Abstract:
An apparatus for gas storage is described. The apparatus contains a storage array structure including a gas storage portion tapered into at least one neck portion at one end of the structure. The storage array structure includes a plurality of tubular chambers for gas storage. At least a portion of an outer surface of the storage array structure is enveloped by at least one reinforcing layer for providing reinforcing strength thereto. The apparatus also includes at least one interface coupler mounted on the reinforcing layer at the neck portion. The interface coupler is configured for coupling the tubular chambers of the storage array structure to a gas pipe through which the gas can be supplied to the chambers of the array structure or discharged therefrom.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a polymeric pressure vessel (19) includes two, coaxial plastic extruders (120, 160) separated by a hole-forming laser (140) and connected to a variable die (180), a vacuum/blow molding apparatus (200), a fusing device, a braiding mechanism (240), and an overcoat applicator (260). The first extruder (120) forms a tubular core (T), and the laser forms axially-spaced apertures (A) in the core (T). The second extruder (160) forms an outer tube (20) coaxially over the tubular core (T) and the variable die (180) is alternately opened and closed to form parisons of increased material at axially-spaced locations along the outer tube (20). The parisons are moved into the molding apparatus (200) and are expanded in a vacuum/blow molding process into hollow chambers (22) of preferably ellipsoidal shape. The fusing device (220) fuses the outer tube (20) to the tubular core (T) at locations between the spaced-apart hollow chambers (22), the braiding mechanism (240) then applies a layer of interwoven reinforcing filament fiber, and the overcoat applicator (260) applies a protective polymeric coating over the fiber layer. The entire device is computer-controlled for maximum automated efficiency. The first extruder (120) and the hole-forming laser (140) may be omitted if the inner tubular core (T) is to be omitted from the pressure vessel (10).
Abstract:
A cryogenic system includes a containment vessel in which a body to be cooled is housed in such a manner that the body is immersed in a liquid coolant; a tubular refrigerator sleeve; and a refrigerator, inserted in the opening section of the refrigerator sleeve, for recondensing coolant gas generated from the coolant, wherein a gas flow-forming means for forming a flow of purge gas toward an opening section of the refrigerator sleeve is provided. The purge gas prevents air from entering a refrigerator sleeve during the replacement of a refrigerator of a cryogenic system.
Abstract:
A cryogenic system includes a containment vessel in which a body to be cooled is housed in such a manner that the body is immersed in a liquid coolant; a tubular refrigerator sleeve; and a refrigerator, inserted in the opening section of the refrigerator sleeve, for recondensing coolant gas generated from the coolant, wherein a gas flow-forming means for forming a flow of purge gas toward an opening section of the refrigerator sleeve is provided. The purge gas prevents air from entering a refrigerator sleeve during the replacement of a refrigerator of a cryogenic system.
Abstract:
A multilayered pressure vessel (10) fabricated from at least one single ply sheet of flexible material (100) having an approximate longitudinal midline which divides the material into an inner portion (130) having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width, and an outer portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, an edge, a seam allowance, and a width. The width of the outer portion (120) is greater than the width of the inner portion (140). A primary seam (250) binds the outer portion and the inner portion to the material sheet at the midline proximate the outer portion edge and inner portion edge. The sheet (100) is wrapped into a continuous substantially 720 degree wrap to form a generally cylindrical vessel body having possible multiple fluid passageways, at the election of the user. The primary seam (250) is concealed.
Abstract:
Process components (12), containers (15, 11), and pipes are provided that are constructed from ultra-high strengh, low alloy steels containing less than 9 wt.% mickel and having tensile strengths greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and DBTTs lower than about -73 °C (-100 °F).
Abstract:
A walking assistance device, for example, a walking cane, a walking crutch, or walker includes a gas storage vessel for providing an ambulatory supply of medicinal gas for a user of the device. The gas storage vessel is formed from a plurality of polymeric hollow chamber having either an ellipsoidal or spherical shape and interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The gas storage vessel includes a reinforcing filament wrapped around the interconnected chambers and interconnecting conduit sections to limit radial expansion of the chambers and conduit sections when filled with a fluid under pressure. The container system further includes a fluid transfer control system attached to the gas storage vessel for controlling fluid flow into and out of the gas storage vessel and a gas delivery mechanism for delivering gas from the gas storage vessel to a user in a breathable manner.
Abstract:
A compact, on-site storage facility for the storage of natural gas comprises a compressor (2), a decompressor or pressure reducing regulator (3), a steel pipe storage system (5), and means for containing the gas in the system. Optional components of the facility include monitors, filters, dryers, test stations and cathodic protection systems.
Abstract:
Pipeline distribution network systems arc provided for transporting pressurized liquefied natural gas at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about -123° C. (-190° F.) to about -62° C. (-80° F.). Pipes and other components of the pipeline distribution network systems are constructed from an ultra-high strength, low alloy steel containing less than 9 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 830 MPa (120 ksi) and a DBTT lower than about -73° C. (-100° F.).
Abstract:
A container system for pressurized fluids that includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal chambers (C) connected by a tubular core (T). The tubular core (T) is formed with a plurality of apertures (A) each of which is positioned within one of the chambers (C). The apertures (A) are of comparatively small size so as to be able to control the rate of evacuation of pressurized fluid should a chamber (C) be ruptured.