Gastight container

Abstract

The invention relates to a gastight, pressure-resistant storage and/or transport container (10) for low-molecular, reactive filling media, especially for hydrogen, oxygen, air, methane and/or methanol. Said container has a high filling pressure and is embodied in an essentially rotationally symmetric manner, having at least one connector cap (15) with a sealing device (16). The wall (12) of the container is essentially comprised of a thermoplastic synthetic material having at least one diffusion barrier (18, 19) system and/or a diffusion barrier and anti-corrosion system (18, 19). In order to offer protection for hydrogen and oxygen containers, the diffusion barrier system can be embodied in the form of at least one compact layer and/or can contain finely dispersed, distributed reactive nanoparticles (18) in the wall (12) of the container, in at least one composite film (28) and/or in at least one diffusion barrier layer (18).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] (a) Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a gastight, pressure-resistant storage and/or transport container for low-molecular-weight reactive filling media, especially hydrogen, oxygen, air, methane and/or methanol, with a high filling pressure, which container is substantially rotationally symmetrical and has at least one connection cap with a sealing device.

[0003] (b) Prior Art

[0004] It has been usual for some time to fill, store and/or transport low-molecular-weight reactive media, especially gases such as hydrogen, oxygen and air, in thick-walled metal cylinders fitted with a safety sealing cap. In this way, large quantities of gas can be concentrated in the smallest possible space, stored free from leakage for long periods and transported safely. A pressure reducing valve is fitted on the sealing cap of a metal cylinder only immediately before use.

[0005] Thick-walled metal cylinders made of steel nevertheless have the disadvantage that they are extremely heavy in comparison with their stored contents. Replacement of steel cylinders by corresponding aluminium cylinders was a first important step in the right direction in relation to the weight, but nevertheless the said contents-container disproportion persists although to a lesser extent.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,400 A describes such a gas container made of metal, preferably aluminium or steel, which has an external protective layer of a fibre-reinforced resin/polymer. Optionally, an extra internal anticorrosion layer is provided which also consists of a fibre-reinforced resin/polymer. Evidently no diffusion protection is necessary for such a metal container.

[0007] DE 3821852 A1 also describes a pressurised gas cylinder consisting of an internal metal container surrounded by external glass-fibre-reinforced plastic layers. This pressurised glass cylinder which is designed as a fuel tank for motor vehicles is suitable for content pressures up to 340 bar. Thanks to the metal cylinder there are no diffusion problems, and when an anticorrosion aluminium alloy is used for the internal container also no corrosion problems.

[0008] Since the oil crisis, natural gas has played an increasing role in both the heating and the motor vehicle sectors. The French company Ullit S.A., F-36400 La Châtre, offers ultra-light high-pressure cylinders for gas-powered motor vehicles, which cylinders basically consist of a one-piece thermoplastic wound body. These cylinders, having a capacity of 126 litres and an operating pressure of 200 bar, are incorporated in a motor vehicle like a battery and serve as a fuel reserve. The plastic cylinders, also plastic composite cylinders, represent a completely new type of gas container in the high pressure range compared with metal cylinders. Plastic cylinders are very low in weight, are not susceptible to corrosion or alternating load fatigue and in particular are sufficiently impervious to higher molecular-weight gases, e.g. natural gas.

[0009] Manufacture of a plastic two-layer pressurised gas container is described in WO 00/66939 A1. An internal plastic container is pre-treated in rotation in order to increase its cross-linking and adhesion properties. After application of an adhesive, a fibre-reinforced winding tape is applied spirally and sticks very well onto the internal container to form an effective pressure reinforcement. No problems of diffusion or corrosion are described or mentioned.

[0010] With respect to a pressurised gas container for high pressures, a completely different class of double-wall heat storage cylinder (thermos cylinder) made of plastic in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 3921844 has in a known manner silver layers which reflect the heat radiation and also act as diffusion barriers. The vacuum between the comparatively very thin double walls can thus be maintained for a long period of time and heat convection suppressed. Such a double-wall in a pressure vessel with a vacuum between the two walls would be not only pointless but also counterproductive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The inventors have faced the task of providing a gastight, pressure-resistant storage and/or transport container of the type described above, which with a low empty weight is impermeable media-specific and/or if necessary corrosion-proof.

[0012] The said task is solved in accordance with the invention in that the container wall comprises in essence a thermoplastic with at least one diffusion barrier system or a diffusion barrier and anticorrosion system. Special and refined embodiments of the container are the subject of dependent claims.

[0013] The term “diffusion barrier layer” comprises both layers deposited on the container wall and films applied on or in the container wall, with or without functional layer(s). A diffusion barrier layer can also simultaneously or exclusively form an anticorrosion layer without this being specially mentioned each time. All types of diffusion barrier layers should preferably have approximately the same expansion coefficient as the container wall.

[0014] A “diffusion barrier system” or an “anticorrosion system” may comprise a compact layer and/or dispersed, passive or reactive nanoparticles. Reactive nanoparticles react chemically with a permeating gas, passive nanoparticles adsorb (store) such a gas.

[0015] Plastic containers with high content pressure, i.e. in the region of at least 50-100 bar, have the external dimensions and forms that are commercially standard. They are preferably substantially cylindrical in shape and in the area of their longitudinal axis have a sealing cap on one or both sides with a seal of the usual design. Suitably, the casing length of large containers lies in the usual range of 1 to 6 m, the internal diameter may be up to 40 cm, in particular approximately 35 cm, the filling pressure is preferably at least 150 bar, in particular at least 250 bar. Portable medicinal cylinders for patients, also included in the invention, for example are in essence smaller.

[0016] The stability and bursting pressure of the container can in essence be increased if the thermoplastic material of the container wall, for example polyethylene, polypropylene, acetyl butadiene styrene, polyamide, polyvinyl acetate or a polyester, is reinforced with a tension-resistant material, preferably with carbon-, glass- or ceramic fibres, but also with steel wires.

[0017] Dependent on the aggressivity and permeation ability of the contents and the external atmosphere, a diffusion barrier layer is arranged inside and/or outside the container wall, if necessary also or only in the wall itself.

[0018] In the case of aggressive contents, in a container stored in inert atmosphere, only an internal diffusion barrier layer is necessary, or the wall of a hydrogen container comprises dispersed reactive nanoparticles.

[0019] If a container with aggressive contents is stored in a corrosive atmosphere, an external diffusion barrier layer is also applied which is at the same time an anticorrosion layer.

[0020] In the case of a container wall which is inert against a reactive content, a diffusion barrier layer can be integrated in the said wall, for example by coextrusion or corresponding winding technology, both methods known in themselves, or the wall of a hydrogen container comprises dispersed passive or reactive nanoparticles.

[0021] At least one diffusion barrier layer can be applied to the container wall by two fundamentally different methods:

[0022] as a composite film preferably 10 to 1000 &mgr;m thick, with a diffusion barrier layer in the stricter sense, preferably maximum approximately 500 &mgr;m, in particular maximum approximately 20 &mgr;m thick,

[0023] by deposition from the gaseous phase with or without chemical reaction, also as a thin layer in the region of 10 to 600 nm, especially up to 100 nm. This deposition may take place directly onto the container wall and/or onto a carrier film subsequently applied on or in the container wall.

[0024] The film may be applied externally for example by winding, preferably with thickly spirally overlapping film strips, by longitudinal application of a film again with thick overlapping of the side edges or by application of a piece of shrink film or film weldable to size. Internal coating or lining with film to form the diffusion barrier layer is carried out by introduction of a custom-sized bag with dimensions corresponding to the container interior, provided with one or two openings depending on the container. The inserted bag is fixed in the region of the filler neck, e.g., by gluing, clamping or screwing-on.

[0025] The application or internal extrusion of a metal film, generally an aluminium or steel film, as the diffusion barrier layer is preferably carried out with a composite film. A composite film comprising a 9 &mgr;m thick aluminium film with one unilaterally or two bilaterally laminated or extruded film(s) of LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) of for example approximately 100 &mgr;m thickness is sufficiently tear-resistant for all said processes.

[0026] Pure plastic composite or laminate films may also be applied or internally extruded, e.g. LLDPE (100 &mgr;M)/OPP (20 &mgr;m)/PVA (14 &mgr;m)/OPP (20 &mgr;m) LLDPE (100 &mgr;m). OPP is oriented polypropylene, PVA (=PVAL) is polyvinyl alcohol. The PVA layer can also be provided with an SiOx or DLC layer (diamond-like carbon).

[0027] A container in accordance with the invention, or a film introduced therein, can also be protected by one or more diffusion barrier layers deposited from the gaseous phase. Deposition from the gaseous phase is carried out in the known manner with or without chemical reaction in the gaseous phase, or also by co-deposition of materials. Concrete examples of this are: arc vaporisation and cathode atomisation (sputtering). Further examples are: deposition by laser, electron, ion or molecular beams or thermal action, in each case with or without plasma excitation and with or without magnetic field support, as well as plasma spraying. The deposited layers form a diffusion barrier layer that, where necessary, is also the anticorrosion layer.

[0028] If a plastic container in accordance with the invention or a film to be introduced or applied is required to have a metallic or ceramic diffusion barrier layer, pre-treatment is often advantageous in order to increase adhesion of this diffusion barrier layer. Pre-treatment is suitably performed by plasma activation of the surface to be treated or by means of a very thin polar plasma layer of clearly <1 &mgr;m thick. In a first case the coating is deposited immediately after activation and in a second case the polar layer can for years stabilise the surface tension of the plastic surface at >50 mN/m or if necessary even at >70 mN/m.

[0029] In plasma activation for pre-treatment, monomer gases containing oxygen and/or nitrogen are introduced in a mixture of noble gases (Ar, He) with radio-frequency discharge (RF), e.g. good results are obtained with CO2, O2, N2, NOx and/or NH3. RF contains low frequency, high frequency and very high frequency.

[0030] Plasma activation has been used industrially for some time, for example in the form of corona discharge or low pressure discharge.

EXAMPLES

[0031] Ar and a little O2 are directed at high velocity onto a plastic substrate for less than 1 minute, either continuously or pulsed, at 200-2000 W, 13.56 MHz or 2.45 GHz.

[0032] Noble gases containing NH3 are directed at high velocity onto a plastic substrate during high or low frequency discharge. Excellent results are obtained for adhesion of Al to polypropylene.

[0033] For plasma coating as a pre-treatment, mixtures of the noble gases Ar and He and/or, depending on the required surface tension, mixtures of e.g. the monomer gases CO2, O2, N2, NOx, NH3, CH3OH, CH4, CH3CN and C2H2 are introduced. For hydrophilic pressed layers with long-term stability see WO 99/39842, in which for a polar coating a waterless process gas is used containing at least one also substituted hydrocarbon compound with up to eight C atoms and one inorganic gas.

EXAMPLE

[0034] A plasma coating as a pre-treatment is carried out with a mixture of equal parts of: Ar, C2H2, N2 and CO2. This gives a surface tension of >60 mN/m.

[0035] An apolar diffusion barrier layer, i.e. having a barrier effect, can also be applied directly i.e. without pre-treatment by means of plasma polymerisation, for example as an 0.01 to 1 &mgr;m thick amorphous DLC hydrocarbon layer (diamond like carbon). This is constructed on the basis of carbon and hydrogen, has a 20 to 80 at % content of the two elements and respectively 0.01 to 6 at % of at least one element of the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, boron and silicon. In this connection reference is made to WO 00/32938 (table, item E).

[0036] Following the pre-treatment described above, an actual diffusion barrier layer e.g. a metallic, organic metal-containing and/or ceramic layer is deposited. In the sense of the present invention, the metallic layers also include boron and silicon. In this connection, there are several known procedures and combinations thereof. Most of these are suitable for external coating of the container, but only with limitations for the internal coating. At best technical details must be adapted such as enlargement of the outlet and/or miniaturisation of the source.

[0037] For deposition of a diffusion barrier layer of submicron thickness on the container wall or on a film to be introduced or deposited, the use of plasma-supported coating processes is particularly suitable since the substrate temperature can be kept lower and good adhesion of the layer to the substrate is achieved by adhesion-promoting interaction with the plasma. In addition, by targeted variation of the plasma parameters including the process gases, a layer structure is achieved which supports adequately the expansion of the container.

[0038] Effective ceramic diffusion barrier layers comprise e.g. Al2O3, TiN, TiC, Si3N4, SiC, ZrO2, Cr2O3, SiOx and/or SiOxNy.

[0039] In accordance with a variant for a hydrogen container, the diffusion barrier system according to the invention comprises, in the container wall, in the diffusion barrier layer and/or in a composite film with the diffusion barrier layer, finely dispersed passive nanoparticles for storage of hydrogen or reactive nanoparticles for chemical reaction with hydrogen. These nanoparticles preferably contain Ti, Pd, Fe, Al, Mg, Mg2Ni, TiC, TiO2, Ti3Al, TiN, Ti2Ni, LaNi5H6, graphite, silicate and/or nanotubes containing carbon. The nanoparticles may also be embedded in a matrix, for example, passive TiN nanoparticles or active Ti nanoparticles in a Si3N4 matrix with maximum grain size of a few Jim. Similarly, Ti and/or TiC nanoparticles can be embedded in a SiC matrix, or Ti and/or TiO2 nanoparticles in a SiO2 matrix. For other reactive gases, e.g. oxygen, similar diffusion barrier systems exist (table, item 1).

[0040] Reactive nanoparticles react chemically with a gas that diffuses through the container wall, e.g. Al nanoparticles with oxygen to form Al2O3. Passive, i.e. non-reactive nanoparticles adsorb a gas diffusing through the container wall, e.g. Ti nanoparticles adsorb H2. They can be incorporated in widely varying geometric form and form a physical diffusion barrier.

[0041] A hydrogen-storing component must be selected such that the coefficient of expansion during hydrogen absorption and particle size are adapted to the container dimensions and the pressure variations.

[0042] Examples for Diffusion Barrier Layer Systems

[0043] Functional layer system 1: container and film, internal and/or external barrier layer

[0044] Plasma activation of a plastic substrate is carried out in order to increase adhesion to the subsequent coating. An aluminium metal layer is applied by PVD (physical vapour deposition). The PVD is carried out for example by cathode atomisation (sputtering) and/or internal and external arc vaporisation, external thermal and electron beam vaporisation. If this metal layer is then oxidised by a plasma process, e.g. by RF discharge, a defined additional Al2O3 protective and diffusion barrier layer is formed on the surface. This is imperative e.g. for a methanol container if no additional protective layer is deposited internally.

[0045] Functional layer system 2: container or container with film and barrier layer, preferably internal.

[0046] A DLC layer can be deposited directly, without pre-treatment as a diffusion barrier layer which also serves as a protective layer, onto a plastic substrate. To achieve the necessary flexibility, a gradient layer from polymer-like to diamond-like or from elastic to dense, can be produced by way of the process control. The electrically non-conductive substrate together with the layer material enables inductive coupling of the radio frequency into the container.

[0047] Separately or in addition to at least one barrier layer, by means of the gaseous phase with organic metal components finely dispersed nanoparticles containing metal (e.g. Al, Ti, Mg) can be deposited on or in the container wall or in a film to be introduced, which particles absorb and/or store the diffusing hydrogen or oxygen.

[0048] Functional layer system 3: container and film, barrier layer internally (arc, cathode atomisation) and/or externally (arc/cathode atomisation/ PA-reactive electron beam vaporisation).

[0049] Plasma pre-treatment of a plastic substrate is carried out in order to polish the surface where applicable and increase adhesion to the subsequent coating. A ceramic layer of Al2O3, SiOx, SiON, TiO2 and/or ZrO2 can be deposited using the said PVD methods, arc, reactive cathode atomisation (sputtering) and plasma-activated reactive electron beam vaporisation. A sandwich-like structure of the diffusion barrier layer which as a whole is totally gas-impermeable but nevertheless tolerates the expansion of the mechanically stressed container without damage, can be achieved by variation of the process parameters, e.g. a dense, hard layer or a soft, expandable layer. Metal-containing (elementary) nanoparticles can be incorporated in the layer by co-deposition or additional use of a molecular beam.

[0050] In addition, a thin diffusion barrier layer, namely a DLC layer with or without passive/ active nanoparticles or a thin ceramic layer, e.g. SiO2, Al2O3, and/or Si3N4 with or without passive/active nanoparticles, can be deposited on the plastic substrate by plasma-excited (organic metal) chemical vacuum deposition from the gaseous phase (PE(MO)CVD). Reference is made here to FIG. 9 below and to WO 01/55489 (despite the different function) in relation to DLC layers of submicron thickness with metallic nanoparticles, i.e. particles in the nm range of a maximum of 50% of the layer thickness of corresponding size.

[0051] Functional layer system 4: container and film, internal and/or external barrier layer

[0052] A barrier layer comprises a sandwich-like construction with up to seven layers, e.g. the following layers: polymer-metal-polymer-metal oxide-polymer, namely: UV-hardened polyacrylate (1-5 &mgr;m)/Al (10-1000 nm)/polyacrylate (0.5 &mgr;m),/TiO2 (10-100 nm)/polyacrylate (0.5 &mgr;m). The metal and metal oxide layer are deposited by vaporisation. Instead of the TiO2 layer, a DLC, SiON and/or Al2O3 layer can be deposited. The extendability of the coating is thus guaranteed. Thicker layers could be deposited e.g. by plasma spraying (table, item H).

[0053] Functional layer system 5: container, barrier layer, preferably internal

[0054] A polymer layer comprising e.g. polypropylene is applied as pre-treatment, with a thickness of one or a few &mgr;m, in order if necessary to polish the surface which can also be plasma-activated in order to increase adhesion to the subsequent coating. Several metallic and/or ceramic “brick-like” structural layers are applied, e.g. sheet silicates. A final polymer-like protective layer guarantees freedom of movement of the brick-like structure. By way of example, liquid crystal polyesters (LCP) can also be biaxially stretched, thus producing a lamelliform structure.

[0055] Functional layer system 6: container, internal and/or external barrier layer

[0056] A combination of two different deposition methods, plasma-excited (organic metal) chemical vacuum deposition from the gaseous phase (PE (MO) CVD) and physical vapour deposition from the gaseous phase (PVD), preferably cathode sputtering, results in a composite diffusion barrier layer comprising one inorganic and one organic material or various inorganic materials. The inorganic component is a metal (e.g. aluminium or titanium) or a ceramic (e.g. Si3N4 or Al2O3), the organic component is a plasma polymer of highly cross-linked hydrocarbon or a copolymerised hydrocarbon with oxygen and/or nitrogen.

[0057] A smooth transition, i.e. a gradient, can be achieved by variation of the process parameters or with incorporated particles.

[0058] For low-molecular reactive media, in particular hydrogen, oxygen, methane and/or methanol, gastight tank systems in accordance with the invention are provided. A pressure-resistant plastic container with a fundamentally lower weight for motor vehicles is lined internally and/or externally with a highly effective diffusion barrier layer which prevents the escape of the filling medium in even the most minute quantities and guarantees its storage in accordance with legal safety specifications.

[0059] Combination of the properties of suitable metal films, plastic films and coatings allows production of a such a versatile high barrier film system. Irrespective of dimensions, for internal coating or lining of plastic containers, functional matching of the high barrier film system to the particular specifications of the contents is necessary. In other words, for each filling substance the most suitable film combination can be applied or a layer deposited, or the most suitable nanoparticles can be integrated in the container wall.

[0060] When a coating is applied directly onto the plastic container, the coating methods can be scaled up to the applicable dimension. With particularly aggressive filling substances, the nature and combination of the layers can be adapted accordingly. For example, with an aluminium diffusion barrier layer a further layer can be applied if methanol is the filling substance.

[0061] Finally, the recycling suitability of the plastic container represents a further advantage of the invention. The diffusion barrier layer can be removed, can consist of an equivalent material to that of the container or has such a low mass fraction that it is negligible in recycling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The invention is explained in more detail with embodiment examples shown in the drawing which also form the subject of dependent patent claims. The drawings show:

[0063] FIG. 1 An axial cross-section through a container

[0064] FIG. 2 A radial section in accordance with II-II in FIG. 1

[0065] FIGS. 3-6 Variants of details of the container wall in area A of FIG. 2

[0066] FIGS. 7, 8 Cross-sections through preproduced high barrier film composites

[0067] FIG. 9 A cross-section through submicron diffusion barrier layers with and without nanoparticles, and

[0068] FIG. 10 A reaction chamber for plasma activation and manufacture of diffusion barrier layers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0069] A gastight, pressure-resistant storage and/or transport container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, referred to below in brief as container 10, has the internationally standard dimensions. The container wall 12 which is fitted with an invisible diffusion barrier layer consists entirely of plastic, this wall being for example constructed using a winding technique which is known in itself. Metal connection caps 14 are formed on at least one face, in the present case on both sides, which caps constrict to a substantially smaller diameter and coaxially transform into a sealing device 16 shown merely in block form which can be held in the area of the longitudinal axis L. Apart from the diffusion barrier layer which is explained below and not perceptible, both the container 10 for many filling substances 20 and its production are widely known.

[0070] In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the container wall 12 has on the inside has a diffusion barrier layer 18, which in the case of an aggressive filling substance 20 also serves as an anticorrosion system. The diffusion barrier layer 18 is for example applied by inserting a bag of a metal and plastic composite film or by deposition from the gaseous phase.

[0071] In the variant in FIG. 3a, passive and reactive finely dispersed nanoparticles 19 are embedded in the container wall 12 of a hydrogen container and function as a diffusion barrier system. These particles which are in the nm range usually take the form of clusters, platelets (e.g. graphite, sheet silicates) or carbon-based tubes. The external atmosphere 24 is also non-aggressive so no anticorrosion system is necessary. The container wall 12 in FIG. 3b, however, borders a filling material 20 with an aggressive component, for which reason a diffusion barrier layer 18 is inserted or deposited in addition to FIG. 3a. The passive nanoparticles are, as in FIG. 3a, shown so greatly magnified that their geometric form is evident.

[0072] In the embodiment in FIG. 4, the diffusion barrier layer 18 is applied on the outside of the container wall 12. This layer is inert against the filling substance 20. Tension-resistant fibres 22 are indicated in the container wall 12, in the present case steel fibres and in other cases fibres 22 of carbon, glass or ceramic. The plastic container wall 12 is usually reinforced with tension-resistant fibres 22, where for simplicity these are only shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] In an aggressive external atmosphere 24 the external diffusion barrier layer 18 functions simultaneously as an anticorrosion system. The barrier which is in the form of a plastic polymer-based organic diffusion film is e.g. shrunk-on, welded to size, or deposited as a layer from the gaseous phase.

[0074] In the presence of an aggressive filling substance 20 and also an aggressive external atmosphere 24, in accordance with FIG. 5 a diffusion barrier layer 18 is applied to both the inside and outside of the container wall 12.

[0075] If neither the filling substance 20 nor the external atmosphere 24 is aggressive or if the container wall 12 is fully inert against both substances 20, 24, at least one diffusion barrier layer 18 can be applied as in FIGS. 3 to 5. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the diffusion barrier layer 18 can, however, also be integrated in the container wall 12 so that this is formed in two parts.

[0076] A prefabricated diffusion barrier layer 18 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 7 and consists of a metal film 26, the barrier itself and a plastic film 28 laminated onto one side. This composite film gives the metal film 26 the mechanical tear strength necessary during the application procedure.

[0077] In the metal film according to FIG. 8 with a prefabricated diffusion barrier layer 18, a metal film 26 or a PVA film with high barrier effect is bilaterally protected with an extruded plastic film 28. Finely dispersed passive and reactive nanoparticles 19 are embedded in the plastic film 28, and depending on constitution, absorb the diffusing hydrogen and/or oxygen.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows in cross-section a diffusion barrier layer 18 of a submicron thickness d, which can be arranged on the inside or outside of the container wall 12. Because of the extremely high magnification factor, the container wall 12 appears flat although in practice it is formed in a cylinder casing shape.

[0079] An organic or inorganic layer matrix 30 forming a diffusion barrier layer 18 contains, as in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 8, incorporated finely dispersed passive or reactive nanoparticles 19 which have a grain size substantially smaller than the layer thickness d, e.g. <(0.1 to 0.2).d. This diffusion barrier layer 18 is produced on the basis of at least one also substituted hydrocarbon and/or a metal-containing component (PVD, PE-CVD process).

[0080] A metal intermediate layer 34 is placed between the container wall 12 and the diffusion barrier layer 18 and functions as a further diffusion barrier layer.

[0081] FIG. 10 shows a reaction chamber 36 with a choice of coating possibilities for a container 10, the substrate. This container 10 has in cross-section a container wall 12 and a container thread 11.

[0082] Arranged in the peripheral region of the substantially cylindrical reaction chamber 36 is a microwave source 38 which is supplied with radio frequency from a 64 RF generator. For the plasma pre-treatment and/or plasma coating, the microwave discharge (GHz) 38 or a radio frequency discharge (kHz, MHz) 66 can be coupled in the central part of the reaction chamber 36, where internal and/or external treatments of the container wall 12 can be carried out using both sources.

[0083] Furthermore, cathode sputtering sources 40, 40′ are arranged in the central and peripheral areas respectively of the reaction chamber 36 and if required can easily be converted to arc sources 42, 42′. Again, both sources 40, 42 or 40′, 42′ can be used with target material 41 for external as well as for internal coating of the container 10 used as the substrate. For external coating using arc source 42′ a filter 60 is installed.

[0084] Further energy sources not shown in FIG. 10 for deposition of metal-containing components, including boron and silicon, which are oxidised to form metal oxides in the reactive gaseous phase, can also be an electron beam source or a thermal vaporisation source. All methods are preferably additionally excited with plasma.

[0085] The reaction chamber 36 can be evacuated through a pump connection 52. A vacuum line leads by way of a vacuum valve 48 to a heavy duty vacuum pump 50. An internal pumping device 54 is also provided.

[0086] The gas is supplied to the reaction chamber 36 through several gas inlets 44, which each lead by way of a gas control valve 46 to the microwave source 38, into the actual container 10, into the central and peripheral areas of the reaction chamber 36, as well as behind the arc filter 60 and respectively into the atomisation source 40′ or the arc source 42′ which are arranged opposite the microwave source 38. The internal pressure of the reaction chamber 36 is controlled in co-operation with a vacuum measuring instrument 56.

[0087] Arranged outside the reaction chamber 36, in the area of the pump connection 52 and opposite this, are powerful coils 58 to generate a magnetic field. Several generators 64 serve as power sources, supplying the reaction chamber 36 with alternating current in the radio-frequency range RF, from low frequency to very high frequency, and/or with direct current DC. The particular desired position can be selected or set manually using two process selector switches 62. An upper process selector switch 42 acting on the target material 41 has a position for a radio-frequency generator 64RF and a direct current generator 64DC, whilst a lower process selector switch 62 connected to the container 10 has a position B for a direct current radio-frequency generator 64DC/RF, the generator for bias, a position F for the non-earthed connection and a position E for earth. Container 10, the substrate, can thus be set to earth E, preset voltage B or open F (floating point).

[0088] A substrate, either the container wall 12 or a film 28 to be deposited on the said wall, can be coated in a reaction chamber 36 as shown in FIG. 10 or in any other desired type of reaction chamber, for example by arc, cathode sputtering, plasma-activated vaporisation, ion- plating, plasma spraying and/or radio-frequency discharge. All these processes can be strengthened by a reactive gaseous phase and/or by magnetic fields.

[0089] The application possibilities of the container according to the invention are extremely versatile. Gastight tank systems, especially hydrogen containers in motor vehicles, are of special significance for large containers. Small containers are especially suitable for artificial respiration in patients or for respiration of occupants of enclosed stationary or mobile spaces, e.g. aircraft passengers.

[0090] The permeability of coated films and composite films is given in the table below. The final three examples relate to commercially available uncoated films and are listed in italic print. 1 TABLE Permeability of coated and composite films OXTRa OXTRb 0% r.h. 85% r.h. WVTRc Elongation Substrate Coating/Film [ccm/m2 · [ccm/m2 · 90% r.h. He He at crackd Layer/Film Thickness [&mgr;m]) d · bar] d · bar] [g/cm2 · d] rel. to O2 rel. to H2 [%] A PET-DLC (12-0.02) <1.0 <0.8  <0.1* 40 2 >1.8 B OPP-DLC (12-0.07) <75 <93 <0.2 >2.5 C PVAL-DLC (12-0.03) <0.9 <0.7  <0.1* >2.2 D Polycarbonate-DLC (12.0.07) <1.5 <1.1 <0.2 >2.1 E PET-O-DLC (12.0.01) 3.4 at % <1.5 <1.1 <2.4 >2.9 oxygen in DLC matrix F PET-Ti-DLC (12-0.06) <1.8 <1.5 <0.3 >3.1 7.8 at % titanium in DLC matrix G PET-Au-DLC (12-0.09) 9.6 at % <1.3 <1.1 <0.3 >2.7 gold in DLC matrix H PET-SiON (12-0.02) <1.0 <1.0 <0.3 >1.9 I PET-TiAlN in Si3N4 matrix (12- <1.2 <1.1 <0.2 >2.5 0.08) K PET-DLC-PPpolar (12-0.05-0.01) <0.9 <0.7 <0.2 >2.2 L PET-DLC-PPpolar-Hybrid  <0.5*  <0.5*  <0.1* >2.5 Polymer (12-0.04-0.01-3) M PET-PAA-DLC-PAA-DLC-PAA-  <0.5*  <0.5*  <0.1* >3.6 DLC-PAA (12-0.5-0.03-0.2-0.03-0.3) N PE/Al/PE composite (100/7/100)  <0.5*  <0.5*  <0.1* — O OPP/PVAL-DLC/PE composite  <0.5*  <0.5*  <0.1* — 20/14-0.05/65) PET (Mylar, DuPont) 12 133 106 17 42 2 — PVAL (Bovlon) 14 0.3 — 150 15 9 — OPP 20 1700 1900 1.4 6 11 — *Measuring limit

[0091] Legends and Abbreviations

[0092] a: Oxygen permeability [ccm/(m2.d.bar)]: ASTM D 3985-95 at 23° C. and 0% relative humidity

[0093] b: Oxygen permeability [ccm/(m2.d.bar)]: ASTM D 3985-85 at 23° C. and 85% relative humidity

[0094] c: Water vapour permeability [g/m2.d]: ASTM F1249-90 Standard Test Method at 23° C. and 90% relative humidity (American Society for Testing and Materials, 1997)

[0095] d: Elongation at crack [%]: development of microcracks in the coating on a film 2 DLC Diamond Like Carbon, plasma-polymerised amorphous hydrocarbon layer (also: a-C—H) PPpolar plasma-polymerised polar layer PAA polyacrylate PET = PETP polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene glycol terephthalate, polyester OPP oriented polypropylene PVAL = PVA polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ether Hybrid polymer inorganic-organic hybrid polymer (e.g. ORMOCER ®)

Claims

1. Gastight, pressure-resistant storage and/or transport container (10) for low-molecular-weight reactive filling media, in particular for hydrogen, oxygen, air, methane and/or methanol, with a high filling pressure, which container(10) is designed substantially rotationally symmetrical and has at least one connection cap (14) with a sealing device (16), characterised in that

the container wall (12) in essence comprises a thermoplastic with at least one diffusion barrier system (18, 19) or a diffusion barrier and anticorrosion system (18,19).

2. Container (10) in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that it is designed for a filling pressure of at least 150 bar, preferably at least 250 bar, and the container wall (12) comprises in essence polyethylene, polypropylene, acetyl butadiene styrene, polyamide or a polyester and is optionally also reinforced.

3. Container (10) in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the entire surface of the diffusion barrier (18, 19) or diffusion barrier and anticorrosion system (18, 19) is formed as at least one compact layer, the thickness of which is preferably at the most approximately 500 &mgr;m, in particular at most approximately 20 &mgr;m, or in the case of deposited or vapour-deposited thin layers preferably 10-600 nm, in particular up to 100 nm.

4. Container (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that depending on the aggressivity and permeation ability of the filling substance (20) and the external atmosphere (24), the diffusion barrier layers (18) are arranged inside, outside and/or in the container wall itself (12).

5. Container (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that as a diffusion barrier layer (18), a prefabricated metal film (26) is applied or inserted, preferably as a metal-plastic composite film (26, 28) or a pure plastic composite film, or a ceramic, boronic, silicic and/or metal-containing layer, also a layer protected with a plastic layer, or a purely plastic layer is applied.

6. Container (10) in accordance with claim 5, characterised in that a bag of a metal and plastic composite film (26, 28) cut to the internal dimensions of the container (10) or a pure plastic composite film with one or two openings accordingly is inserted in the container (10) and lies against the inside of the container wall (12) and/or a composite plastic film welded to size is applied on the outside of the container wall (12).

7. Container (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a plasma-polymerised, apolar or polar organic diffusion barrier layer (18) on a hydrocarbon base is applied to the inside and/or outside the container wall (12).

8. Container (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the diffusion barrier layer (18) is deposited on a previously plasma-treated and/or polished container wall (12).

9. Container (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the diffusion barrier system (19) comprises finely dispersed passive or reactive nanoparticles (19) in the container wall (12), in at least one composite film (26, 28) and/or in at least one diffusion barrier layer (18) for adsorption of or reaction with permeating gas, which nanoparticles (19) preferably comprise titanium, palladium, iron, aluminium, magnesium, Mg2Ni, TiC, TiO2, Ti3Al, TiN, Ti2Ni, LaNi5H6, graphite, sheet silicate and/or carbon-containing nanotubes.

10. Container (10) in accordance with claim 9, characterised in that the nanoparticles (19) are embedded in a matrix, in particular reactive Ti or passive TiN nanoparticles in a Si3N4 matrix or passive TiO2 nanoparticles in a SiO2 matrix.