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
  • F17C1/02—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge involving reinforcing arrangements
  • F17C1/08—Integral reinforcements, e.g. ribs
• • 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
  • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
  • F17C2201/05—Size
  • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
  • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
  • F17C2203/012—Reinforcing means on or in the wall, e.g. ribs
• • 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
  • F17C2203/01—Reinforcing or suspension means
  • F17C2203/011—Reinforcing means
  • F17C2203/013—Reinforcing means in the vessel, e.g. columns
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
  • F17C2203/0604—Liners
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
  • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
  • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
  • F17C2203/0619—Single wall with two layers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0602—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
  • F17C2203/0602—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
  • F17C2203/0634—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
  • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
• • 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
  • F17C2203/0648—Alloys or compositions of 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
  • F17C2203/066—Plastics
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
  • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
  • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
  • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
  • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
  • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
  • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
  • 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
  • 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
  • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
• • 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
  • F17C2209/21—Shaping processes
  • F17C2209/2109—Moulding
  • F17C2209/2118—Moulding by injection
• • 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
  • F17C2209/21—Shaping processes
  • F17C2209/2109—Moulding
  • F17C2209/2127—Moulding by blowing
• • 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
  • F17C2209/21—Shaping processes
  • F17C2209/2109—Moulding
  • F17C2209/2145—Moulding by rotation
• • 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
  • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
  • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
  • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
• • 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
  • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
  • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
• • 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
  • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
  • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
• • 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
  • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
• • 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
  • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
  • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
  • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
  • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
• • 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
  • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
  • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
  • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
  • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the 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
  • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
  • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
  • F17C2260/011—Improving strength
• • 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
  • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
  • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
  • F17C2260/017—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing by calculation
• • 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
  • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
  • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
  • F17C2260/018—Adapting dimensions
• • 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
  • F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
  • F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a container for pressurized fluids.
• the invention is susceptible of numerous applications involving fluids under pressure, it applies in particular to a tank made of composite material intended to receive "LPG” (liquefied petroleum gas) or other compositions of hydrocarbons. It also relates to the process for manufacturing this tank.
• LPG liquefied petroleum gas
• LPG liquefied petroleum gases
• the prior art describes different types of steel or composite tanks capable of at least partially verifying these two imperatives.
• these tanks the most used have spherical or cylindrical shapes well known for their resistance to high pressures, the pressures being distributed regularly over the walls.
• the cylindrical shape is the one that is most used.
• the tank is placed in the trunk of the vehicle, on the roof or even below the chassis of this vehicle.
• the reservoir can also take a toroidal shape and be placed in place of the spare wheel.
• the absence of the spare tire has significant drawbacks.
• a flat tank In some applications, it is desirable to have a flat tank. To resist the pressure to which it is subjected, such a tank must be provided with a thick wall. This increase in thickness goes against one of the desired results, that is to say, decrease the weight of the tank. In addition, this increase leads to a reservoir having a larger volume which can make this last incompatible with the available space in which it is housed.
• Patent application WO 98/57 095 discloses containers intended to receive pressurized fluids comprising several shafts continuously connecting the main faces of the wall of the tank which are arranged opposite. This tank is provided with a flexible internal envelope.
• the object of the present invention relates to a structure intended to receive a pressurized fluid and to its manufacturing process.
• the shape of the structure can be any, polymorphic, simple or even convex, reconciling both the resistance to pressure and the desired lightness.
• the structure obtained may have an optimized volume in relation to the space available or to the geometry of the housing in which it is inserted.
• the invention makes it possible to produce a reservoir of complex shape, adapted to that of the housing and resistant to the over-stresses generated by the complexity of the form.
• reservoirs intended to contain pressurized fluids such as LPG, hydrocarbons, dimethyl ether, CNG or a gas / liquid mixture.
• composite material will denote a material comprising a matrix and reinforcing elements.
• the matrix generally consists of polymer material (for example thermoplastic, thermosetting, elastomer) or metallic or mineral materials.
• the reinforcing elements can be in various forms such as fibers and / or ribbons, for example, and be of different types or nature for example: mineral and / or organic and / or metallic.
• a "physical” element is defined under the expression “reinforcing means”, which can take various forms, such as: a “tie” connecting two or more walls of the structure, or an extra thickness of the wall of the structure and / or a rib or groove or any other physical means contributing to the resistance to pressure. These different means can be used alone or in combination.
• the polymorphic reservoir structure intended for a pressurized fluid said structure comprising at least one envelope delimiting at least one enclosure intended to receive a pressurized fluid, said structure being composed of a material of known mechanical characteristics, is characterized in that it comprises one or more reinforcing means, the choice and / or the distribution of said reinforcing means being determined taking into account the mechanical characteristics of the material, the stresses exerted by said pressurized fluid, to satisfy at least to a given state of constraints.
• the invention has in particular the following advantages: It makes it possible to adapt the shape and the volume of the reservoir to the geometry of the housing where it will be placed whatever the complexity of its shape, ⁇ By adapting the shape and the volume of the reservoir, the space available on vehicles is used as best as possible.
• the structure obtained exhibits pressure resistance and a level of permeability that meets current standards in force or the constraints required in particular by manufacturers, while having the lowest possible weight / capacity ratio value, compatible with the end use of the tank, _ ,
• a tank composed of an external envelope and an internal envelope or liner it is possible to adapt the material of the liner to the requirements of permeation level and its compatibility with the fluid contained. We can in particular adjust the level of tightness to environmental constraints,
• the thermal conductivity of a composite tank is much lower than an all-metal tank, so in composite tanks the rise in temperature is delayed, as well as the rise in pressure.
• FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically an exemplary embodiment of a reservoir intended to receive a pressurized fluid or LPG, the reservoir being equipped with reinforcing means, and sealing means,
• FIGS. 2A to 2C show diagrammatically a variant where the reinforcing means are tie rods, and FIG. 3 a variant,
• FIGS. 4A to 4D represent variants of reinforcing means made up of ribs
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show a variant in which the reinforcing means are formed by extra thicknesses
• FIG. 8 shows an LPG-fuel tank automobile.
• the idea of the present invention is to design and produce from a given shape, a structure intended to receive a fluid under pressure, for example cGPL, while retaining a weight and a degree of tightness compatible with the constraints required by its end use.
• the structure thus complies with the standards in force or the regulations, in particular of automobile manufacturers or states.
• the description given below by way of illustration and in no way limitative, relates to a tank made of composite material used as a tank for LPG c, mounted on a vehicle.
• Figure 1 shows schematically an embodiment of such a structure.
• the reservoir comprises a liner 1 or inner envelope surrounded by an outer envelope 2 formed for example from composite material.
• Liner 1 is produced for example according to different types of processes such as rotational molding, or extrusion blow molding.
• the liner mainly provides a sealing function, playing a barrier role against the pressurized fluid. It can also help to distribute the forces due to the internal pressure exerted by the fluid on the walls of the structure. Finally, it serves, for example, to support the composite material when the outer envelope is put in place.
• the liner is formed, for example, from a material capable of performing at least one of the three aforementioned functions. Different types of materials are given by way of nonlimiting examples in the following description.
• An orifice or opening 3 in the tank receives a filling-emptying valve 4.
• the valve is for example equipped with the various devices usually used, such as a device for controlling the level of fluid, safety devices, etc.
• the valve is maintained at the level of the liner and the outer casing, for example, using an insert 5.
• the reservoir is provided with several reinforcing means.
• various examples of means have been mentioned which can, without departing from the scope of the invention, be used individually or in combination to produce a tank according to the invention.
• the expression "reinforcing means” designates physical elements whose function is notably to improve the resistance or resistance to the pressure of the reservoir.
• the tank comprises for example:
• tie rods 7 placed in a passage 6 or well of the liner 1, and / or
• One or more extra thicknesses 9 composed for example of a material identical to that of the composite forming the outer envelope 2, and / or
• the distribution and the type of reinforcing means equipping the tank are determined according to a methodology specified below.
• a siphon 10 has also been shown allowing communication between the various low points of the tank.
• the low points can in fact be separated by shapes of the wall facing the interior of the tank.
• One of the objects of the present invention is in particular to choose the reinforcement means and their distribution in order to obtain, from a given shape compatible with the process for manufacturing the outer composite envelope and the liner as well as the space available, a tank capable of withstanding the pressure resulting from the fluid. For this, the following steps are carried out for example:
• the reinforcing means Prior to the method, it is possible to build a database, specifying for a type of reinforcing means, its effectiveness, that is to say, the way in which it participates or contributes to the pressure resistance.
• the reinforcing means can be characterized by its geometry, its size, or even its nature.
• a mesh of the reservoir is established for a thickness el that is substantially constant over the entire structure, for example equal to the emin value.
• el thickness of the reservoir
• the assumption is made, for example, that the material is isotropic or almost isotropic.
• This tank is subjected to an internal pressure which corresponds for example to the operating pressure or to a test pressure
• a stress state is determined ( ⁇ i, "Ci, ⁇ i, ⁇ i), using, for example, the finite element method, ) From these data (Ni, ⁇ i, Ti, ⁇ i ⁇ i) we establish a mapping Cl of the critical zones, located at the nodes Ni. These zones Zj are identified with respect to acceptable stress values Crnax, Tmax, ⁇ max, ⁇ max. Acceptable values are for example determined by taking into account the type of material considered, the latter could have been characterized during specific prior mechanical tests,
• Steps 2) to 4) are carried out for a second thickness value e2, substantially homogeneous or constant, with the same assumptions and under the same test conditions, the value of e2 possibly being the value emax,
• step 5 Before carrying out step 5), it is possible to use the results obtained for the cartography C1 to change the mesh, for example by modifying for example the pitch of mesh in the zones of identified over-stresses, in this case , we start again from step 1),
• a reservoir having a variable thickness is determined.
• the distribution of the thickness values is determined for example from the maps previously obtained. We will choose for example the minimum acceptable thickness so that the stress (es) is the weakest possible,
• the tank having the smallest thickness e1 or the tank of variable thickness is fitted with one or more reinforcing means of a first given type.
• reinforcing means of a first given type.
• steps 1) to 6) are replaced by a step in which the areas of excess thickness are determined using an optimization module or software which makes it possible, from the results obtained for a tank of thickness el , the range of values [emin, emax] and the characteristics of the material to obtain a reservoir having a wall of variable thickness.
• a reservoir corresponds for example to the structure described in the optimization step 7).
• Steps 8) to 12) of the method are then carried out.
• step 1) the shell method and / or the volume method are used to make the mesh.
• the methodology applies in particular to tanks formed from a material having mechanical characteristics which may or may not vary depending on the direction, such as stiffness, strength.
• account is taken of the material of the liner and in particular of its capacity to distribute the stresses or the forces exerted. on its structure.
• the meshing step takes account of the two types of material, that of the liner and that of the external envelope.
• the method described above can also include a step which consists in optimizing the shape of the final tank taking into account the housing in which it will have to fit, or more generally the available space of the vehicle.
• step 1) a step is taken which takes account of the space available or the geometry of the housing in which the tank is arranged to optimize the shape of the tank. We check that this shape does not generate over-stresses and possibly we modify the shape of the critical zones.
• the outer envelope of the structure is for example formed of a composite material.
• the composite material consists of a matrix, for example, of epoxy resin or polyester, etc. and of a pre-mentioned reinforcement element.
• the fibers can be arranged in different ways, for example in the form of an oriented fabric (the majority of the fibers are oriented predominantly), or not oriented.
• the fibers can be glass or carbon fibers.
• the composite may comprise several layers of fibers, the orientation of the layers between them being chosen with respect to the resistance to pressure desired.
• the tank liner fulfills at least three functions, in particular the following: 1) it has a sealing role by playing the role of barrier with respect to the fluid contained,
• the final structure or reservoir retains a sufficient level of tightness despite possible damage to the outer casing.
• the liner is made of a material capable of fulfilling at least the sealing function.
• the level of tightness is fixed by the regulations in force and / or the specifications of the manufacturers. The material and its thickness are imposed by this level of tightness.
• thermoplastic polymer chosen, for example, from the following list:
• Polyolefins polyethylenes, polypropylenes), PE or PP, polyamides (PAU, PA12, PA6, 6-6, ...), aliphatic polyketone such as carilon (trademark registered by the company SHELL), polyethylene terephthalate or PET, polybutylene terephthalate or PBT, polyacetals for example POM (polyoxymethylene), EVOH, fluorinated polymers, PVDF, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon), etc.
• POM polyoxymethylene
• EVOH fluorinated polymers
• PVDF polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon
• the previously mentioned materials can be treated to reinforce the barrier effect, for example, but not exclusively, according to the fluorination method of high density polyethylene, known in the field of conventional liquid fuel tanks.
• the liner can itself be a multi-layer, the layer in contact with the pressurized fluid being the least permeable. It is possible to use a metallic film, for example based on aluminum, or a metallic deposit deposited on the internal surface of the liner, that is to say the surface in contact with the fluid. Use a thin film to minimize the weight of the tank.
• the liner can be formed from an alloy or a mixture of several polymers including elastomers and include one or more additives such as antioxidants, plasticizers, flame retardants, or even mineral fillers for example.
• the liner manufacturing method is chosen according to the material used, the number of parts to be manufactured or produced. Preferably, the rotational molding processes or Extrusion blow molding are the most used in this field.
• the material of the liner in addition to its ability to act as a sealing barrier, can be chosen to support the installation of the reinforcements constituting the composite material, then the molding and baking of the composite.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B show diagrammatically a first example of reinforcement means formed by a tie rod.
• the envelope formed by the liner 1 comprises one or more wells 6.
• the well 6 is intended to receive the tie rod 7, the resistant part or reinforcement element 11 of which may be a braid or unidirectional reinforcements or any other means capable of providing additional pressure resistance.
• the reinforcement 12 of the composite material constituting the wall of the reservoir comes towards the inside of the well 6 and is preferably covered by the reinforcement of the tie rod.
• the reinforcement of the tie rod is for example put in place in this well and maintained using cylinder 13 (solid or hollow, reinforced or not) which can participate in the resistance of the tie rod.
• Parts 14 of substantially conical shape may possibly be placed at the ends of these cylinders 13 in order to hold in place the reinforcing layers coming from the wall and from the tie rod.
• the tie rods can take various forms shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2C. They can be circular, elliptical or be made up of a combination of arcs and straight segments.
• part or all of the reinforcements of the tie rod may extend beyond the walls, or even form a strapping 15 as illustrated in this figure.
• the strapping relates to two tie rods, whether adjacent or not, or even a tie rod and an edge of the tank. This provision can be applied whatever the shape of the tie rod.
• This alternative embodiment makes it possible in particular to increase the local resistance by the extra thickness effect thus generated and also by the strapping effect.
• Such reinforcement can be unidirectional or not, for example it can be formed of a fabric.
• Said tie rod connects two faces which are substantially parallel to each other or which form an angle ⁇ of determined value between them.
• FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show diagrams of ribs playing the role of reinforcing means.
• the geometry of the ribs is chosen for example according to the method of manufacturing the reservoir and in particular the liner.
• the radius of curvature of a rib is chosen so that the powder used in the rotational molding process remains in place during the manufacturing steps.
• the other parameters are for example chosen as a function of the over-stress exerted at this location of the structure, or also of the manufacturing process.
• the direction of the rib is given, for example, by the direction of the main stresses which it is desired to reduce or by the analysis of the deformations of the envelope.
• FIGs 4A and 4B show two reinforced ribs.
• the reinforcing means comprises the rib 16 formed in the liner 1, the reinforcing elements 12 of the composite material and the reinforcing elements 17 of the rib.
• the reinforcing elements 17 of the rib may be arranged above or below the reinforcing element of the composite material.
• the reinforcement of the rib is, for example, unidirectional or not depending on the intensity and the direction of the main stresses exerted on the walls of the structure (stress level, main tensile stress,)
• the only shape of the rib provides the necessary increase in rigidity.
• Figure 4C shows schematically an internal rib and Figure 4D a rib facing outwards.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B show diagrammatically two examples of reinforcement means formed by an extra thickness.
• the additional thickness 19 has the function in particular of stiffening an area liable to be deformed too much.
• This additional thickness may be arranged near an insert, for example the insert 5 serving to hold the valve 4 to the wall of the tank.
• the extra thickness is formed, for example, of reinforcing elements 20 which are placed in these two examples above a reinforcing element 12 of the composite.
• the reinforcing elements used for the ribs and the extra thicknesses are for example identical to those used for the tie rods.
• Figures 6A and 6B show schematically reinforcing means formed by one or more "deep" ribs 21 in the liner 1. This deep rib is similar to a tie rod whose section shape would be fairly flat but could be directly linked to the outer walls of the tank.
• FIG. 7 represents a variant in which the reinforcing means consists of the holding device 22, corresponding to the insert 5 of FIG. 1, of the valve.
• the reinforcing means can consist of the valve or of one of the elements of the filling-emptying system mentioned above.
• a mold which has an internal shape which is substantially identical to the external shape desired for the liner and also which takes account of the locations of the tie rods and / or the ribs and / or the extra thicknesses and / or the inserts.
• a liner is obtained whose envelope is provided with wells adapted to receive reinforcements to form the tie rods or else locations corresponding to the desired ribs and extra thicknesses.
• the manufacturing process can use an extrusion-blowing process, the implementation steps of which are known to those skilled in the art and will therefore not be detailed.
• the structure or the tank according to the invention can thus be integrated into the available space of a vehicle.
• auxiliary tank intended to contain a fluid of a different nature in order to provide emergency autonomy.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
• Shaping Metal By Deep-Drawing, Or The Like (AREA)
• Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
• Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
• Press Drives And Press Lines (AREA)
• Powder Metallurgy (AREA)
• Supply Devices, Intensifiers, Converters, And Telemotors (AREA)
• Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=9550755

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (9)

Citations (6)

• 1999
  • 1999-10-11 FR FR9912615A patent/FR2799526B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2000
  • 2000-10-10 AT AT00967995T patent/ATE329200T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2000-10-10 EP EP00967995A patent/EP1409917B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-10-10 DE DE60028625T patent/DE60028625T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2000-10-10 WO PCT/FR2000/002813 patent/WO2001027520A1/fr active IP Right Grant
  • 2000-10-10 AU AU77972/00A patent/AU7797200A/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (6)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events