an application in the state of the art, discloses a boss region having a polar opening in a pressure vessel. The boss comprises a filament wound outer shell and a non-metallic internal liner.
  • The United States patent document no US5979692 , an application in the state of the art, discloses a boss section pressure vessel. The boss includes an outer reinforcing shell and an inner liner having a radially extending flange.
    • Summary of the Invention
  • The objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can be produced in a single stage.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can resist the forces created by the pressure of compressed natural gas in the axial direction of the tank.
  • A further objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which can be fixed on an outer apparatus during torquing and tightening of the valve and which thus enables to prevent transmission of the resulting torque to the internal liner which has a weak strength.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a boss structure which provides strength in the rotation direction since it does not rotate independent of the internal liner.
    • Detailed Description of the Invention
  • "Boss structure" developed to fulfill the objectives of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures wherein
    • Figure 1 is the front view of the boss structure.
    • Figure 2 is the top view of the upper part of the boss structure.
    • Figure 3 is the bottom view of the lower part of the boss structure.
  • The components given in the figures are assigned reference numbers as follows:
    1. 1. Boss structure
    2. 2. Outer shell
    3. 3. Internal liner
    4. 4. Boss part
      • 41. First recess
      • 42. Second recess
      • 43. Third recess
      • 44. Lower surface
      • 45. Inner wall
    5. 5. Sealing gasket
    6. 6. Valve mounting surface
    7. 7. Sealing surface
    8. 8. Flow surface
  • The boss structure (1) of the present invention comprises:
    • at least one outer shell (2),
    • at least one internal liner (3) which contacts the outer shell (2) from its inner surface,
    • at least one boss part (4) which is located in the outer shell (2) at the entrance part of the tank,
    • a sealing gasket (5) which ensures gastight connection of the boss part (4) with the valve,
    • at least one valve mounting surface (6) to which the valve is mounted,
    • a sealing surface (7) which provides sealing by interference fitting with the gaskets on the valve,
    • at least one flow surface (8) which is designed to enable natural gas flow.
  • The invention relates to a coated or uncoated metal boss structure (insert) which is used in composite type CNG (compressed natural gas) tanks.
  • The outer shell (2) is manufactured from a composite material. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, resin and carbon fiber filament material are used as composite material for producing the outer shell (2). The main function of the outer shell (2) is to provide strength against the high pressure load produced by the compressed natural gas (CNG) stored in the tank.
  • The internal liner (3) enables sealing for the high pressure compressed natural gas stored therein and provides a surface for the outer shell (2) that is wrapped thereon. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the internal liner (3) can be produced with different plastic materials such as HDPE (high density polyethylene), XPE (cross-linked polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene) and PA (polyamide) and mixtures thereof by using rotational molding method. In order to further improve the feature of gas-tightness (sealing), "fluoridation" can also be applied to the tanks produced with rotational molding method.
  • The boss part (4) enables a sealing connection with the valve that is mounted to the tank for controlling natural gas flow. When performing this function, the boss part (4), which is preferably made of a metal material, should be rigidly integrated with the internal liner (3) so that it can maintain its position under high pressure.
  • The boss part (4) should also be resistant against the rotational forces acting thereon.
  • The boss part (4) is preferably made of aluminum material considering the strength and weight criteria. It can be produced coated or uncoated in order to provide different features. All of the integration solutions used in the design are provided so as to allow production of the boss part (4), which is preferably made of aluminum material, by machining (metal cutting) methods in an economical manner. In mass production conditions, the part can be economically produced at higher numbers by casting method. The boss part (4) can be produced completely during production of the internal liner (3) via rotational molding method, by being processed directly in the internal liner (3) mold by providing integration with the internal liner (3).
  • The first recess (41), which is located at the parts where the boss part (4) enters into the internal liner (3) at the large diameter area where the boss part (4) is connected with the internal liner (3) at the side surfaces, is filled with internal liner (3) material preferably produced of plastic and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  • The second recess (42) in the form of a half dovetail, which is located at the area where the boss part (4) contacts the internal liner (3) on its lower surface at the large diameter area, is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  • The third recess (43), which is located on the outer surface of the small diameter area of the boss part (4), is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  • The lower surface (44), which is located at the area of the boss part (4) where its diameter expands, is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  • The inner wall (45), which is located on the inner surface of the wide lower area of the boss part (4) and which is preferably threaded, is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  • At the outermost part of the boss structure (1) where it is opened to the atmosphere, there is provided a sealing gasket (5) which enables gas-tightness of the valve that will be mounted to the tank. The valve (4) can be tightened to the boss part (4) under torque by using a sealing gasket (5).
  • In addition to the ability of being produced in an economical manner, the boss structure (1) of the present invention brings along integration solutions, different aspects and advantages.
  • Solutions which protect the metal boss part (4) against the force created by the pressure of the compressed natural gas in the axial direction of the tank are as follows:
    1. 1. The first recess (41) at the end part of the large diameter area,
    2. 2. Second recess (42) in the form of a half dovetail at the lower part of the large diameter area,
    3. 3. Third recess (43) at the outer surface of the small diameter area,
    4. 4. Lower surface (44) on the wider diameter bottom area,
    5. 5. Threaded inner wall (45) on the inner surface of the wide bottom area.
  • Solutions which protect the metal boss part (4) against the forces that force the tank to rotate in rotational direction are as follows:
    1. 1. The outermost surface of the boss part (4) is designed such that it will be flat from two sides at diameter. These flat surfaces enable the boss part (4) to be fixed on an outer apparatus when the valve is torqued and tightened to the boss part (4) and enables to prevent transmission of the torque to the plastic internal liner (3) material which has weak strength.
    2. 2. The diameter on the lowermost surface of the boss part (4) is designed such that it will be flat on four sides. These flat surfaces are coated with a plastic material and prevent the boss part (4) from rotating independent of the plastic internal liner (3) and thereby enable strength in the rotation direction.
  • In composite type CNG tanks, composite resin outer shell (2), plastic internal liner (3) and metal boss part (4) are used together in harmony and thereby the tank is enabled to fulfill the expected targets.

Claims (19)

  1. A boss structure (1), which is a member of the tank structure that enables to store compressed natural gas on vehicles, and which basically comprises
    - at least one outer shell (2),
    - at least one internal liner (3) which is located in the inner surface of the outer shell (2) which is gripped by the outer shell (2),
    - at least one boss part (4) which is located in the outer shell (2) at the entrance part of the tank,
    - a sealing gasket (5) which ensures gastight connection of the boss part (4) with the valve,
    - at least one valve mounting surface (6) to which the valve is mounted,
    - a sealing surface (7) which provides sealing by interference fitting with the gaskets on the valve,
    - at least one flow surface (8) which is designed to enable natural gas flow.
  2. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by a first recess (41), which is filled with internal liner (3) material preferably produced of plastic and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction, and which is located at the parts where the boss part (4) enters into the internal liner (3) at the large diameter area where the boss part (4) is connected with the internal liner (3) at the side surfaces.
  3. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 1 and Claim 2, characterized by a second recess (41) in the form of a half dovetail, which is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction, and which is located at the area where the boss part (4) contacts the internal liner (3) on its lower surface at the large diameter area.
  4. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a third recess (43), which is located on the outer surface of the small diameter area of the boss part (4) and which is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  5. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a lower surface (44), which is located at the area of the boss part (4) where its diameter expands, and which is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction.
  6. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a preferably threaded inner wall (45), which is filled with internal liner (3) material and thereby enhances strength of the boss part (4) in the axial direction, and is located on the inner surface of the wide lower area of the boss part (4).
  7. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the outer shell (2), which is made of composite material, and for production of which resin and carbon fiber filament are used as composite material in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  8. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 7, characterized by the outer shell (2) which provides strength against the high pressure load produced by the compressed natural gas (CNG) stored in the tank.
  9. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the internal liner (3) which provides sealing for the high pressure compressed natural gas stored therein and forms a surface for the outer shell (2) that is wrapped thereon.
  10. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 9, characterized by the internal liner (3) which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, can be produced with different plastic materials such as HDPE (high density polyethylene), XPE (cross-linked polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene) and PA (polyamide) and mixtures thereof by using rotational molding method.
  11. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 1, characterized by the boss part (4) which provides a sealing connection with the valve that is mounted to the tank for controlling natural gas flow.
  12. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 11, characterized by the boss part (4) which is rigid enough to maintain its position under high pressure, enables integration with the internal liner (3) and is also resistant against the rotational forces acting thereon and which is preferably made of metal material.
  13. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 12, characterized by the boss part (4) which is produced coated or uncoated preferably of aluminum material in order to provide different features taking into account the strength and weight criteria.
  14. A boss structure (1) according to Claims 11 to 13, characterized by the boss part (4) which can be produced during production of the internal liner (3) via rotational molding method, by being processed directly in the internal liner (3) mold integral with the internal liner (3).
  15. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the sealing gasket (5) which, at the outermost part of the boss structure (1) where it is opened to the atmosphere, enables gas-tightness of the valve that will be mounted to the tank and the ability to tighten the said valve under torque to the boss part (4).
  16. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the composite resin outer shell (2), plastic internal liner (3) and metal boss part (4) in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  17. A boss structure (1) according to Claim 12, characterized by the boss part (4), which is fixed on an outer apparatus during torquing and tightening of the valve, and which thus enables to prevent transmission of the torque to the internal liner (3) material which has a weak strength.
  18. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the flow surface (8), which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is produced in a conical shape and thereby conveniently provides natural gas flow.
  19. A boss structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the valve mounting surface (6), which, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, is threaded allowing mounting of the valve to the metal boss part (4).
EP14158941.6A 2013-03-11 2014-03-11 Boss structure Active EP2778499B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR2013/02927A TR201302927A2 (en) 2013-03-11 2013-03-11 Boss structure

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EP2778499A1 true EP2778499A1 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2778499B1 EP2778499B1 (en) 2019-03-27

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TR (1) TR201302927A2 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110107798A (en) * 2019-05-24 2019-08-09 江苏国富氢能技术装备有限公司 A kind of plastic inner container carbon fiber winds hydrogen storage cylinder bottleneck structure entirely
CN110637186A (en) * 2017-05-24 2019-12-31 陆型技术公司 Threaded boss for pressure vessel
DE102015223538B4 (en) * 2015-11-27 2021-01-28 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fuel tank for a vehicle
CN114542973A (en) * 2022-04-26 2022-05-27 南通赛尔特设备安装有限公司 Pressure vessel with exhaust auxiliary device
US20230022376A1 (en) * 2021-07-23 2023-01-26 Steelhead Composites, Inc. Boss for type iv composite pressure vessels

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB202013851D0 (en) 2020-09-03 2020-10-21 Rolls Royce Plc Composite gas storage tank

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EP0550951A1 (en) 1992-01-10 1993-07-14 Technical Products Group, Inc. Improved boss for a filament wound pressure vessel
US5476189A (en) 1993-12-03 1995-12-19 Duvall; Paul F. Pressure vessel with damage mitigating system
DE19631546C1 (en) * 1996-07-24 1997-11-13 Mannesmann Ag Composite gas pressure-bottle with plastic liner
DE19751411C1 (en) * 1997-11-14 1999-01-14 Mannesmann Ag Composite fibre-reinforced pressurised gas tank including liner with end neck sections
US5979692A (en) 1998-03-13 1999-11-09 Harsco Corporation Boss for composite pressure vessel having polymeric liner
US20070164561A1 (en) * 2004-03-11 2007-07-19 Joong-hee Lee High gas-tightened metallic nozzle-boss for a high pressure composite vessel
US20080251520A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2008-10-16 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Pressure vessel
EP2034199A1 (en) * 2007-09-04 2009-03-11 Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. Sealing structure for high-pressure container
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EP2322841A2 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-18 Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. Pressure vessel having improved sealing arrangement
US20110304083A1 (en) * 2010-06-15 2011-12-15 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Process and apparatus for forming an inner vessel liner for a pressure vessel
FR2962782A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-01-20 Djp Filling end fitting for use in e.g. cylindrical gas tank filled with e.g. natural gas in e.g. road vehicle, has central body or flange body including blocking unit that is rotated around longitudinal axis with respect to inner liner

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0550951A1 (en) 1992-01-10 1993-07-14 Technical Products Group, Inc. Improved boss for a filament wound pressure vessel
US5476189A (en) 1993-12-03 1995-12-19 Duvall; Paul F. Pressure vessel with damage mitigating system
DE19631546C1 (en) * 1996-07-24 1997-11-13 Mannesmann Ag Composite gas pressure-bottle with plastic liner
DE19751411C1 (en) * 1997-11-14 1999-01-14 Mannesmann Ag Composite fibre-reinforced pressurised gas tank including liner with end neck sections
US5979692A (en) 1998-03-13 1999-11-09 Harsco Corporation Boss for composite pressure vessel having polymeric liner
US20070164561A1 (en) * 2004-03-11 2007-07-19 Joong-hee Lee High gas-tightened metallic nozzle-boss for a high pressure composite vessel
US20080251520A1 (en) * 2007-04-06 2008-10-16 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Pressure vessel
EP2034199A1 (en) * 2007-09-04 2009-03-11 Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. Sealing structure for high-pressure container
WO2010080948A1 (en) * 2009-01-09 2010-07-15 Lincoln Composites Pressure vessel boss and liner interface
EP2322841A2 (en) * 2009-11-11 2011-05-18 Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. Pressure vessel having improved sealing arrangement
US20110304083A1 (en) * 2010-06-15 2011-12-15 Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. Process and apparatus for forming an inner vessel liner for a pressure vessel
FR2962782A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-01-20 Djp Filling end fitting for use in e.g. cylindrical gas tank filled with e.g. natural gas in e.g. road vehicle, has central body or flange body including blocking unit that is rotated around longitudinal axis with respect to inner liner

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102015223538B4 (en) * 2015-11-27 2021-01-28 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Fuel tank for a vehicle
CN110637186A (en) * 2017-05-24 2019-12-31 陆型技术公司 Threaded boss for pressure vessel
CN110637186B (en) * 2017-05-24 2021-09-14 陆型技术公司 Threaded boss for pressure vessel
US11371653B2 (en) 2017-05-24 2022-06-28 Hexagon Technology As Threaded boss for pressure vessel
CN110107798A (en) * 2019-05-24 2019-08-09 江苏国富氢能技术装备有限公司 A kind of plastic inner container carbon fiber winds hydrogen storage cylinder bottleneck structure entirely
US20230022376A1 (en) * 2021-07-23 2023-01-26 Steelhead Composites, Inc. Boss for type iv composite pressure vessels
WO2023003688A1 (en) * 2021-07-23 2023-01-26 Steelhead Composites, Inc. Boss for type iv composite pressure vessels
CN114542973A (en) * 2022-04-26 2022-05-27 南通赛尔特设备安装有限公司 Pressure vessel with exhaust auxiliary device

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