Abstract:
A storage apparatus for storing a pressurised fluid comprises an outer vessel (2) and a plurality of separately sealed inner vessels (4). Means are provided for communication with the interiors of the inner vessels and of the outer vessel respectively (6,18,12). Also disclosed is a valve (12) for selectively allowing the passage of a fluid. The valve comprises a membrane (14) which is impermeable, within a predetermined temperature range, to the fluid to be stored. It also comprises heating means (16) for raising the temperature of the membrane above said temperature range, thereby allowing the fluid to diffuse through the membrane.
Abstract:
Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. The refillable system comprises a hydrogen fuel source refiller that includes the mating connector and provides the hydrogen fuel source to the storage device. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision to the receiving device for a limited time.
Abstract:
A litter for carrying a patient in a supine position, such as a stretcher or trauma board, includes a support panel and a pressure pack for providing a portable supply of medicinal gas, such as oxygen, that can be administered to a patient on the liter. The pressure pack includes a gas storage vessel formed from a plurality of polymeric hollow chamber having either en ellipsoidal or spherical shape and interconnected by a plurality of relatively narrow conduit sections disposed between consecutive ones of the chambers. The 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 storage vessel further includes a fluid transfer control system attached to the storage vessel for controlling fluid flow into and out of the pressure vessel and a gas delivery mechanism for delivering gas from the storage vessel to a user in a breathable manner.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for producing and storing pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) are provided, wherein the systems and methods include (a) a natural gas processing plant (205) suitable for producing PLNG; and (b) at least one container (220) suitable for storing the PLNG, the at least one container (220) comprising (i) a load-bearing vessel made from a composite material and (ii) a substantially non-load-bearing liner in contact with the vessel, said liner providing a substantially impermeable barrier to the PLNG. The systems and methods also preferably include (c) means for transporting the at least one container (220) containing PLNG to an import terminal.
Abstract:
A system and a method for regasifying LNG aboard a carrier vessel before the re-vaporized natural gas is transferred to shore. The pressure of the LNG is boosted (21) substantially while the LNG is in its liquid phase and before it is flowed through a vaporizer(s) (25) which, in turn, is positioned aboard the vessel. Seawater taken from the body of water surrounding the vessel is flowed through the vaporizer (25) to heat and vaporize the LNG back into natural gas before the natural gas is off-loaded to onshore facilities.
Abstract:
In a pressure vessel (1) comprising a resin liner (2) provided with a tubular extension (22) defining a through hole therein for receiving and expelling the gas or liquid, a tubular member (100, 200, 300) fitted in the through hole of the tubular extension, a mouthpiece (4) threaded into the tubular extension, a fiber reinforced resin layer (3) placed around an outer surface of the resin liner, and a valve (60) fitted into the central bore of the tubular member, the valve include a section (62) having a smaller outer diameter than an opposing inner circumferential surface of the tubular member defining a gap between the valve and tubular member, and a resilient seal member (80) is placed in the gap. The tubular member is made of a material such as metallic material which is stiffer than the resin liner. Thereby, the resilient seal member is interposed between the tubular member and valve which are both highly stiff or free from deformation when the interior of the pressure vessel is placed under various pressure conditions so that the sealing performance of the resilient seal member can be ensured under all pressure conditions.