Abstract:
An apparatus for winding steel ribbon (70) around a vessel inner shell (22) to construct a pressure vessel includes a vessel support and rotation mechanism (30), a vessel elevation adjusting mechanism, tracks (46) for supporting and guiding the vessel support and rotation mechanism, a carriage (54) having rail track engaging mechanism for traveling adjacent the vessel inner shell, and a ribbon pulling mechanism (76) mounted on the carriage for delivering the ribbon under tension to pre-stress the vessel. The apparatus preferably includes a locking mechanism for locking the vessel support and rotation mechanism to the track, after positioning it at the ends of the vessel inner shell. The vessel support and rotation mechanism includes several vessel support rollers (30) mounted on tracks. A method for winding steel ribbon using the apparatus mounting a vessel inner shell, securing an end of the ribbon to the inner shell, delivering the ribbon to the inner shell under tension, and advancing the carriage along the track.