Xperion's X-Store type IV cng cylinder
Xperion GMBH of Germany is establishing a global network to promote a new line of robust lightweight compressed natural gas fuel cylinders, according to a Fleets & Fuels report. Xperion’s patented hybrid composite (X-Store brand) cylinders weigh from 0.25 to 0.45 kilograms per liter. Executive VP Dietmar Müller said in a statement to F&F, “Traditionally, Type III and Type IV cylinders can cost two to three times the price of Type I steel cylinders. With our hybrid design using a weight/cost optimized ratio of high strength reinforcements, we are able to significantly reduce the extra cost associated with composite tanks.”
The cylinders are both ECE110- and ISO11110/11439-certified, and Xperion’s Herford facility has ISO 9001 approval, says international sales manager Sean Ellen.
Xperion's patent drawing for the composite cylinder
The PCT patent description follows (numbers refer to patent diagram):
The invention relates to a pressure vessel (20) for a pressurized medium which is capable of flow, comprising a first reinforcement (22) composed of fibers which are applied as a winding and which are embedded in synthetic resin, wherein in addition to the first reinforcement (22), a second reinforcement (23) is provided, wherein the second reinforcement (23) has a percentage elongation at fracture which is lower than that of the first reinforcement (22), wherein the first reinforcement (22), considered alone, is sufficient to entirely absorb the forces resulting from the pressure of the medium in the pressure vessel (20), and wherein means are provided which are suitable for indicating a fracture of the second reinforcement (23).
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