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
  • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
  • F17C1/16—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of plastics materials
• • 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
  • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
  • F17C1/14—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of aluminium; constructed of non-magnetic steel
• • 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
  • F17C2201/01—Shape
  • F17C2201/0128—Shape spherical or elliptical
• • 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
  • F17C2201/0133—Shape toroidal
• • 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
  • F17C2201/03—Orientation
  • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
• • 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
  • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>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
  • 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
  • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
• • 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
  • F17C2203/0636—Metals
• • 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
  • 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
  • F17C2203/0673—Polymers
• • 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
  • F17C2203/0675—Synthetics with details of composition
• • 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
  • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
  • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
  • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
  • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
  • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
• • 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
  • F17C2205/0379—Manholes or access openings for human beings
• • 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
  • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
  • F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
  • F17C2209/234—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of closing end pieces, e.g. caps
• • 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
  • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
  • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
• • 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
  • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
  • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
• • 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
  • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
  • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
  • F17C2221/037—Containing pollutant, e.g. H2S, Cl
• • 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
  • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
• • 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)
• • 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
  • F17C2270/00—Applications
  • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
  • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
  • F17C2270/0105—Ships
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
  • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Definitions

• This invention relates to metal cylinder pressure vessels greater than 3 meters in diameter wherein the diameter is reduced or tapered to accept end domes that are 2 meters in diameter or less.
• this invention is directed to a pressure vessel comprising: a hollow cylinder having a proximal end, a distal end and a side wall that defines an inside diameter of the cylinder, the diameter being 3 meters or more;
• the base of the frustum is coupled to the proximal end of the hollow cylinder, or the base of one frustum is coupled to the proximal end of the hollow cylinder and the base of a second frustum is coupled to the distal end of the hollow cylinder;
• a smaller internal diameter of the frustum is two meters or less;
• the surface of the frustum proceeds from the point of coupling of the base of the frustum to the proximal end of the cylinder toward the truncated apex of the frustum at an angle of 15° to 60° with respect to the cylinder side wall.
• the smaller inside diameter of the frustum may be 3m or less.
• the frustum is made of the same metal as the cylinder or of a different metal from that of the cylinder.
• the pressure vessel further comprises a dome coupled to the truncated apex of the frustum.
• the dome comprises the same metal as the cylinder, the same metal as the frustum, a different metal from that of either the cylinder or the frustum, or of a polymeric composite.
• the dome comprises a polar opening to which a boss is coupled.
• the boss is comprised of a the same metal as the cylinder, the same metal as the frustum, the same metal as the dome, a different metal from that of the cylinder, the frustum and the dome, or of a polymeric composite.
• the boss comprises a one-piece polymeric composite construct.
• the pressure vessel further comprises a boss coupled to the truncated apex of the frustum.
• the boss is made of a same metal as the frustum, a different metal from the frustum or a polymeric composite.
• the boss comprises a one-piece polymeric composite construct.
• the vessel is used for the containment and transport of compressed natural gas.
• the compressed natural gas comprises compressed raw natural gas.
• the vessel may be filled with compressed natural gas.
• the compressed natural gas may be at a pressure of about 250bar.
• An aspect of this invention is a ship comprising the pressure vessel as defined above.
• Figure 1 shows a frustum 1 of cone 2.
• Figure 2 shows a pressure vessel with a cylindrical center section and one frustum end section.
• Figure 3 shows an arrangement of pressure vessels according to the present invention arranged in a hull of a ship.
• any term of approximation such as, without limitation, near, about, approximately, substantially, essentially and the like, mean that the word or phrase modified by the term of approximation need not be exactly that which is written but may vary from that written description to some extent. The extent to which the description may vary will depend on how great a change can be instituted and have one of ordinary skill in the art recognize the modified version as still having the properties, characteristics and capabilities of the word or phrase unmodified by the term of approximation. In general, but with the preceding discussion in mind, a numerical value herein that is modified by a word of approximation may vary from the stated value by ⁇ 10%, unless expressly stated otherwise.
• proximal and distal simply refer to the opposite ends of a construct and are used as a method of orienting an object with relation to another object such as the orientation of a frustum of this invention with the cylindrical main body of a pressure vessel.
• proximal and distal simply refer to the opposite ends of a construct and are used as a method of orienting an object with relation to another object such as the orientation of a frustum of this invention with the cylindrical main body of a pressure vessel.
• which end is designated as proximal and which as distal is purely arbitrary unless the context unambiguously expresses otherwise.
• a "pressure vessel” refers to any closed container designed to hold fluids at a pressure substantially different from ambient pressure. In particular at present, it refers to such containers used to hold and transport compressed natural gas, CNG. Pressure vessels may take a variety of shapes but most often seen in actual use are spherical, oblate spheroidal, toroidal and cylindrical center section vessels usually with domed end sections at either or both ends.
• a "frustum” has its normal meaning: a truncated cone in which the plane cutting off the apex of the cone to form the frustum is parallel to the base of the cone. A frustum of a cone is shown is Fig.1 .
• a "fluid” refers to a gas, a liquid or a mixture of gas and liquid.
• natural gas as it is extracted from the ground and transported to a processing center is often a mixture of the gas with liquid contaminants. Such mixture would constitute a fluid for the purposes of this invention.
• a "polymeric composite” has the meaning that would be ascribed to it by those skilled in the art. In brief, it refers to a polymer, usually designated as the “matrix” or “matrix polymer” in polymeric composites, which matrix has been infiltrated with a fibrous filler material. Put another way, a polymeric composite comprise a fibrous material that has been impregnated with a matrix polymer.
• a "boss” refers to a device as such would be understood by those skilled in the art.
• a “boss” is a device used to connect a pressure vessel with external piping through which the pressure vessel is filled with or emptied of a fluid.
• the current most common pressure vessel for the containment and transport of large quantities of compressed fluids is the all metal cylindrical pressure vessel, made usually of steel or aluminum, although other metals have been used. These vessels consist of a hollow cylinder central section and one two domed end section, which are fabricated separately and then welded to the end of the cylinder. In this manner, quite large pressure vessels can be constructed at least with regard to length wherein virtually any dimension is possible, although possibly not practical. Currently, the largest pressure vessels are in the vicinity of 18 meters in length. The diameter of metal pressure vessels is another story entirely.
• the present invention solves the problem by interposing a frustum between the end of the cylindrical center section of a metal pressure vessel and its dome end(s).
• the frustum can be constructed of the same metal as the cylindrical portion of the pressure vessel or it may be constructed of a different metal, the only proviso being that, if the metals are different, they are compatible.
• Those skilled in the art know or can readily ascertain which metals are compatible with regard to use in a pressure vessel those that are not.
• any conventional dome presently in use can be coupled to the truncated apex of the frustum to form the basic shell of what may be a very large pressure vessel both in length and diameter.
• basic shell is meant simply that, as those skilled in the art immediately recognize, additional paraphernalia will be added to the pressure vessel to render it complete, such as, without limitation, a boss may be added to a polar opening in the dome to serve as the connection between the pressure vessel and external sources of fluids and destinations to which a fluid contained in the pressure vessel may be transferred.
• a pressure vessel of this invention is shown in Fig. 2.
• the frustum tapers down to a final diameter at the truncated apex that is just sufficient for coupling to a boss, thereby eliminating the need for a domed end section entirely.
• the dome has an arc-angle defined so as to tangentially align with the angle of the frustum. This avoids an inflection point between the dome and the frustum, thus removing a bending hoop stress when the vessel is under pressure.
• Figure 2 shows a pressure vessel 10 with a cylindrical center section 20, a frustum end section 30, a truncated apex 40 and a dome 50 having a polar opening 60 for connection of a boss.
• a "polar opening” refers to a hole in the dome, usually circular in shape, the perimeter of which is radially equidistant from centerline 70 of vessel 10.
• the sides of the frustum angle toward centerline 70 at angle a between 15 s and 60 s .
• the angle, as shown is generally constant.
• opposite end 80 of pressure vessel 10 can also comprise a frustum, a dome, etc.
• the contour of the other end may be the mirror image of frustum 30, dome 50 and polar opening 60 and angle a shown in Fig. 2 or it may be different, i.e., the angle of the frustum side may be different. It would generally want to be within the previously stated limits, however.
• the dome may have a different contour and the polar opening may be of a different diameter. Often a bottom opening is smaller than a top.
• the pressure vessel may comprise a manhole at one end - usually a top end - for entering and/or inspecting the interior of the vessel.
• the manhole may be a 24 inch (60cm) manhole, or equivalent, for allowing internal inspection, e.g. by a person climbing into the vessel.
• the manhole may have closing means for allowing sealed closing of the opening thereof.
• the manhole is preferably provided according to ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standards.
• the dome that is coupled to the truncated apex of the frustum, it may (1 ) be fabricated of the same metal as cylindrical center section 20 and frustum 30 or, (2) if frustum 30 is made of a different metal than cylindrical center section 20, of the same metal as frustum 30 or (3) of a different metal than either cylindrical center section 20 and frustum 30 or (4) of a different material entirely, such as, without limitation, a polymeric composite or a ceramic.
• the dome is metal, which, as above, can be the same as any other metal used in the fabrication of the pressure vessel or may be an entirely different metal, it can be coupled to the truncated apex using any of the techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as, without limitation, welding or fastening with bolts and the like. At present, welding is the preferred means of coupling a metal dome to a frustum of this invention.
• the dome may be a polymeric composite.
• it may be coupled to the truncated apex of the frustum in the matter disclosed in our co- pending patent application entitled "Type II pressure vessel with composite dome", the entire contentes of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.
• coupling the circular cross-section base to the proximal end of the cylindrical center section may comprise:
• the cylindrical base extension has an outside diameter that permits it to be inserted into the hollow cylindrical center section;
• the seal might selected from the group consisting of an o-ring seal, a lip seal, a cup seal, a V-seal, a bore seal and a face seal.
• the flexible wire might be selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, aluminum and a nickel-based alloy.
• the method may comprise:
• the composite dome with a dome flange extending circumferentially outward from the circular cross-section base, the flange having a plurality of through- holes disposed around the flange circumference;
• the center section flange forming the cylindrical center section with a center section flange extending circumferentially outward from the proximal end of the cylindrical center section, the center section flange comprising a plurality of through-holes disposed around the flange circumference;
• the dome flange comprises a surface that can be placed contiguous to a surface of the center section flange
• the fasteners may comprise nut and bolt assemblies.
• the coupling of the composite dome to the cylindrical metal tube may comprise:
• the composite dome with a dome flange that extends circumferentially outward from the circular cross-section base, the dome flange having a distal surface that is parallel to the dome base and a proximal surface that tapers from the origin of the flange at an outer surface of the dome toward an outer edge of the flange;
• a separate metal annular ring with a cross-section having a proximal surface that is tapered counter to the taper in the dome flange surface and is of substantially the same length as proximal surface taper in the dome flange, a lower surface that extends outward from the point at which the tapered surface begins parallel to the center section flange surface and an upper surface that extends outward from the point where the tapered surface ends parallel to the lower flange surface;
• Coupling the annular ring to the center section flange may comprise welding the two together.
• Coupling the annular ring to the center section flange may comprise forming through-holes in the annular ring and in the center section flange wherein the though- holes align when the annular ring and the center section flange are contiguous and coupling the annular ring to the center section flange using fasteners inserted into the through-holes.
• the fasteners may comprise nut and bolt assemblies.
• Coupling the annular ring to the center section flange may even comprise using a plurality of C-clamps.
• the composite dome typically comprises a fibrous material embedded in a polymeric matrix.
• the fibrous material may be selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and combinations thereof.
• the polymeric matrix may comprises a dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation.
• the dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation comprises at least 92% pure dicyclopentadiene.
• a metal boss may be fitted to polar opening 60.
• the boss may be fabricated of the same metal as the cylinder, the same metal as the frustum, or a different metal from that of either the cylinder or the frustum.
• the boss may be a single-piece polymeric composite boss as such is disclosed in co-pending patent application entitled "Pressure Vessel With Composite Boss".
• the one-piece composite boss comprises:
• a hollow elongate cylinder having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining the diameter of the hollow portion of the elongate cylinder.
• a portion of the outer surface of the cylinder can be contiguous with a thickness of a wall of the pressure vessel that defines a circular opening in the pressure vessel.
• the proximal end of the cylinder can terminate exterior to the pressure vessel in a proximal end surface.
• the proximal end surface can comprise a plurality of peripherally disposed threaded holes.
• the distal end of the cylinder can terminate in a flange having a flange surface that is contiguous with an inner surface of the pressure vessel, a flange diameter that is larger than the diameter of the circular opening in the pressure vessel and a flange thickness at the point where the flange surface meets the diameter of the circular opening, that is sufficient to withstand a pressure exerted by a compressed fluid contained in the pressure vessel.
• surfaces of the boss that would otherwise come in contact with the compressed fluid are separated from the compressed fluid by a layer of material that is substantially impenetrable by the compressed fluid at the operating pressure of the pressure vessel.
• the layer of material is also substantially inert to the compressed fluid.
• the layer of material comprises a metal, a ceramic or a polymer.
• the shape of the pressure vessel comprises a sphere, an oblate spheroid, a torus or an elongate hollow cylinder with one or two domed end sections.
• the pressure vessel is made entirely of a metal of sufficient thickness to withstand the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid contained therein.
• the hollow cylinder with one or two domed end section comprises a thin metal liner that is hoop-wrapped with a polymeric composite and the one or two domed end sections comprise a metal, which may be the same as or different than the metal of the cylinder liner, at a sufficient thickness to withstand the pressure exerted by the compressed fluid contained in the pressure vessel.
• the hollow cylindrical and the one or two domed end sections comprise a thin metal liner, wherein:
• the hollow cylinder is hoop-wrapped with a polymeric composite and the cylinder and domed end sections are isotensoidally-wrapped with a polymeric composite, which may be the same as, or different than the polymeric composite of the hoop wrap.
• the hollow cylindrical and the one or two domed end sections comprise a polymeric liner that is hoop-wrapped, isotensoidally wrapped or a combination of hoop- and isotensoidally- wrapped with a polymeric composite.
• the pressure vessel further comprises a shear ply positioned between surfaces of the boss and surfaces of the polymeric composite wrap at locations where boss surfaces would otherwise be in direct contact with wrap surfaces.
• the diameter of the flange extends at least to an inflection point in the one or two domed end section contours.
• the polymeric composite comprises a thermoset polymer matrix.
• thermoset polymer matrix is selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, polyimide resins, dicyclopentadiene resins and combinations thereof.
• thermoset polymer matrix is formed from a prepolymer formulation that comprises dicyclopentadiene, which is at least 92% pure.
• the polymeric composite comprises a fibrous material.
• the fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of metal fibers, ceramic fibers, natural fibers, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and combinations thereof.
• the fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of glass fibers and carbon fibers.
• the pressure vessel further comprises metallic inserts having a threaded outer surface that mates with the threaded holes in the proximal end surface of the boss and a threaded inner surface sized to mate with threads of an external pipe coupling device.
• the compressed fluid comprises compressed natural gas.
• the compressed natural gas comprises compressed raw natural gas.
• each may comprise a polymeric matrix containing a fibrous or filamentous material, which is responsible for the overall strength on the composite.
• the polymeric matrix can be any polymer known or found to have properties consistent with use with pressure vessels such as those of this invention.
• thermoset polymers While thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset resins and combinations thereof can be used, presently preferred are thermoset polymers, which can exhibit significantly better mechanical properties, chemical resistance, thermal stability and overall durability than the other types of polymers.
• An advantage of most thermoset resins is that their precursor monomers or prepolymers tend to have relatively low viscosities under ambient conditions of pressure and temperature and therefore can be introduced into or combined with fibers and filaments quite easily.
• ambient temperature simply refers to the temperature in the environs where application and curing of the prepolymer is to occur, wherein the environs is not heated specifically to achieve a suitable application and curing temperature.
• ambient temperature is from about 55 °F to about 100 °F, although the presently preferred dicyclopentadiene prepolymer formulation of this invention may be used at ambient temperatures both above and, particularly, well below this range. This avoids the need for special temperature- controlled environments, an exceedingly beneficial objective particularly when fabricating very large pressure vessels such as those described earlier.
• thermoset polymers can usually be chemically cured isothermally, that is, at the same temperature at which they are combined with the fibers/filaments, which can be room temperature.
• thermoset resins include, without limitation, epoxy resins, polyester resins, vinyl ester resins, polyimide resins, dicyclopentadiene resins and combinations thereof.
• dicyclopentadiene resins it is presently preferred that the dicyclopentadiene monomer in the prepolymer formulation that will be used for the fabrication of the boss or dome is at least 92%.
• a "dicyclopentadiene prepolymer formulation” refers to a blend of at least 92% pure dicyclopentadiene with one or more reactive ethylene monomer(s), a polymerization initiator or curing agent plus any other desirable additives prior to curing. After curing, the polymer matrix obtained from the dicyclopentadiene prepolymer formulation is termed a "dicyclopentadiene polymer.”
• any type of fibrous or filamentous material that is known or found to have the requisite strength requirements for use as a pressure vessel composite may be employed.
• Such materials include, without limitation, natural (silk, hemp, flax, etc.), metal, ceramic, basalt and synthetic polymer fibers and filaments.
• Presently preferred materials include glass fibers, commonly known as fiberglass, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, which go mostly notably under the trade name Kevlar ® and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, such as Spectra ® (Honeywell Corporation) and Dyneeva ® (Royal DSM N.V.).
• a pressure vessel of this invention can be used to contain and transport any type of fluid so long as the metal of the vessel, the metal or other substance from which the frustum is fabricated, the metal or other material from which the dome is fabricated and the metal or other material from which the boss is fabricated, are selected so as to be impermeable and inert to the compressed fluid to be contained in the pressure vessel.
• a presently preferred use of a pressure vessel of this invention is the containment and transport of natural gas, often referred to as "compressed natural gas" or simply "CNG.”
• CNG may be contained and transported in the vessels of this invention both as a purified gas and as "raw gas.”
• Raw gas refers to natural gas as it comes, unprocessed, directly from the well. It contains, of course, the natural gas (methane) itself but also may contain liquids such as condensate, natural gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas. Water may also be present as may other gases, either in the gaseous state or dissolved in the water, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and helium. Some of these may be reactive in their own right or may be reactive when dissolved in water, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide which produces an acid when dissolved in water.
• a plurality of the pressure vessels can be arranged on a ship, for example in one or more modules or compartments. See, for example, Figure 3, where the vessels 10 are all arranged vertically.
• the vessels may be in a regular array within the ship or the modules or compartments, as shown.
• the arrangements can be chosen or designed to fit appropriately in the ship's hull.
• the distance between the vessels be at least 380mm, or more preferably at least 600 mm. These distances also allow space for vessel expansion when loaded with the pressurized gas - the vessels may expand by 2% or more in volume when loaded (and changes in the ambient temperature can also cause the vessel to change their volume).
• the distance between the outer vessels of an array and the walls or boundaries of the ship or modules or compartments, or between adjacent outer vessels of neighbouring modules or compartments, such as where no physical wall separates neighbouring modules or compartments will be at least 600mm, or more preferably at least 1 m, again for external inspection-ability reasons, and/or to allow for vessel expansion.
• the pressure vessels can be interconnected for loading and offloading operations.
• Each pressure vessel row (or column) in an array can be interconnected with a piping system intended for loading and offloading operations.
• the piping for loading or offloading is preferably connected at the bottom of each vessel via a further opening, preferably a 12 inch (30cm) opening, and the connections are to main headers of the ship's loading and offloading infrastructure, such as through motorized valves.
• the vessels are mounted within the ship in a vertical orientation. Alternatively they can be horizontal. However, when the vessels are vertically mounted, they are less critical in following dynamic loads resulting from the ship motion. Moreover the vertical arrangement allows an easier replacement of single vessels when necessary - they can be lifted out without the need to first remove other vessels from above, assuming vessels are not stacked above one another - they are preferably designed to be long, e.g. in excess of 15m, whereby vertical stacking is unlikely.
• This vertical, and long, non-stacked, configuration can also potentially allow a fast installation time.
• Mounting the vessels in vertical positions also allows condensed liquids to fall under the influence of gravity to the bottom, thereby being off-loadable from the vessels using, e.g. the 12 inch opening at the bottom of each vessel.
• Offloading of the gas will advantageously also be from the bottom of the vessel.
• the center of gravity of the whole arrangement will be also in a low position, which is recommended or preferred, especially for improving stability at sea, or during gas transportation.
• Modules or compartments containing pressure vessels are preferably kept in a controlled environment with nitrogen gas being between the vessels and the modules' walls, thus reducing fire hazard.
• the engine exhaust gas could be used for this inerting function thanks to its composition being rich in C0 2 .
• the pressure vessels discussed above can carry a variety of gases, such as raw gas straight from a bore well, including raw natural gas, e.g. when compressed - raw CNG or RCNG, or H2, or C02 or processed natural gas (methane), or raw or part processed natural gas, e.g. with C02 allowances of up to 14% molar, H2S allowances of up to 1 ,000 ppm, or H2 and C02 gas impurities, or other impurities or corrosive species.
• the preferred use is CNG transportation, be that raw CNG, part processed CNG or clean CNG - processed to a standard deliverable to the end user, e.g. commercial, industrial or residential.
• Storage/transportation pressures can be anything up to say 400bar, but usually up to 300 bar, and normally in excess of 100 bar.
• CNG can include various potential component parts in a variable mixture of ratios, some in their gas phase and others in a liquid phase, or a mix of both. Those component parts will typically comprise one or more of the following compounds: C2H6, C3H8, C4H10, C5H12, C6H14, C7H16, C8H18, C9+ hydrocarbons, C02 and H2S, plus potentially toluene, diesel and octane in a liquid state, and other impurities/species.
• the transported CNG will typically be at a pressure in excess of 60bar, and potentially in excess of 10Obar, 150 bar, 200 bar or 250 bar, and potentially peaking at 300 bar or 350 bar.

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