Thermoplastic Elastomer Liner for High-Pressure Fluid Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coating the internal cavities of high-pressure fluid vessels, particularly those with small internal passages, is challenging due to their complex geometry and the need to prevent leakage of non-compliant materials in aircraft potable water systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a thermoplastic elastomer coating solution with specific properties, dissolved in a solvent and applied to the interior surfaces of high-pressure fluid vessels, which is then dried to form a food-grade liner, utilizing air flow and potentially additional additives like titanium oxide for visibility and rheology modification to ensure a uniform and effective coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional coating methods are used on fluid vessels with complex geometry and small internal passages, then coating coverage is incomplete, but the patent uses a liquid coating solution that flows to achieve complete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and flow characteristics of the coating material from traditional viscous coatings to a liquid coating solution that can flow freely. This parameter change allows the coating to adapt to complex geometries and completely cover small internal passages that traditional methods cannot reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a liquid coating solution that behaves like a hydraulic fluid, flowing through the vessel's internal passages to achieve uniform coating coverage. The liquid nature of the coating allows it to navigate complex geometries and small passages effectively.
2Productivity
If the coating solution is drained completely, then the coating process is efficient, but a film of coating solution must remain to ensure proper liner formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial draining of the coating solution, leaving a controlled film on the vessel interior. This partial action approach ensures that enough coating remains to form a proper liner while removing excess material to maintain process efficiency and control coating thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates inspection steps to monitor the coating process and adjust draining operations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct amount of coating solution film remains on the vessel interior, balancing productivity with coating quality and thickness control.
3Reliability
If thermoplastic elastomer is used as coating material, then the coating is food-grade and safe for potable water, but the coating requires specific temperature control during application and drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects thermoplastic elastomer as the coating material, which has specific melting and glass transition temperatures. By controlling the coating application and drying process within specific temperature ranges, the patent ensures the material forms a safe, food-grade liner that meets potable water requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermoplastic elastomer, a composite material with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. This material provides the necessary safety for potable water contact while allowing for controlled processing through its specific thermal characteristics, including melting temperature and glass transition temperature.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pigment additives are added to the coating solution, then coating coverage inspection is easier, but the coating solution composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds pigment additives to the coating solution to create a color contrast between the coating and the vessel interior. This color change makes it easier to inspect coating coverage and ensure complete coverage of all surfaces, including small passages and complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The pigment additive acts as an intermediary that provides visual indication of coating presence. This simple additive enables easy inspection of coating coverage without significantly complicating the overall coating solution composition or application process.
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 method provides a reliable and efficient food-grade coating that prevents leakage and ensures the safety of potable water, adhering to the complex geometries of high-pressure fluid vessels while being reusable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
drying the coating solution remaining in the high-pressure fluid vessel to form a food grade coating on an interior surface of the high-pressure fluid vessel
Implementation Method 2
Drying the first high-pressure fluid vessel may include flowing air through an inlet port of the first high-pressure fluid vessel and out and outlet port of the first high-pressure fluid vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A method of coating a high-pressure fluid vessel comprises filling a high-pressure fluid vessel with a coating solution, draining the coating solution, and drying a remainder of the coating solution in the high-pressure fluid vessel. The coating solution may include a thermoplastic elastomer that is hard with a low glass transition temperature and a high melting temperature. Drying the remainder of the coating solution may form a food grade coating within the high-pressure fluid vessel.