GB2135901A - Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use - Google Patents

Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2135901A
GB2135901A GB08305481A GB8305481A GB2135901A GB 2135901 A GB2135901 A GB 2135901A GB 08305481 A GB08305481 A GB 08305481A GB 8305481 A GB8305481 A GB 8305481A GB 2135901 A GB2135901 A GB 2135901A
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Prior art keywords
vessel
heat
metal
layers
layer
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GB08305481A
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GB8305481D0 (en
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John David Milligan
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Hydrocarbon Research Inc
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Hydrocarbon Research Inc
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Priority to GB08305481A priority Critical patent/GB2135901A/en
Priority to FR8303614A priority patent/FR2542062A1/en
Priority to DE19833308276 priority patent/DE3308276A1/en
Publication of GB8305481D0 publication Critical patent/GB8305481D0/en
Publication of GB2135901A publication Critical patent/GB2135901A/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J12/00—Pressure vessels in general
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J3/00—Processes of utilising sub-atmospheric or super-atmospheric pressure to effect chemical or physical change of matter; Apparatus therefor
    • B01J3/04—Pressure vessels, e.g. autoclaves
    • B01J3/048—Multiwall, strip or filament wound vessels
    • 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
    • F17C1/02—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge involving reinforcing arrangements
    • F17C1/04—Protecting sheathings
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0624—Single wall with four or more 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
    • F17C2203/068—Special properties of materials for vessel walls
    • F17C2203/0682—Special properties of materials for vessel walls with liquid or gas 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F17C2205/0397—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel on both sides of the pressure vessel
    • 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
    • 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)
    • 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

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A multiple-layer pressure vessel and method for constructing and using same, in which a flowable heat-conductive material is introduced into the narrow spaces (13, 15, 17) between the adjacent metal layers (12, 14, 16, 18) in the vessel walls. The use of such material, which has a heat conductivity of at least 0.03 Btu/hr/ft DEG F/ft (187 Jh<-1>m<-2> DEG C<-1>m), improves the thermal conduction and temperature distribution within the multilayer pressure-retaining wall and beneficially reduces any maldistribution of metal stresses therein. The multilayer pressure vessel is usually cylindrical-shaped, is composed of 5-50 layers of metal, and operates at 300-1500 DEG F (149-816 DEG C) internal temperature and 1000-15,000 psi (69-1034 bar) internal pressure. For vessels containing hot hydrogen, any hydrogen which permeates through the innermost metal layer (10) of the wall can be vented from the space (11) between the two innermost layers of metal (10, 12) to prevent hydrogen attack and/or embrittlement problems in the outer layers of the vessel metal wall. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use This invention relates to vessels constructed for high pressure service using multiple layers of metal. It relates particularly to such multi layer high-pressure vessels in which a heat-conductive material is provided in the narrow radial spaces between the adjacent multiple metal layers to improve heat conduction and stress distribution in the vessel walls.
Large high-pressure vessels, such as reactors used in the chemical processing and petroleum refining industries, have thick walls and are often constructed using multiple layers of metal for ease of fabrication and reduced costs. However, such multilayer pressure vessels, particularly when used as "cold-wall" type internally insulated vessels, have a disadvantage when compared to solid wall or monobloc type construction. (Cold wall vessels are defined as pressure vessels for which a layer of refractory thermal insulation is provided attached to the wall inner surface, which results in lowered metal wall temperatures and increased allowable design stresses).In such multilayer pressure vessels, narrow radial gaps or spaces exist between the adjacent layers of metal and are an inherent characteristic of the multi-layer construction, with the possible exception of machined shrink4it shells which are very expensive and are impractical to construct in iarge sizes. The radial spaces between the vessel multiple layers act as thermal insulators and can cause a significant difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the multi-layer wall during both static and transient conditions.This temperature difference can cause an undesirable maldistribution of pressure-induced stresses in the vessel wall, i.e. the warmer inner layers of metal expand relative to the cooler outer layers and can thereby place additional and sometimes excessive stresses on the outer metal layers of the pressure vessel, which excessive stresses could cause serious damage to the vessel.
Multilayer pressure vessels are well known and are disclosed, for example, by U.S. Patent No. 3,140,006 to Nelson and U.S. Patent No. 3,431,949 to Uto, which are arranged for venting diffused hydrogen from the inner layer of the vessel to prevent hydrogen attack and/or embrittlement of the vessel outer layers.
However, the prior art has apparently not recognized the temperature-induced stress distribution problem which can exist in multilayer pressure vessels. Thus, a practical and economic solution to this stress distribution problem in walls of multilayer pressure vessels is needed to permit safer and economical construction of large pressure vessels, particularly those operating at elevated inside pressures above about 1000 psi (69 bar) and at elevated inner temperatures of 500 to 10000F (260-538 C) and outer wall temperatures near ambient.
This invention provides an improved method for the construction and use of multilayer pressure vessels, such as those operating at internal pressures above about 1000 psig (69 bar gauge) and usually at 1500-15,000 psig (103-1034 bar gauge) working pressure. The multilayer pressure vessel is constructed by placing multiple layers of metal together in adjacent superposed position, and joining the layers together by welding so as to provide a pressurizable enclosure having narrow spaces between the multiple layers. The narrow spaces are then filled with a flowable heat-conductive material having a thermal conductivity appreciably greater than the gas which it replaces, so as to increase the heat conduction transversely through the vessel walls and thereby reduce or eliminate stress maldistribution in the metal walls of such multilayer pressure vessels.For multilayer pressure vessels which contain hydrogen, the narrow space between the two innermost metal layers of the multilayer wall is vented to outside the wall to reduce or prevent hydrogen attack on the outer metal layers.
The invention describes an improved method for construction of multilayer pressure vessels and their use wherein heat conduction in the transverse direction through the multilayer metal walls is increased. A system is provided whereby the narrow spaces between the adjacent multiple layers of the vessel wall and heads are substantially filled with a flowable heat-conducting medium or material. The heat-conductive material is selected to improve heat transfer between the multiple layers over that usually provided by air alone and thus increase heat conduction transversely through the vessel walls, thereby preventing excessive metal stresses from developing in the wall's outer layers.
The filling of the narrow spaces between adjacent layers preferably occurs at separate locations or points to ensure that the spaces are substantially completely filled with the flowable heat-conducting material. The term "flowable" means that the material is flowable at a temperature level existing in the wall during some step of construction of the vessel. To facilitate filling the narrow spaces, the spaces can be preferably evacuated to a pressure below about 5 psia (0.34 bar absolute) before filling with the heat-conductive material. The spaces are preferably evacuated and filled at a common location or locations using a device for combined evacuation and filling of the spaces.
In this invention, for construction and use of multilayer pressure vessels containing hot hydrogen, the first or innermost space between layers is isolated from the remaining outer spaces, and this innermost space is used to collect any hydrogen which permeates through the inner layer of the vessel wall and vent it to the outside. Such venting of hydrogen outside the vessel reduces or substantially eliminates any problems of hydrogen attack and/or embrittlement of the metal in the outer layers of the vessel wall, which are usually made of carbon steel. The remaining spaces are manifolded together and are filled with a flowable heat-conductive medium or material which increases heat transfer between the multiple layers over that existing for gas-filled spaces.
The heat-conductive material used for filling the narrow spaces between the metal layers of the vessel wall should be flowable at ambient or any highertemperatyre used during construction of the vessel, and the material should also have a thermal conductivity exceeding about 0.03 Btu/Hr Ft2 "F/ft (187 Jh-m~2 C-1m), and preferably within the range of 0.06 to 70 Btu/hr Ft2 "F/ft (374 to 436122 Jh-m-2 C-m). Heat-conductive materials which are useful in this invention include but are not limited to hydrocarbon liquids and greases, silicone liquid and grease compounds, low-melting metals or alloys selected from lead, tin, zinc, and mixtures thereof, and liquids, greases, or metals containing fine metal particles having a diameter smaller than the width of the spaces between the adjacent layers. i.e. a particle diameter in a range of about .002-.016 inch (0.05-0.41 mm). When using such fine metal particles in a liquid slurry or grease, the combination of liquid and metals used should be non-corrosive to the vessel wall. Examples of heat-conductive materials useful in this invention are listed below.
Thermal Conductivity Normal Boiling Btu/hr 2 Flft Temperature, Oils and Greases Jh-'m-2"C- 7m "F ( C) Petroleum Oils .08-.10 (498-623) > 250 (121) Petroleum Greases .08-.10 (498-623) > 300 (149) Silicone Dielectric Compounds 0.14-0.43 (872-2679) > 400 (204) Metals orAlloys Melting Temper ature, "F Lead 18-20(112146-124606) 620 (327) Tin 33-36 (205600-224291) 450 (232) Zinc 54-65 (336437-404970) 790 (421) Metal Powders Brass 50-70 (311516-436122) 1900 (1038) Copper 204-225 (1270984-1401821) 1975 (1079) Iron 35-40 (218061-249213) 2400 (1316) Lead 18-20(112146-124606) 620 (327) Steel 21-26(130837-161988) 2500 (1371) Tin 33-36(205600-224291) 450 (232) Zinc 54-65 (336437-404970) 750 (3900 For multilayer vessels which are constructed at ambient temperatures and are not subsequently heated during construction, a heat-conductive material which is flowable at ambient temperature would be used for filling the narrow spaces in the vessel walls, such as a silicone liquid or grease compound, or a liquid slurry or grease containing fine metal particles.
For multilayer vessels which are not stress-relieved at high temperatures after welding but are heated during construction to temperatures of 400-800"F (204-427"C) (such as during heating to dry and cure a refractory lining, etc, a heat-conductive material which is flowable at such elevated vessel wall temperature can be flowed into the spaces.
For multilayer pressure vessels which are stress-relieved after welding, such as at temperatures of 800-1400 F (427-760"C) a metal or metal alloy which has a melting point below the stress-relieving temperature can be used for the heat-conductive material. The metal or alloy is heated above its melting point and flowed into the narrow spaces between the metal layers while the vessel is held at the stress-relieving temperature.
When the heat-conductive material source is a liquid or grease, its source is preferably connected continuously to the spaces between the vessel wall multiple layers, so that as the spaces close together slightly upon vessel pressurization and open slightly during depressurization, the heat conductive material flows successively either into or out of the spaces.
This invention is useful for multilayer pressure vessels of any shape having diameters exceeding about 3 ft. (0.9 m) and it is particularly useful for larger vessels having diameters of 5 to 30 ft (1.5 to 9.1 m), for which it is preferably used. Such vessels can be any shape, but are usually cylindrical-shaped and have an overall length of at least about 20 feet (6.1 m), and usually not exceeding about 200 feet (61 m). The vessel inside temperature range is usually from ambient to about 1000"F (538"C), and is preferably in the range of 300-900 F (149-482 C).
This invention is useful for multilayer pressure vessels having at least three layers of metal sheet and usually not exceeding about 50 layers. Each layer thickness can vary within the range of about 0.20 to 0.50 inch (5.1 to 12.7 mm) for concentric-layered type vessels. The invention is also useful for pressure vessels having coil or spiral-wrapped layers, for which the layer thickness will usually be within the range of about 0.125 to 0.250 inch (3.18 to 6.35 mm). The radial width of the space between adjacent metal layers usually varies from about 0.002 to about 0.020 inch (0.05 to 0.51 mm).
The multilayer pressure vessel of this invention is typically a reactor having a total wall thickness of 6 to 30 inches (15.2 to 76.2 cm) and an internal layer of thermal insulation such as a cast solid refractory material provided adjacent the innermost metal layer.
Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a wall portion of a multilayer pressure vessel utilizing this invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a wall portion of a multilayer pressure vessel showing an alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a multilayer pressure vessel constructed and used in accordance with the invention.
Figure 1 shows a typical portion of the wall of a multi-layer pressure vessel utilizing the present invention.
The wall portion consists of two pressure-tight metal inner layers 10 and 12, and multiple outer layers 14, 16 and 18. For vessels containing hydrogen and for which hydrogen attack and/or embrittlement of the metal might become a problem, the inner layer 10 is made of hydrogen-resisting alloy such as chrome-moly steel, or can be chrome-moly steel clad with a stainless steel layer 1 0a on its inner surface. The space 11 between the innermost layer 10 and layer 12 is vented to the atmosphere through a plurality of openings 20 having a diameter of at least about 0.20 inches (5.08 mm) and provided through the outer layers of the wall. Such openings 20 need not be aligned in the successive layers but can be staggered somewhat from layer to layer in the wall.The spaces 13, 15, 17 between the remaining outer layers are filled by pressurizing, through an opening 22 having a space filling connection, with a flowable heat-conductive material, such as a silicone liquid compound having a thermal conductivity of 0.30-0.50 Btu/hr Ft2 F/Ft (1869-3115 Jh-lm-2"C-'m) to increase the heat conduction transversely through the composite multilayer wall. The mating surfaces of the metal layers will usually be somewhat roughened, such as by sand blasting, or may contain some adhered mill scale from hot rolling operations, which will facilitate flow of the heat conductive material into the spaces. Such filling and venting openings are provided at spaced intervals such as 3 to 10 feet (0.9 to 3m) along the vessel wall.Also, for cold wall type vessels, a layer 9 of a refractory insulation material is provided adjacent the metal wall 10 to reduce the temperature of the multilayer metal wall.
To facilitate flowing the heat-conductive material into the narrow interlayer spaces, these spaces can preferably first be evacuated to a pressure less than about 5 psia (0.34 bar absolute) and preferably to a pressure within the range of 0.05 to 5 psia (0.0034 to 0.34 bar absolute) and then filled with the material.
Figure 2 shows a wall portion having a connection arrangement used for the combined evacuation and filling of the narrow interlayer spaces, and also used for venting hydrogen from the innermost space. A conduit 30 is connected by welding to the space 11 between the inner layers 10 and 12, and passes through an opening 32 in the outer layers of the vessel wall and terminates outside the vessel wall. The conduit 30 serves to vent to the outside any hydrogen which permeates through the inner layer 10. A hydrogen vent is required at each compartment formed between the inner core and the first wrapper layer, or an unwelded filier layer of porous membrane may be provided. Vent holes 20 are arranged for communication of all spaces between wrapper layers, but there are no vent holes in the first wrapper layer 12.As shown, a pressure-tight cap 33 connects the conduit 30 with the outer wall layer 34 (multi-layer, coilayer etc.) which is made pressure-tight, i.e. the wall 34 does not contain any vent openings. A conduit 36 for an evacuation and gap-filling connection is provided through the cap 33 into the opening 32. Thus, when filling the spaces between the multiple layers with a flowable heat-conductive material, the opening 32 is first evacuated through the conduit 36 by suitable pumping means (not shown). Thereafter, a source of the flowable heat-conductive material is connected to the conduit 36 and the difference in pressure available effectively transfers the material into substantially all the narrow spaces between the multiple layers of the vessel wall.
Figure 3 shows a typical multilayer cylindrical pressure vessel constructed and used in accordance with the invention. As illustrated, a cylindrical multilayer pressure vessel 40 is provided having multiple layers of metal in the cylindrical wall or barrel section 41. A formed head 42 is welded at 50 into the lower end of the cylindrical section. Other welds 51 are provided. A multilayer head 43 is provided at the vessel upper end as a continuation of the cylindrical wall 41. The narrow radial spaces between the multiple outer layers are evacuated through a connection 44 by a pump 45, then are filled with a flowable heat-conducting medium or material from a reservoir 46.The heat-conducting material is preferably a silicone dielectric compound having a thermal conductivity at least about 0.10 Btu/hr ft2 F/ft (623 Jh-l m-2"C-' m) and more preferably about 0.30 to about 0.45 Btu/hr ft2 "F/ft (1869-2804 Jh-lm-2"C-lm). The space between the two innermost layers is vented to the outside through a hydrogen vent conduit 48, which can be a drilled hole into the wall to communicate with the innermost space.
As shown, the vessel heads can be either formed of a single thickness of material or a forging welded onto the shell portion of the vessel, or they can be made from multiple layers of material. The necessary nozzle connections are usually welded into the vessel heads, but if desired nozzles can be welded onto the multilayer shell portion of the vessel by using appropriate reinforcement plates as required to satisfy the appropriate pressure vessel code requirements.

Claims (28)

1. A method for constructing a multi-layer pressure vessel having improved heat-conductive walls, comprising: (a) placing multiple layers of metal in adjacent superposed position and joining the layers together by welding to provide a pressurizable enclosure, said multiple layers having narrow spaces therebetween; and (b) introducing a flowable heat-conductive material into said spaces to substantially fill the spaces and thereby increase heat conduction transversely through the vessel multiple-layer walls.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the heat conductive material has a thermal conductivity exceeding 0.03 Btu/hr Ft2 "F/ft (187 Jh-'m-2 C-1m).
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a hydrocarbon liquid material normally boiling above 250"F (121"C).
4. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a metal or metal alloy having a melting temperature below 800"F (427"C).
5. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a flowable liquid slurry containing metal particles smaller than 0.016 inch (0.41 mm) diameter.
6. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a flowable petroleum liquid, a flowable petroleum grease, or a flowable silicone dielectric compound.
7. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a flowable hydrocarbon liquid containing fine metal particles.
8. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat-conductive material is a grease compound containing fine metal particles.
9. A method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, including heating the pressurizable enclosure during construction to above ambient temperature and then flowing the heat-conductive material into spaces between the multiple layers.
10. A method as claimed as Claim 1, wherein the heat-conductive material is a low-melting or metal alloy selected from lead, tin, zinc and combinations thereof, and the vessel is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the metal or alloy before introducing the heat-conductive material into the wall spaces.
11. A method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the spaces between adjacent multiple layers are evacuated to a pressure below 5 psia (0.34 bar absolute) before introducing said heat-conductive material into said spaces.
12. A method for constructing a multiple-layer pressure vessel having improved heat-conductive walls, comprising: (a) placing multiple layers of metal in adjacent superposed position and joining the layers together by welding to provide a pressurizable enclosure, said multiple layers having narrow spaces therebetween; and (b) flowing a heat-conductive material normally boiling above 250"F (121"C) and having a thermal conductivity exceeding 0.03 Btu/hr ft2 "F/ft (187 J h-1 m-2 C- m) into said spaces to substantially fill the spaces and thereby increase heat conduction transversely through the multiple-iayer vessel walls.
13. A method for reducing hydrogen attack and/or embrittlement in multilayer metal pressure vessels, comprising: (a) placing at least three layers of metal together in adjacent superposed position and joining the layers together by welding to provide a multiple-layer pressurizable vessel having narrow spaces between the layers; (b) providing a heat-conductive material in the narrow spaces except the innermost space between the adjacent metal layers; (c) pressurizing the vessel to at least 1000 psi (69 bar) pressure with a feed material containing hydrogen, and maintaining a temperature therein exceeding 200"F (93"C); and (d) collecting hydrogen gas which permeates through the innermost metal layer from the space between said innermost layer and the adjacent layer and venting said gas to outside the vessel.
14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the vessel contains a hydrocarbon feed material, the internal pressure is 1500-3000 psig (103-207 bar gauge), and the internal temperature is 400-1500"F (204-816"C).
15. A multilayer metal pressure vessel having improved heat-conductive walls, wherein the vessel walls comprise at least three adjacent layers of metal having narrow spaces therebetween, and a heat-conductive material having a thermal conductivity exceeding 0.03 Btu/hrft2 "Flft (187 Jh-m-2 C-m) is provided in the narrow spaces between the adjacent layers.
16. A multilayer vessel as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the spaces have a width of from 0.002 to 0.020 inch (0.05 to 9.51 mm).
17. A multilayer vessel as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, wherein the heat-conductive material is a hydrocarbon material normally boiling above 250 F (121 C).
18. A multilayer vessel as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, wherein the heat-conductive material is a low-melting metal or alloy selected from lead, tin, and zinc, and combinations thereof.
19. A multilayer vessel as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, wherein the heat-conductive material is a flowable liquid or grease slurry containing fine metal particles.
20. A multilayer vessel as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 19, wherein the heat-conductive material is provided in all spaces except the innermost space between the innermost metal layer and the adjacent metal layer, and vent means are provided to withdraw gas from said innermost space.
21. A multilayer vessel as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 20, wherein the multiple layers are concentric and connecting longitudinal weld joints in each layer are staggered relative to weld joints in the adjacent layer.
22. A multilayer vessel as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 21, wherein the number of layers is 5 to 50 layers, and the thickness of each layer is within a range of 0.25 to 0.50 inches (6.35 to 12.7 mm).
23. A multilayer vessel as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 22, wherein the vessel is cylindrical-shaped, the multiple layers are spiral wrapped and the thickness of each layer is within a range of 0.125 to 0.250 inch (3.18 to 6.35 mm).
24. A multilayer vessel as claimed in any of Claims 15 to 23, wherein a layer of refractory insulation is provided adjacent the innermost multiple layer of the vessel wall.
25. A multilayer metal pressure vessel having walls comprising at least three adjacent layers of material having narrow radial spaces therebetween, wherein a heat-conductive hydrocarbon material having a thermal conductivity exceeding 0.03 Btu/hrft2 F/ft (187 Jh-m-2 C-m) is provided in the narrow spaces between the adjacent layers, the multiple layers are concentric and connecting longitudinal weld joints in each layer are staggered relative to weld joints in the adjacent layer.
26. A multilayer metal pressure vessel having walls comprising at least three adjacent layers of material having narrow radial spaces therebetween, wherein a heat-conductive silicon compound material is provided in the spaces between the adjacent layers, the vessel is cylindrical-shaped, and the multiple layers are spiral wrapped, the thickness of each layer being within the range of 0.125 to 0.250 inch (3.18 to 6.35 mm).
27. A method for constructing a multiple-layer pressure vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
28. A multilayer metal pressure vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB08305481A 1983-02-28 1983-02-28 Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use Withdrawn GB2135901A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08305481A GB2135901A (en) 1983-02-28 1983-02-28 Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use
FR8303614A FR2542062A1 (en) 1983-02-28 1983-03-04 MULTI-LAYER PRESSURE CONTAINER, PARTICULARLY HIGH-PRESSURE CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER, CONSTRUCTION METHOD AND USE THEREOF
DE19833308276 DE3308276A1 (en) 1983-02-28 1983-03-09 PRESSURE TANK WITH A VARIETY OF LAYERS AND ITS USE

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08305481A GB2135901A (en) 1983-02-28 1983-02-28 Multilayer pressure vessel construction and use
FR8303614A FR2542062A1 (en) 1983-02-28 1983-03-04 MULTI-LAYER PRESSURE CONTAINER, PARTICULARLY HIGH-PRESSURE CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER, CONSTRUCTION METHOD AND USE THEREOF
DE19833308276 DE3308276A1 (en) 1983-02-28 1983-03-09 PRESSURE TANK WITH A VARIETY OF LAYERS AND ITS USE

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Publication Number Publication Date
GB8305481D0 GB8305481D0 (en) 1983-03-30
GB2135901A true GB2135901A (en) 1984-09-12

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FR (1) FR2542062A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2135901A (en)

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EP0682197A1 (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-11-15 "National Forge Europe" N.V. High-pressure vessel and heat exchanger intended therefor
WO1998003255A1 (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-01-29 Communaute Europeenne De L'energie Atomique (Euratom) Hydrogenation method and reactor
EP3567664A1 (en) * 2018-04-26 2019-11-13 University Of The Western Cape Metal hydride hydrogen storage arrangement for use in a fuel cell utility vehicle and method of manufacturing the same
US20200384719A1 (en) * 2019-06-06 2020-12-10 Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. Composite structures, composite storage tanks, vehicles including such composite storage tanks, and related systems and methods
US12007071B2 (en) 2018-10-02 2024-06-11 Japan Steel Works M&E, Inc. Hydrogen pressure vessel

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DE3735767A1 (en) * 1986-11-13 1988-07-28 Kasyco Unternehmensberatungsge Pressure vessel
DE102008053244A1 (en) 2008-10-25 2010-04-29 Daimler Ag Pressure vessel for storing gaseous media under pressure
DE102018220655A1 (en) * 2018-11-30 2020-06-04 Robert Bosch Gmbh Manufacturing process for a hydrogen pressure vessel, pressure vessel and motor vehicle with a hydrogen pressure vessel

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GB1280903A (en) * 1968-09-05 1972-07-12 Sbv A method of constructing a pressure vessel

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US3489309A (en) * 1966-12-13 1970-01-13 Foster Wheeler Corp Pressure vessels

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GB529540A (en) * 1938-06-04 1940-11-22 Ig Farbenindustrie Ag Improvements in high pressure vessels
GB1280903A (en) * 1968-09-05 1972-07-12 Sbv A method of constructing a pressure vessel

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0682197A1 (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-11-15 "National Forge Europe" N.V. High-pressure vessel and heat exchanger intended therefor
WO1998003255A1 (en) * 1996-07-22 1998-01-29 Communaute Europeenne De L'energie Atomique (Euratom) Hydrogenation method and reactor
US6193876B1 (en) 1996-07-22 2001-02-27 European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) Hydrogenation method and reactor
EP3567664A1 (en) * 2018-04-26 2019-11-13 University Of The Western Cape Metal hydride hydrogen storage arrangement for use in a fuel cell utility vehicle and method of manufacturing the same
US11611092B2 (en) 2018-04-26 2023-03-21 University Of The Western Cape Metal hydride hydrogen storage arrangement for use in a fuel cell utility vehicle and method of manufacturing the same
US12007071B2 (en) 2018-10-02 2024-06-11 Japan Steel Works M&E, Inc. Hydrogen pressure vessel
US20200384719A1 (en) * 2019-06-06 2020-12-10 Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. Composite structures, composite storage tanks, vehicles including such composite storage tanks, and related systems and methods
US11559964B2 (en) * 2019-06-06 2023-01-24 Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation Composite structures, composite storage tanks, vehicles including such composite storage tanks, and related systems and methods

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Publication number Publication date
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DE3308276A1 (en) 1984-09-13
FR2542062A1 (en) 1984-09-07

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