WO2013162428A1 - Vessel for compressed gas, liner and method of manufacturing vessel - Google Patents

Vessel for compressed gas, liner and method of manufacturing vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013162428A1
WO2013162428A1 PCT/SE2012/050422 SE2012050422W WO2013162428A1 WO 2013162428 A1 WO2013162428 A1 WO 2013162428A1 SE 2012050422 W SE2012050422 W SE 2012050422W WO 2013162428 A1 WO2013162428 A1 WO 2013162428A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vessel
liner
pins
strings
section
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2012/050422
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kurt Berglund
Original Assignee
Hfc Sweden Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hfc Sweden Ab filed Critical Hfc Sweden Ab
Priority to PCT/SE2012/050422 priority Critical patent/WO2013162428A1/en
Priority to ARP130101345A priority patent/AR090803A1/en
Publication of WO2013162428A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013162428A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • 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
    • F17C1/06—Protecting sheathings built-up from wound-on bands or filamentary material, e.g. wires
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0166—Shape complex divided in several chambers
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0171—Shape complex comprising a communication hole between chambers
    • 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
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0604—Liners
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0619—Single wall with two layers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/066—Plastics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—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
    • 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
    • F17C2209/23—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
    • 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)
    • 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
    • F17C2223/038—Subatmospheric pressure
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vessel for a compressed gas, a liner and a method of manufacturing the vessel according to the preamble of the independent claims.
  • the gas is normally enclosed in a high pressure vessel designed to withstand the pressure from the gas in the vessel.
  • the pressure can, depending on the application, temperature, amount of gas in the vessel and the specific type of gas, reach a considerable pressure and the vessel must therefore be designed accordingly.
  • a number of different pressure vessels are known. Commonly they have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section since a pressure vessel with a circular cross section and sufficient strength to withstand the compressed gas is considerably easy to produce.
  • the vessel is either made of metal, or a composite comprising a fibre reinforcement wound around a liner.
  • Today an increasing number of vehicles are powered by a compressed natural gas
  • a non-circular cross section may be a cross section that e.g. is rectangular or super elliptic (may be said to be a rectangle with rounded corners) .
  • Vessels with a non-circular cross section have normally a volume that ranges from under 1 litre up to 200 litres, but also larger vessels are used in certain technical fields.
  • a vessel with a non-circular cross section is disclosed that is manufactured in order to withstand such different and larger loads.
  • This vessel comprises a liner surrounded by a composite, which composite comprises strings of fibre reinforcement that is wounded around the liner. The fibre reinforcement is continuously wounded around the liner in different directions.
  • liners wounded with fibres are related to problems.
  • the fibres are e.g. made of glass, aramid, carbon or similar and are impregnated with a thermoset resin, either before or after wounding. These materials have properties that make them slippery, which result in that the fibres have to be wounded along a geodesic line, otherwise they will not stay in place.
  • thermoset resin e.g. polyethylene glycol
  • the object of the present invention is to address the problems outlined above. These objects, and others, are achieved by a vessel, a liner and a method of manufacturing a vessel according to the appended independent claims.
  • the invention relates to a vessel for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis, with a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to said axis.
  • the vessel is provided with at least one bulk head that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections, which bulk head comprises a connecting portion between the different vessel sections.
  • the vessel comprises a liner around which strings of a fibre composite are wounded.
  • Each vessel section comprises a plurality of pins arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings are wounded.
  • the invention relates to a liner provided with a longitudinal axis, with a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to said axis, wherein the liner is comprised in a vessel for compressed gas.
  • the liner comprises a plurality of pins arranged on its outside, between which pins strings of fibre composite are to be wounded.
  • the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a vessel comprising the steps of blow moulding the liner by means of a form comprising indentations, in which indentations the pins are formed when forming the liner, cooling the liner,
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematically perspective view of a liner according to the
  • FIG. 2 shows a part of the liner with pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 1 , marked with A in figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view of the liner according to the invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a view of the non-circular cross section of the liner taken along C in figure 1;
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 2, marked with B in figure 2;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a vessel according to the invention.
  • the invention relates to a vessel 10 for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis D, with a non-circular cross section C in a plane perpendicular to said axis D.
  • the vessel is provided with at least one bulk head 2 that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections 3 and 4, which bulk head comprises a connecting portion 21 between the different vessel sections 3, 4.
  • the vessel comprises a liner 1 around which strings 5 of a fibre composite are wounded.
  • Each vessel section 3, 4 comprises a plurality of pins 6 arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings 5 are wounded.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematically perspective view of a liner.
  • the container intended to comprise a compressed gas is referred to as the vessel 10.
  • the vessel comprises the liner 1 and the wounded strings 5 around the liner. In order to withstand high loads the liner should be wounded with strings so the entire surface of the liner is covered with strings.
  • the container shown in figures 1 to 5 is the liner 1.
  • the vessel 10 When the wounding of strings 5 on the liner is finished the container is referred to as the vessel 10, which is shown in figure 6.
  • Each end of the liner 1 is provided with an adapter 20, which provides access to the liner/ vessel and is used in order to secure and rotate the liner /vessel during manufacturing .
  • the purpose of the liner is both to be a tight seal of the compressed gas that is to be contained within the vessel as well as to serve as a base for wounding the strings.
  • Figure 2 shows a part of the liner with pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 1, marked with A in figure 1. A number of strings 5 wounded between the pins 6 on the liner are shown.
  • the vessel according to a preferred embodiment comprises pins arranged along at least one line on each vessel section 3, 4, wherein the line of pins is arranged substantially circumferentially around the non-circular cross section C of the vessel.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of the liner 1 , comprised in the preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the bulk head 2 between the two vessel sections 3, 4.
  • a connecting portion 21 is arranged between the two sections.
  • the liner is provided with the longitudinal axis D.
  • the liner as illustrated in figure 1 and 3, comprises two sections 3, 4.
  • the sections are divided by a bulk head 2 and the two sections are interconnected with a
  • connection portion 21 may comprise further sections with connecting portions in between two consecutive sections.
  • Figure 4 shows a view of the non-circular cross section of the liner taken along C in figure 1. The pins circumferentially arranged around the liner may be seen as well as the adapter 20.
  • Further embodiments of the vessel are possible. These further embodiments may comprise only a few pins distributed around the liner. The number of pins may be 10, 20 or more. The pins may be randomly distributed on the liner, i.e. not in a line. The distribution may be uneven, such that the distance between a first and a second pin is different than the distance between a second and a third pin.
  • An alternative embodiment may comprise pins arranged closer to each other on the part of the liner where it has a curved surface.
  • the number of pins on a section may also be dependent on the size of the vessel and thus, the section. Normally, a larger vessel requires a larger number of pins. According to a preferred embodiment of the vessel the height h of the pins is between 40 and 80 % of the thickness t of the wounded strings 5 of a fibre composite around the vessel.
  • the purpose of the pins is to be a support when starting to wound the strings on the liner. When the wounding is finished the liner is entirely covered with strings. And the resulting height of this layer of strings is higher than the height of the pins. So the resulting liner covered with strings such that the pins no longer may be seen, is the vessel ready to be filled with compressed gas.
  • the pins may be covered with strings of a thickness t that may range from 0, 1 to 99,9 % of the thickness of the wounded strings, but the preferred range is between 40 and 80 %. In this range the wounded strings may ensure sufficient strength to withstand loads.
  • a preferred height h of the pins constitutes 50 %, 60 % or 70 % of the thickness t of the wounded strings.
  • Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of the vessel according to a preferred
  • the thickness t of the wounded strings is shown in relation to the height of the pins 6. For clarity reasons only a selected number of pins are illustrated. The thickness t of the wounded strings is the same around the entire vessel.
  • the height h of the pins is preferably 8 mm.
  • the height h may also be smaller, such as 4 or 6 mm, or somewhat larger, such as 10 or 12 mm.
  • all pins have the same height. But it is also possible to manufacture vessels comprising pins of different heights.
  • the pins are arranged with a distance dl of 2 to 15 mm between two pins.
  • the distance dl is between two adjacent pins 6, which may be seen in figure 5.
  • the distance dl may be 4, 7 or 10 mm.
  • each vessel section pins are arranged along at least two lines. This is shown in figure 1 to 4.
  • the number of pins may be smaller than illustrated in the figures.
  • the pins are substantially cone shaped, with the base of the cone attached to the liner.
  • the diameter d2 of the pin, where the pin is attached to the vessel preferably ranges from 1 to 5 mm.
  • the diameter d2 is e.g. 2, 3 or 4 mm.
  • the pins may have the shape of a nail, where the head of the nail is attached to the liner.
  • the diameter of the nail head is ranging from 1 to 5 mm, and may be manufactured with the same diameters as a pin with a cone shape.
  • the diameter d2 of the base of the cone shaped pin is correlated with the height of the pin, i.e.
  • the diameter is normally larger than for a pin with a lower height. But it is also possible to use a pin with a small height, but with a large diameter.
  • the distance dl between two adjacent pins may be correlated with the height h of the pins and/ or the diameter d2 of the base of the cone shaped pin. The distance dl between two adjacent pins may also be relatively great even when the pins have a relatively low height and/ or relatively small diameter d2. This will e.g. be the case when using a relatively small number of pins on each section.
  • figure 5 is shown a side view of pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 2, marked with B in figure 2.
  • a limited number of pins 6 arranged on a part of the liner 1 may be seen. This figure discloses the distance dl between two adjacent pins, the diameter d2 of the pin and the height h of the pin.
  • the invention also relates to a liner 1 provided with a longitudinal axis D, with a non- circular cross section B in a plane perpendicular to said axis D, wherein the liner 1 is comprised in a vessel 10 for compressed gas.
  • the liner 1 comprises a plurality of pins 6 arranged on its outside of the liner, between which pins strings 5 of a fibre composite are to be wounded.
  • the method of manufacturing the vessel 10 comprises the steps of blow moulding the liner 1 by means of a form comprising indentations, in which indentations the pins 6 are formed when forming the liner. After having cooled the liner, the liner is rotated and around each section of the liner 3, 4 between the pins 6, strings 5 of a fibre composite are continuously wounded. The winding of strings 5 around the liner continuous until the liner is surrounded by enough strings to ensure sufficient vessel strength. Thereafter, the strings 5 of fibre composite are cured.
  • the liner without pins may be manufactured in any convenient way e.g. by blow moulding.
  • pins are attached to the liner, e.g. by gluing.
  • the pins may have the shape of a cone or of a nail.
  • nail shaped pins the head of the nail is attached to the liner.
  • the pins may first be attached to a bendable band, wherein the band is attached to the liner.
  • the pins may be made of e.g. plastic or metal.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vessel (10) for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis D, with a non-circular cross section C in a plane perpendicular to said axis D. The vessel is provided with at least one bulk head (2) that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections (3) and (4), which bulk head comprises a connecting portion (21) between the different vessel sections (3, 4). The vessel comprises a liner (1) around which strings (5) of a fibre composite are wounded. Each vessel section (3, 4) comprises a plurality of pins (6) arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings (5) are wounded. The invention also relates to a liner comprising a plurality of pins (6) arranged on its outside and to a method of manufacturing a vessel.

Description

Vessel for compressed gas, liner and method of manufacturing vessel TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a vessel for a compressed gas, a liner and a method of manufacturing the vessel according to the preamble of the independent claims.
BACKGROUND
Different kinds of gas are used in a number of different applications. The gas is normally enclosed in a high pressure vessel designed to withstand the pressure from the gas in the vessel. The pressure can, depending on the application, temperature, amount of gas in the vessel and the specific type of gas, reach a considerable pressure and the vessel must therefore be designed accordingly.
A number of different pressure vessels are known. Commonly they have a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section since a pressure vessel with a circular cross section and sufficient strength to withstand the compressed gas is considerably easy to produce. The vessel is either made of metal, or a composite comprising a fibre reinforcement wound around a liner. Today an increasing number of vehicles are powered by a compressed natural gas
(CNG) or a biogas or similar gas. In order to ensure the desired operating range for the vehicle, the volume of the vessel must be sufficiently large. At the same time there are requirements that the vessel shall be possible to be arranged in a space with limited dimensions, such as in a vehicle. Thus, cylindrical vessels with a non-circular cross section have been developed. A non-circular cross section may be a cross section that e.g. is rectangular or super elliptic (may be said to be a rectangle with rounded corners) .
The loads in a vessel with a non-circular cross section are however considerably different and larger, than in a vessel with a circular cross section.
Vessels with a non-circular cross section have normally a volume that ranges from under 1 litre up to 200 litres, but also larger vessels are used in certain technical fields. In WO 2009 / 058060 a vessel with a non-circular cross section is disclosed that is manufactured in order to withstand such different and larger loads. This vessel comprises a liner surrounded by a composite, which composite comprises strings of fibre reinforcement that is wounded around the liner. The fibre reinforcement is continuously wounded around the liner in different directions.
Known liners wounded with fibres are related to problems. The fibres are e.g. made of glass, aramid, carbon or similar and are impregnated with a thermoset resin, either before or after wounding. These materials have properties that make them slippery, which result in that the fibres have to be wounded along a geodesic line, otherwise they will not stay in place. Thus, there is a need for an improved fibre reinforced pressure vessel with a non-circular cross section that eliminates these problems.
SUMMARY
The object of the present invention is to address the problems outlined above. These objects, and others, are achieved by a vessel, a liner and a method of manufacturing a vessel according to the appended independent claims.
Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vessel for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis, with a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to said axis. The vessel is provided with at least one bulk head that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections, which bulk head comprises a connecting portion between the different vessel sections. The vessel comprises a liner around which strings of a fibre composite are wounded. Each vessel section comprises a plurality of pins arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings are wounded. This is an advantage since the strings of fibre composite don't risk slipping. The wounding might be made in different directions and many more wounding patterns may be achieved than without pins. It is a further advantage that the strings of fibre composite don't have to be wounded along a geodesic line.
According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a liner provided with a longitudinal axis, with a non-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to said axis, wherein the liner is comprised in a vessel for compressed gas. The liner comprises a plurality of pins arranged on its outside, between which pins strings of fibre composite are to be wounded. According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a vessel comprising the steps of blow moulding the liner by means of a form comprising indentations, in which indentations the pins are formed when forming the liner, cooling the liner,
rotating the liner and continuously winding strings of a fibre composite around each section of the liner between the pins,
winding strings around the liner until the liner is surrounded by enough strings to ensure sufficient vessel strength, and
cure the strings of fibre composite. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in more detail, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a schematically perspective view of a liner according to the
invention;
- Figure 2 shows a part of the liner with pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 1 , marked with A in figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 shows a side view of the liner according to the invention;
- Figure 4 shows a view of the non-circular cross section of the liner taken along C in figure 1;
- Figure 5 shows a side view of pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 2, marked with B in figure 2; and
- Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a vessel according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to certain embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular scenarios, techniques, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practised in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.
The invention relates to a vessel 10 for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis D, with a non-circular cross section C in a plane perpendicular to said axis D. The vessel is provided with at least one bulk head 2 that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections 3 and 4, which bulk head comprises a connecting portion 21 between the different vessel sections 3, 4. The vessel comprises a liner 1 around which strings 5 of a fibre composite are wounded. Each vessel section 3, 4 comprises a plurality of pins 6 arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings 5 are wounded.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematically perspective view of a liner. On the liner disclosed in the figure the wounding of strings 5 has just started, so only a few strings are visible on the liner. The container intended to comprise a compressed gas is referred to as the vessel 10. The vessel comprises the liner 1 and the wounded strings 5 around the liner. In order to withstand high loads the liner should be wounded with strings so the entire surface of the liner is covered with strings. For clarity purposes the container shown in figures 1 to 5 is the liner 1. When the wounding of strings 5 on the liner is finished the container is referred to as the vessel 10, which is shown in figure 6. Each end of the liner 1 is provided with an adapter 20, which provides access to the liner/ vessel and is used in order to secure and rotate the liner /vessel during manufacturing .
The purpose of the liner is both to be a tight seal of the compressed gas that is to be contained within the vessel as well as to serve as a base for wounding the strings.
Figure 2 shows a part of the liner with pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 1, marked with A in figure 1. A number of strings 5 wounded between the pins 6 on the liner are shown.
The vessel according to a preferred embodiment comprises pins arranged along at least one line on each vessel section 3, 4, wherein the line of pins is arranged substantially circumferentially around the non-circular cross section C of the vessel.
Figure 3 shows a side view of the liner 1 , comprised in the preferred embodiment of the invention. In the figure is shown the bulk head 2 between the two vessel sections 3, 4. Between the two sections a connecting portion 21 is arranged. The liner is provided with the longitudinal axis D.
The liner, as illustrated in figure 1 and 3, comprises two sections 3, 4. The sections are divided by a bulk head 2 and the two sections are interconnected with a
connecting portion 21. Depending on where the liner covered with strings in order to constitute a vessel, is to be used the liner/ vessel may comprise further sections with connecting portions in between two consecutive sections. Figure 4 shows a view of the non-circular cross section of the liner taken along C in figure 1. The pins circumferentially arranged around the liner may be seen as well as the adapter 20.
Further embodiments of the vessel are possible. These further embodiments may comprise only a few pins distributed around the liner. The number of pins may be 10, 20 or more. The pins may be randomly distributed on the liner, i.e. not in a line. The distribution may be uneven, such that the distance between a first and a second pin is different than the distance between a second and a third pin. An alternative embodiment may comprise pins arranged closer to each other on the part of the liner where it has a curved surface.
The number of pins on a section may also be dependent on the size of the vessel and thus, the section. Normally, a larger vessel requires a larger number of pins. According to a preferred embodiment of the vessel the height h of the pins is between 40 and 80 % of the thickness t of the wounded strings 5 of a fibre composite around the vessel.
The purpose of the pins is to be a support when starting to wound the strings on the liner. When the wounding is finished the liner is entirely covered with strings. And the resulting height of this layer of strings is higher than the height of the pins. So the resulting liner covered with strings such that the pins no longer may be seen, is the vessel ready to be filled with compressed gas. Theoretically the pins may be covered with strings of a thickness t that may range from 0, 1 to 99,9 % of the thickness of the wounded strings, but the preferred range is between 40 and 80 %. In this range the wounded strings may ensure sufficient strength to withstand loads. A preferred height h of the pins constitutes 50 %, 60 % or 70 % of the thickness t of the wounded strings.
Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of the vessel according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention. The thickness t of the wounded strings is shown in relation to the height of the pins 6. For clarity reasons only a selected number of pins are illustrated. The thickness t of the wounded strings is the same around the entire vessel.
The height h of the pins is preferably 8 mm. The height h may also be smaller, such as 4 or 6 mm, or somewhat larger, such as 10 or 12 mm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention all pins have the same height. But it is also possible to manufacture vessels comprising pins of different heights. When having pins with different heights the pins arranged on a part of the liner where its surface not is flat, i.e. the surface is rounded, the pins preferably have a greater height on this part of the liner.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the pins are arranged with a distance dl of 2 to 15 mm between two pins. The distance dl is between two adjacent pins 6, which may be seen in figure 5. The distance dl may be 4, 7 or 10 mm.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention on each vessel section pins are arranged along at least two lines. This is shown in figure 1 to 4. The number of pins may be smaller than illustrated in the figures. There may also be a greater number of lines of pins on each vessel section, such as three or four lines of pins.
Further, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the pins are substantially cone shaped, with the base of the cone attached to the liner. The diameter d2 of the pin, where the pin is attached to the vessel, preferably ranges from 1 to 5 mm. The diameter d2 is e.g. 2, 3 or 4 mm. In an alternative embodiment the pins may have the shape of a nail, where the head of the nail is attached to the liner. In this alternative embodiment the diameter of the nail head is ranging from 1 to 5 mm, and may be manufactured with the same diameters as a pin with a cone shape. The diameter d2 of the base of the cone shaped pin is correlated with the height of the pin, i.e. when using a pin with greater height, the diameter is normally larger than for a pin with a lower height. But it is also possible to use a pin with a small height, but with a large diameter. The distance dl between two adjacent pins may be correlated with the height h of the pins and/ or the diameter d2 of the base of the cone shaped pin. The distance dl between two adjacent pins may also be relatively great even when the pins have a relatively low height and/ or relatively small diameter d2. This will e.g. be the case when using a relatively small number of pins on each section.
In figure 5 is shown a side view of pins, which is an enlarged view from figure 2, marked with B in figure 2. A limited number of pins 6 arranged on a part of the liner 1 may be seen. This figure discloses the distance dl between two adjacent pins, the diameter d2 of the pin and the height h of the pin.
The invention also relates to a liner 1 provided with a longitudinal axis D, with a non- circular cross section B in a plane perpendicular to said axis D, wherein the liner 1 is comprised in a vessel 10 for compressed gas. The liner 1 comprises a plurality of pins 6 arranged on its outside of the liner, between which pins strings 5 of a fibre composite are to be wounded.
The method of manufacturing the vessel 10 comprises the steps of blow moulding the liner 1 by means of a form comprising indentations, in which indentations the pins 6 are formed when forming the liner. After having cooled the liner, the liner is rotated and around each section of the liner 3, 4 between the pins 6, strings 5 of a fibre composite are continuously wounded. The winding of strings 5 around the liner continuous until the liner is surrounded by enough strings to ensure sufficient vessel strength. Thereafter, the strings 5 of fibre composite are cured.
Instead of blow moulding the liner ready with pins, the liner without pins may be manufactured in any convenient way e.g. by blow moulding. When the liner without pins has cooled, pins are attached to the liner, e.g. by gluing. The pins may have the shape of a cone or of a nail. When using nail shaped pins the head of the nail is attached to the liner. When attaching the pins to the surface of the liner after having formed the liner, the pins may first be attached to a bendable band, wherein the band is attached to the liner. The pins may be made of e.g. plastic or metal. Further, the above mentioned and described embodiments are only given as examples and should not be limited to the present invention. Other solutions, uses, objectives, and functions within the scope of the invention as claimed in the accompanying patent claims should be apparent for the person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Vessel (10) for compressed gas provided with a longitudinal axis (D), with a non-circular cross section (C) in a plane perpendicular to said axis (D), and the vessel is provided with at least one bulk head (2) that divides the vessel into at least two vessel sections (3, 4), which bulk head comprises a
connecting portion (21) between the different vessel sections (3, 4), and wherein the vessel comprises a liner (1) around which strings (5) of a fibre composite are wounded,
characterized in that
each vessel section (3, 4) comprises a plurality of pins (6) arranged on the outside of the liner, between which pins said strings (5) are wounded.
2. Vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that the pins are arranged along at least one line on each vessel section (3, 4), wherein the line of pins is arranged substantially circumferentially around the non-circular cross section
(C) of the vessel.
3. Vessel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the height (h) of the pins is between 40 and 80 % of the thickness (t) of the wounded strings (5) of a fibre composite around the vessel.
4. Vessel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
height (h) of the pins is 8 mm.
5. Vessel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pins are arranged with a distance (dl) of 2 to 15 mm between two pins.
6. Vessel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that on each vessel section pins are arranged along at least two lines.
7. Vessel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pins are substantially cone shaped, with the base of the cone attached to the liner.
8. Vessel according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
diameter (d2) of the pin, where the pin is attached to the vessel, ranges from 1 to 5 mm. Liner (1) provided with a longitudinal axis (D), with a non-circular cross section (B) in a plane perpendicular to said axis (D), wherein the liner (1) is comprised in a vessel (10) for compressed gas,
characterized in that
the liner (1) comprises a plurality of pins (6) arranged on its outside, between which pins strings (5) of a fibre composite are to be wounded.
Method of manufacturing a vessel (10) according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of
blow moulding the liner (1) by means of a form comprising indentations, in which indentations the pins (6) are formed when forming the liner, cooling the liner,
rotating the liner and continuously winding strings (5) of a fibre composite around each section of the liner (3, 4) between the pins (6),
winding strings (5) around the liner until the liner is surrounded by enough strings to ensure sufficient vessel strength, and
cure the strings (5) of fibre composite.
PCT/SE2012/050422 2012-04-23 2012-04-23 Vessel for compressed gas, liner and method of manufacturing vessel WO2013162428A1 (en)

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PCT/SE2012/050422 WO2013162428A1 (en) 2012-04-23 2012-04-23 Vessel for compressed gas, liner and method of manufacturing vessel
ARP130101345A AR090803A1 (en) 2012-04-23 2013-04-23 CONTAINER FOR COMPRESSED GAS, COATING AND METHOD FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THE CONTAINER

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WO2019206959A1 (en) 2018-04-26 2019-10-31 2C-Composites Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for producing a fibre-reinforced pressure vessel with pole cap reinforcement
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