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
  • 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
  • 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
  • F17C2203/0621—Single wall with three 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
  • F17C2203/0636—Metals
  • F17C2203/0639—Steels
  • F17C2203/0643—Stainless steels
• • 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
  • F17C2203/0656—Metals in form of 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
• • 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
  • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
  • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
  • F17C2209/228—Assembling processes by screws, bolts or rivets
• • 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
  • F17C2209/232—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of walls
• • 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
  • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
  • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
• • 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
• • 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 Type II pressure vessels used for the containment and transport of compressed fluids wherein the vessel is fitted with one or two composite dome end sections.
• Type I pressure vessel which is an all-metal vessel comprised of a metallic cylindrical center section and a metallic dome or domes, both of which are thick enough to withstand the pressures generated by compressed fluid contained in the vessels.
• Type II pressure vessel which is comprised of a metal center section that is thinner than that of a Type I pressure vessel and therefore is incapable in and of itself of withstanding the pressures exerted by fluids contained in the vessel.
• Type II pressure vessels This situation is corrected by the application of a composite overwrap onto the metal center section of Type II pressure vessels.
• the metal plus composite is still substantially lighter than a Type I vessel.
• the end domes of Type II pressure vessels are still all-metal and of a thickness that is capable of withstanding the pressures to which they will be subject when the vessel is in normal use.
• this invention relates to a pressure vessel comprising: an elongate, metal, hollow cylindrical center section having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall, the wall being of a thickness that is insufficient to withstand the intended internal pressure generated when the pressure vessel is in use; and a composite dome having an apex, a circular cross-section base and a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thickness sufficient to withstand the intended internal pressure generated when the pressure vessel is in use, wherein: the circular cross-section base of the composite dome is coupled to the proximal end of the cylindrical center section; and the cylindrical center section is hoop-wrapped with a filamentous composite.
• the filamentous composite comprises a filamentous material selected from the group consisting of glass filament, carbon filament, aramid filament, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and combinations thereof.
• the filamentous composite comprises polymeric matrix.
• the polymeric matrix comprises a
• the dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation comprises at least 92% pure dicyclopentadiene.
• the composite dome further comprises a
• permeation barrier layer on inner surface of the wall.
• the pressure vessel further comprises a second composite dome having an apex, a circular cross-section base and a wall, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a thickness sufficient to withstand the intended internal pressure generated when the pressure vessel is in use, wherein the circular cross-section base of the second composite dome is coupled to thedistal end of the cylindrical center section.
• the composite dome further comprises a permeation barrier layer on an inner surface of the wall.
• An aspect of this invention is a method of fabricating a pressure vessel, comprising: providing an elongate, metal, hollow cylindrical center section having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall, the wall being of a thickness that is insufficient to withstand the intended internal pressure generated when the pressure vessel is in use; providing a composite dome having a proximal end defined by a dome apex, a distal end defined by a circular cross-section base and a wall, the wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a thickness sufficient to withstand the intended internal pressure generated when the pressure vessel is in use; coupling the circular cross-section base of the polymeric composite dome to the proximal end of the cylindrical center section; and hoop-wrapping the cylindrical center section with a filamentous composite.
• the filamentous composite comprises a filamentous material selected from the group consisting of glass filament, carbon filament, aramid filament, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and combinations thereof.
• the filamentous composite comprises polymeric matrix.
• the polymeric matrix comprises a dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation.
• the dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation comprises at least 92% pure dicyclopentadiene.
• coupling the circular cross- section base to the proximal end of the cylindrical center section comprises: forming the composite dome with a cylindrical base extension that terminates with the circular cross-section base, wherein: the cylindrical base extension has an outside diameter that permits it to be inserted into the hollow cylindrical center section; forming a semicircular groove circumferentially around an outer surface of the cylindrical base extension, the groove having a preselected diameter; forming a semicircular groove circumferentially around an inner surface of the cylindrical center section, the groove having the same diameter as the cylindrical base extension groove; forming an additional groove circumferentially around one of the outer surface of the cylindrical base extension or the inner surface of the cylindrical center section, the groove being disposed between the semicircular groove in that surface and the circular cross-section base or the proximal end of the cylindrical center section; inserting a seal into
• the seal is 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 is selected from the group consisting of steel, titanium, aluminum and a nickel-based alloy.
• coupling the composite dome the cylindrical metal tube comprises: forming 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; forming the cylindrical center section with a center section flange extending
• the center section flange comprising a plurality of through-holes disposed around the flange circumference; wherein: the dome flange comprises a surface that can be placed contiguous to a surface of the center section flange; and when the flanges are contiguous, the through-holes align; forming a circumferential cavity in the proximal end of the center section, the cavity being disposed within the center section thickness; inserting a seal in the circumferential cavity; placing the dome flange contiguous with the center section flange such that the through- holes in the dome flange and those center section flange align; and coupling the dome flange to the center section flange with fasteners disposed through the aligned through-holes.
• the fasteners comprise nut and bolt assemblies.
• coupling the composite dome to the cylindrical metal tube comprises: forming 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; forming the cylindrical center section with a center section flange extending
• the center section flange is longer than the dome flange; forming a circumferential cavity in either the dome flange or the center section flange inserting a seal in the cavity; placing the dome flange contiguous to the center section flange; providing 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; placing the dome flange contiguous to the center section flange placing the metal annular ring over the dome such that its lower surface is contiguous to the center section flange surface and its tapered surface is contiguous
• coupling the annular ring to the center section flange comprises welding the two together.
• coupling the annular ring to the center section flange comprises 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 comprise nut and bolt assemblies.
• coupling the annular ring to the center section flange comprises using a plurality of C-clamps.
• the composite dome comprises a fibrous material embedded in a polymeric matrix.
• the fibrous material is selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber and combinations thereof.
• the polymeric matrix comprises a
• the dicyclopentadiene polymer formulation comprises at least 92% pure dicyclopentadiene.
• Figure 1 shows a pressure vessel of this invention having a composite dome and metal cylindrical center section, which center section, as pointed out above, would further comprise a composite hoop-wrap.
• the dome and center section are shown joined by one of the methods set forth below, that is, the use of external fasteners inserted through through-holes in flanges on the center section and on the dome. It is understood that this is but one way to couple domes to center sections and is not in any way limiting on this invention.
• Figure 2 shows a pressure vessel of this invention having a composite dome and metal cylindrical center section wherein the dome and center section are held together by a wire that traverses a circular cross-section cavity formed of semi-circular grooves in a dome surface and in a center section surface.
• Figure 3 shows a pressure vessel of this invention having a composite dome and metal cylindrical center section wherein the dome is coupled to the center section by means of flanges having through-holes in which are placed fasteners.
• Figure 4 shows a pressure vessel of this invention having a composite dome and metal cylindrical center section wherein the dome is coupled to the center section by means of an annular right that is coupled to a flange on the center section and that overlaps a flange on the dome, thereby securing the dome to the center section.
• 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 boss of this invention with a vessel liner. In general, which end is designated as proximal and which as distal is purely arbitrary unless the context unambiguously expresses otherwise.
• contiguous refers to two surfaces that are adjacent and that are in direct contact or that would be in direct contact were it not for an intervening layer of another material.
• impermeable or “impervious” refers to the property of a substance that renders it substantially impossible for a fluid to penetrate to any significant degree into a surface formed of the first substance.
• inert refers to the property of a substance that renders a surface formed of the substance chemically unreactive toward any components of a fluid that may be contacted with the surface.
• 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 “composite” refers to two or more distinct but structurally complementary substances such as metals, ceramics, glasses and polymers which combine to produce structural or functional properties not present in any individual component.
• a “filamentous composite” or a “fibrous composite” refers to a composite comprised of a filamentous or fibrous material impregnated with, embedded in, or both impregnated with and embedded in a matrix material.
• a "polymeric filamentous composite” or a “polymeric fibrous composite” refers to a filamentous or fibrous composite wherein the matrix in which the filamentous or fibrous material is embedded in, impregnated with or both, comprises a polymer.
• a presently preferred composite for fabricating a dome of this invention is a polymeric fibrous composite and a presently preferred composite for hoop-wrapping the center section of a pressure vessel of this invention is a polymeric filamentous composite.
• the polymeric matrix can be any polymer known or found to have properties consistent with use in a high stress environment such as that found in a pressure vessel of this invention.
• thermoset polymers While thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset polymers and combinations thereof can be used as the matrix polymer of a composite for the fabrication of a dome of this invention, 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.
• thermoset plastics or resins are thermoset plastics or resins. They precursor monomers or prepolymers generally 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.
• thermoset polymers are thermoset polymers that they 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 polymers include, without limitation, epoxy polymers, polyester polymers, vinyl ester polymers, polyimide polymers, dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) polymers and combinations thereof.
• dicyclopentadiene polymers are presently preferred.
• a dicyclopentadiene polymer is presently preferred.
• dicyclopentadiene polymer refers to a polymer that comprises predominantly, that is 85% or more, dicyclopentadiene monomer. The remainder of the monomer content then would comprise other reactive ethylene monomers.
• the dicyclopentadiene in the prepolymer formulation that will be used to fabricate a dome of this invention have a purity of at least 92%, preferably at present at least 98%.
• a "prepolymer formulation” comprises a blend prior to curing 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.
• any type of filamentous material may be used to create the polymeric composites of this invention. 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 polymeric composite dome of this invention can be fabricated by any technique known to those in the field.
• reaction injection molding is a presently preferred fabrication technique.
• ⁇ -wrapped refers to the winding of a filamentous material around a vessel liner in a circumferential pattern.
• the cylindrical center section of a pressure vessel of this invention is hoop-wrapped to increase the strength of the center section to withstand the pressure exerted by a compressed fluid in the vessel under normal use conditions.
• a pressure vessel comprising a composite dome and a metal center section is illustrated schematically in Fig. 1.
• the pressure vessel comprises elongate, cylindrical center section 1 and polymeric composite dome 5.
• Cylindrical center section 1 is fabricated of a metal such as, without limitation, stainless steel, carbon steel, iron or aluminum, while dome 5 is fabricated of a composite as discussed above.
• Thickness 10 of wall 15 of cylindrical center section 1 is such that it is incapable of withstanding the internal pressure exerted by a compressed fluid contained in the pressure vessel when it is in normal use. For this reason, a filamentous composite over-wrap is applied to the metal center section to provide the requisite strength. The requisite strength is determined according to standards set by the American Society of Mechanical
• thickness 10 of wall 15 of cylindrical center section 1 and thickness 20 of wall 13 of dome 5 as depicted in Fig. 2 suggest that the two thicknesses are the same, such is not generally the case, in particular for a Type II- based pressure vessel, and the diagram is not intended nor should it be construed to indicate such.
• thickness 20 will be substantially greater than thickness 10.
• the composite dome is shown as being coupled to the metal center section by fasteners 9 through flanges 1 1 and 13. This is shown in more detail in Fig. 3.
• Figs. 1 and 3 depict one manner in which the dome and center section may be coupled but it is by no means limiting and should not be construed as being such.
• Other ways of coupling the dome to the center section are described in the specification and in drawings 2 and 4.
• permeation barrier layer 25 which layer comprises a material that is impervious and inert to the particular fluid contained in the vessel.
• materials include, without limitation, metals, ceramics and polymers.
• Polymers that can be used include polyethylene and dicyclopentadiene polymers although others will be readily discernable by those skilled in the art.
• a composite dome of this invention can be coupled to a cylindrical metal center section as shown in Fig. 2.
• dome 5 is comprised of dome-shaped section 18 and cylindrical base extension 22.
• Base extension 22 has an outside diameter 27 that permits it to be inserted into center section 1 as shown.
• Outer surface 32 of base extension 22 includes circumferential semicircular groove 30 and inside surface 35 of center section 1 include complementary circumferential semi-circular groove 40.
• Base extension 22 is inserted into center section 1 until the semicircular grooves in the two surfaces align, forming a circumferential circular cross-section cavity.
• Either outer surface 32 of base extension 22 or inner surface 35 of center section 1 contains additional groove 45, which can be of optional shape.
• groove 45 is illustrated as being in outer surface 32 of base extension 22 Prior to inserting base extension 22 into center section 1 , a seal is placed in groove 45 so as to completely seal the intersection of dome 5 with center section 1. The seal is not shown in Fig. 2.
• a "seal” refers to a material that will effectively isolate two environments from one another. In the case of a pressure vessel, the external environment is isolated from the pressurized fluid contained in the vessel.
• the seal is made of a material that is flexible and impervious and inert to the fluid to be transported in the vessel. Such materials include, without limitation, Viton, BUNA, silicon, Teflon, stainless steel and other metals.
• Wall 50 of center section 1 also includes lumen 55, which traverses thickness 10 from outer surface 60 to semi-circular groove 40 such that the lumen intercepts semicircular cross-section cavity 70 formed when grooves 30 and 40 are aligned.
• flexible metal wire 80 is inserted into lumen 55 and advanced into the circular cross-section cavity 70 until it traverses completely around cavity 70.
• the wire is of a thickness that prevents it from being sheared under the pressure generated by a contained fluid when the pressure vessel is in normal use.
• An alternate method of coupling a composite dome to a cylindrical metal center section of a pressure vessel of this invention comprises forming dome 150 with flange 100 at circular cross-section base 105.
• Cylindrical center section 190 is also provided with flange 125.
• Flange 100 and flange 125 are provided with a plurality of through- holes 1 15 and 1 10.
• Proximal surface 130 of center section 190 also has groove 120 formed in it.
• a seal (not shown) is inserted in groove 120 and flange 100 is placed contiguous to flange 125, the seal completely isolating the internal portion of the vessel from the outside.
• the flanges are then coupled using fasteners that are inserted into through-holes 1 10 and 1 15.
• the fasteners comprise nut and bolt assemblies as such are well-known to those skilled in the art.
• Composite dome 5 150 also includes impervious barrier layer 140 on all surfaces that may come in contact with a fluid contained in the pressure vessel. Still another method of coupling a composite dome to a metal center section is shown in Fig. 4.
• dome 155 is formed with flange 200.
• Flange 200 has a tapered surface 205.
• Cylindrical center section 195 has flange 220 which has, in surface 210, groove 225.
• Annular ring 230 also has a tapered surface, surface 235, which is tapered counter to surface 205 such that when the tapered surfaces are contiguous to one another, lower surface 240 of annular ring 230 is contiguous to upper surface 210 of flange 220.
• a seal is placed in groove 225 and flange 200 of dome 155 is placed contiguous to flange 220 of center section 195.
• Annular ring 230 is than placed over dome 155 until surface 240 is contiguous to surface 210 of flange 220 and tapered surface 235 is contiguous to tapered surface 205.
• Surface 210 of flange 220 can then be welded to surface 240 of annular ring 230.
• annular ring 230 can contain a plurality of through-holes 250 and flange 220 can contain plurality of through-holes 260 wherein, when surface 210 is placed contiguous to surface 240, the through-holes align. Annular ring 230 can then be secured to flange 220 by means of fastening devices such as, without limitation, nut and bolt assembles using the through-holes.
• through-holes 250 and 260 can be omitted and, if it is still desirable to not weld annular ring 230 to flange 220, annular ring 230 can be secured to flange 220 by means of a plurality of C-clamps disposed around the circumference of annular ring 230.
• dome 155 may also be provided with impervious and inert barrier layer 270 on all surfaces that may come in contact with the fluid contained in the pressure vessel.
• a presently preferred use of a composite boss-containing pressure vessel of this invention is for 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 and hydrogen sulfide. 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. Such acids may be deleterious to the metal that comprises the center section of a pressure vessel of this invention.
• the inner surface of the center section that comes in contact with the raw gas can be protected by application of a layer of inert material.
• the inert material can comprise, without limitation, an epoxy polymer or a DCPD polymer.
• the inner surface of the metal center section may include a protective layer when fluids other than raw gas are being transported and determining whether or not such protective layer is required or at least would be beneficial is well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
• the pressure vessels described herein 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 H 2 , or CO 2 or processed natural gas (methane), or raw or part processed natural gas, e.g. with CO 2 allowances of up to 14% molar, H 2 S allowances of up to 1 ,000 ppm, or H 2 and C0 2 gas impurities, or other impurities or corrosive species.
• 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: C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 8 , C 4 Hio, C 5 Hi 2 , C 6 Hi 4 , C 7 Hi 6 , C 8 Hi 8 , C 9 + hydrocarbons, C0 2 and H 2 S, plus potentially toluene, diesel and octane in a liquid state, and other impurities/species.

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

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• 2011
  • 2011-12-05 EP EP11802672.3A patent/EP2788666A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-12-05 CN CN201180076336.0A patent/CN104254728A/zh active Pending
  • 2011-12-05 WO PCT/EP2011/071813 patent/WO2013083177A1/en active Application Filing

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