Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a carbon fiber reinforced plastic with an integrated permeation barrier as its innermost layer. Alternating layers of permeation barrier and carbon fiber reinforced plastic may also be used. During manufacturing, the permeation barrier is sprayed on and integrated into the composite. The vessel, which is well-suited for high pressure gas storage is lighter weight than prior art vessels and has more usable volume than same-dimensioned prior art vessel. The permeation barrier encapsulates one or more ports or fittings of the vessel to reduce or eliminate the potential for gaps through which gas can escape. In one embodiment, a removable tooling process is employed in the manufacture of the vessel. In another embodiment, a permanent tooling process is employed and the tooling serves as a sorbent material for the vessel.

Abstract: A pressure vessel mounting structure (10) includes a plurality of bands (11) made of a composite material cured about the exterior surface (35) of the pressure vessel (30) to form an integral part of the vessel. The bands (11) may be spaced apart from one another to form a crisscrossing helical grid pattern with opposing ends (21) of the bands extending past a respective end (31) of the pressure vessel (30) and toward a longitudinal centreline (33) of the pressure vessel (30) to form a skirt (17). The skirt (17) provides mounting mounts (15) as well as a vertical standing mount for the vessel.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first (base or innermost) layer composed of a resin-impregnated woven sleeve with chopped basalt fibers assembled in the voids of the sleeve and impregnated with an epoxy resin. A second and third layer is composed of continuous basalt fiber filaments arranged in a helical pattern, with the helical angle of the second layer being not equal to that of the third layer. A fourth layer is composed of continuous basalt fibers arranged in a hoop pattern. The fifth (outermost) layer is composed of randomly oriented chopped basalt fibers impregnated with a resin matrix and compacted with the subsequent wound filaments at up to ten pounds of tension.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first (base or innermost) layer composed of a resin-impregnated woven sleeve with chopped basalt fibers assembled in the voids of the sleeve and impregnated with an epoxy resin. A second and third layer is composed of continuous basalt fiber filaments arranged in a helical pattern, with the helical angle of the second layer being not equal to that of the third layer. A fourth layer is composed of continuous basalt fibers arranged in a hoop pattern. The fifth (outermost) layer is composed of randomly oriented chopped basalt fibers impregnated with a resin matrix and compacted with the subsequent wound filaments at up to ten pounds of tension.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a first (base or innermost) layer composed of a resin-impregnated woven sleeve with chopped basalt fibers assembled in the voids of the sleeve and impregnated with an epoxy resin. A second and third layer is composed of continuous basalt fiber filaments arranged in a helical pattern, with the helical angle of the second layer being not equal to that of the third layer. A fourth layer is composed of continuous basalt fibers arranged in a hoop pattern. The fifth (outermost) layer is composed of randomly oriented chopped basalt fibers impregnated with a resin matrix and compacted with the subsequent wound filaments at up to ten pounds of tension.