Pressure Vessel Connection Cooling Cycle Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure vessels used for storing pressurized gases and liquids, such as hydrogen and natural gas, face challenges in achieving both stability and short production time due to the mismatch between thermoplastic material used for the vessel blank and metal connection elements, leading to lengthy cooling times and increased cycle times in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a multi-part blow-moulding tool and blowing pins that incorporate cooling fluid circulation to rapidly cool the connection elements, allowing for quicker formation of pressure vessel blanks while maintaining stability, and a process that utilizes a three-layered wall structure and fibre-reinforced plastics for the connection elements to enhance heat transfer and reduce production time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection element is heated up to prevent quick cooling of the preform, then the stability of the connection between the pressure vessel blank and the connection element is improved, but the production time is increased due to extended cooling time
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is pre-heated before the preform is introduced into the mould, so that when the preform contacts the connection element, the cooling effect is minimized and the preform remains deformable longer, allowing for stable connection while reducing overall cooling time
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium is introduced through the blowing pin into the space between the preform and connection element during the moulding process, enabling controlled cooling that maintains connection stability while significantly reducing the cooling time required
2Manufacturing precision
If the preform is kept warm during contact with the connection element to maintain deformability, then the manufacturing precision of the connection region is improved, but the cycle time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is pre-heated before moulding to ensure optimal temperature conditions for preform deformation and connection formation, improving manufacturing precision while reducing the time needed for subsequent heating steps
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium is introduced through the blowing pin during the moulding process to control the cooling rate of the preform in the connection region, maintaining deformability and precision while significantly reducing the overall cycle time
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the cycle time for producing pressure vessel blanks with increased stability by effectively cooling the connection elements and optimizing the material structure, enabling the production of multiple vessels with shorter processing times and improved load-bearing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
incorporate cooling fluid circulation to rapidly cool the connection elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provide an apparatus for producing a pressure vessel blank, comprising at least one connection element, a multi-part blow-moulding tool, and at least one blowing pin. The present embodiments further provide a pressure vessel comprising at least one connection element, a pressure vessel blank, and a supporting shell connected to and supporting the pressure vessel blank. An aspect of the present embodiments provides a process for producing a pressure vessel blank using an apparatus comprising at least one connection element that enables a shortened time for producing a pressure vessel blank with increased stability under pressure.