Abstract:
A reinforced sprayed-on foam insulation (SOFI) and method of installing the reinforced sprayed-on foam insulation in which a reinforcing web is embedded within the foam or overlays the outer surface of foam applied to a cryogenic storage vessel. After application to the cryogenic storage vessel, the invented insulation prevents foam fragments from separating from the cryogenic storage vessel when placed under thermal or physical stress.
Abstract:
A flexible pressure vessel is constructed from at least one pair of upper and mating lower dome shaped cell portions. The dome portions are molded from sheets of resilient material and joined together by radio frequency welding or high-strength adhesives. Upper and lower passageway portions extend outwardly from each cell portion to the surrounding sheet material. When the cell portions are joined the passageway portions are joined to form a passageway for connection to a valve or another cell. Upper and lower rings surround the upper and lower cell portions to provide reinforcement for the cells. First and second blankets of heavy-duty fiber reinforced material are attached over the upper and lower cell portions and stitched in place with heavy-duty stitching extending through the resilient material surrounding the cell portions. Cell shaped sponges impregnated with absorbent materials are encased in liquid and gas impermeable plastic tubing and inserted into the cells prior to joining of the cell portions. Heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil is inserted between blankets and the cell portions. The heavy duty stitching is high-pressure loop and lock braiding. The passageway has a cross-section of between 0.050 and 0.100 inches. An apparatus and method are described for constructing the flexible pressure vessel.
Abstract:
A pressure vessel is provided having a wall with an inner surface defining a chamber about an axis and an outer surface. The wall has a thickness with at least one vent hole therein located substantially parallel with the axis. The at least one hole is located a distance from the axis, the distance providing an outer thickness of the wall between the at least one hole and the outer surface sufficient to withstand a stress generated by pressure within the pressure vessel. An inner thickness of the wall between the at least one hole and the inner surface to permit a crack to propagate from the inner surface and connect with the hole causing venting of the pressure in the chamber.
Abstract:
A container for a polarizable gas includes an elongate container sheet having a laminate of a sealing layer and a barrier layer, a sealed container cavity defined by the container sheet by perimetrically sealing the sealing layer upon itself so as to enclose the container cavity, and a quantity of a polarizable gas within the container cavity. A method of evacuating the polarzable gas from the container includes evacuating the passageway of a fitting attached to the container prior to puncturing the container and evacuating its contents through the fitting.
Abstract:
A reinforced composite structure (29) is disclosed. The structure is formed by opposed layers of material extending over a core and continuous bundles stitched in a repeating pattern through the opposed layers (30, 32) and the intermediate core (28) to form the reinforced composite structural member (29).
Abstract:
The invention resides in the fabrication of a structural element comprising a laminated composite having one portion or layer comprising alpha-phase titanium aluminide and another adjacent portion or layer comprising gamma-phase titanium aluminide. Preferably, the gamma-phase portion or layer is joined with the alpha-phase portion or layer by such processes as hot-spraying, diffusion bonding, or vapor deposition. The invention contemplates the utilization of the structural element in the fabrication of the wall of a container or tank for storage of the hydrogen fuel material, where the gamma-phase titanium aluminide portion or layer is oriented so as to be placed in direct contact with the hydrogen fuel material, or at the least be oriented toward any hydrogen leak path.
Abstract:
A pressurized gas containment liner includes a first part comprising a first shell with a first peripheral edge, and a second part comprising a second shell with a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge is rigidly connected to the second peripheral edge, and the first shell and the second shell delimit between them an interior volume. The first part comprises at least one pillar that passes through the interior volume, is formed integrally with the first shell, and is elongated between a proximal end, connected to the first shell, and a distal end, rigidly connected to the second part. A transverse section of the pillar decreases from the proximal end to the distal end.