Abstract:
A double-walled vacuum-insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support structure for supporting an inner vessel within an outer vessel. The container has an elongated horizontal axis. A conduit extending between the inner and outer vessels has a wall thickness that allows the conduit to carry a substantial portion of axial loads acting on the inner vessel in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis. The support structure further comprises a non-metallic support spanning between the inner and outer vessels, with the non-metallic support capable of transferring substantially all radial loads transverse to said horizontal axis. The non-metallic support is also fixedly attached to the inner and outer vessels so that it is capable of supporting a substantial portion of the axial loads so that the non-metallic support and the conduit cooperate to provide support in the axial direction.
Abstract:
A double-walled vacuum insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support system for the inner vessel that comprises at least one elongated metallic conduit that penetrates the walls of the outer vessel and the inner vessel. The conduit itself provides support in an axial direction parallel to a horizontal axis and at least two non-metallic members provide support in a radial direction from the horizontal axis. By requiring the conduit to support only axial loads, its wall thickness can be reduced, thereby reducing heat transfer through the conduit. The non-metallic members that provide support in the radial direction can be made from composite materials selected for structural strength as well as low thermal conductivity, resulting in a container with improved overall thermal insulation to reduce heat leak and allow longer holding times.
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:
A tubular metal body 1 comprises a tube 2 extruded through a porthole die and composed of a plurality of components 2b joined to one another with a plurality of joint portions 2a extending over the entire length of the tube. The base material metal of the extruded tube 2 in each of the joint portions 2a is subjected to a modifying treatment to produce finely divided crystal grains. The modifying treatment for the extruded tube 2 is conducted preferably by frictionally agitating each joint portion using a probe 8 of a friction agitation joining tool 6. The tubular metal body 1 is available with an increased length in a larger size and has high pressure resistance.
Abstract:
Containers (1) suitable for storing pressurized fluids at cryogenic temperatures of -62°C(-80°F) and colder are provided and comprise a self-supporting liner (3) and load-bearing composite overwrap (2), whreby means are provided for substantially preventing failure of the container (1) during temperature changes.
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:
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 shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the eveporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel comprises a matrix structure extending in three dimensions. The matrix is in generally hydrostatic (triaxial, or three-dimensional) tension when carrying loading induced by pressure of the compressed fluid stored within a series of voids interlinked at their point of contact in the matrix. A fluid impermeable outer covering surrounds, and is contiguously supported by, the matrix. The pressure vessel can assume an irregular shape. Transfer means, including an artery system, is provided for admitting and discharging the fluid. A solid surface component, while in a liquid phase, can be mounted on the matrix and changed to a solid phase, anchoring the component to the matrix with an integral bond.
Abstract:
Fuel storage and delivery systems are provided for storing pressurized liquefied natural gas (PLNG) fuel at a pressure of about 1035 kPa (150 psia) to about 7590 kPa (1100 psia) and at a temperature of about -123 DEG C (-190 DEG F) to about -62 DEG C (-80 DEG F) and delivering vaporized PLNG fuel on demand for combustion in an engine (24). The fuel storage and delivery systems have fuel storage containers (10) that are constructed from 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 DEG C (-100 DEG F). While not limited thereto, the present invention is especially useful for automobiles, buses, trucks and other vehicles with engines (24) designed to operate through combustion of natural gas.