Abstract
A method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel, including providing a composite pressure vessel with at least one opening an injection of a liquid; injecting the liquid in the composite pressure vessel through the at least one opening to reach a threshold pressure; measuring an external volume variation of the composite pressure vessel; draining the liquid from the composite pressure vessel through the at least one opening; and drying an inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel with a drying gas. The drying the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel is performed at a pressure inside the composite pressure vessel, which is lower than an external pressure. A device for manufacturing and pressure testing a composite pressure vessel.
Claims
1. A method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel, comprising: a. providing a composite pressure vessel, comprising at least one opening, for an injection of a liquid; b. injecting the liquid in the composite pressure vessel through the at least one opening to reach a threshold pressure; c. measuring an external volume variation of the composite pressure vessel; d. draining the liquid from the composite pressure vessel through the at least one opening; and e. drying an inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel with a drying gas; wherein the drying the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel is performed at a pressure inside the composite pressure vessel which is lower than an external pressure.
2. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises heating the composite pressure vessel.
3. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 2, wherein the heating the composite pressure vessel is performed during the drying the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel.
4. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a liquid having a contact angle with a surface of the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel higher than a contact angle of water with the surface of the inside cavity.
5. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the liquid has a temperature of vaporization lower than a temperature of vaporization of water at an atmospheric pressure or at the pressure inside the composite pressure vessel.
6. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is at least one selected from the group consisting of water, acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butyl alcohol and a mixture of at least two thereof.
7. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the drying gas is at least one selected from the group consisting of N.sub.2, Ar, He, H.sub.2 and a mixture of at least two thereof.
8. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the drying gas is air.
9. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the drying gas is heated.
10. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel further comprises manufacturing the composite pressure vessel.
11. The method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises fixing a valve on the composite pressure vessel after the drying the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel with the drying gas.
12. A device, wherein the device is configured for manufacturing and pressure testing a composite pressure vessel, comprising: a first chamber; and a second chamber; wherein the first chamber is configured to pressure test the composite pressure vessel and the second chamber is configured to dry the inside cavity of the composite pressure vessel.
13. The device for manufacturing and pressure testing a composite pressure vessel according to claim 12, wherein the second chamber is further configured for fixing a valve assembly on an opening of the composite pressure vessel.
14. The device for manufacturing and pressure testing a composite pressure vessel according to claim 12, wherein the first chamber is also the second chamber.
15. Pressure testing equipment for the composite pressure vessel of claim 1, comprising: a sleeve adaptor assembly comprising a suction point, a suction line and a first fixing means configured for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly to a first boss (4) of the composite pressure vessel; a proof test adaptor assembly comprising a second fixing means (80) for fixing the proof test adaptor assembly to the first boss and a first connecting means for connecting the composite pressure vessel to a liquid circuit; and a means for measuring composite pressure vessel deformation.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] The present disclosure will be better understood on reading the following examples, including figures, which are given by way of example.
[0058] FIGS. 1 to 16 are vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during different steps of the manufacturing and testing methods according to the invention.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0060] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0065] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are vertical cross-sections of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0066] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0067] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0068] FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0069] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0070] FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0071] FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for manufacturing a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0072] FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for manufacturing a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0073] FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0074] FIG. 18 is a detailed sketch of a sleeve adaptor assembly used in the methods of the manufacturing and testing composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
[0075] FIG. 19 is a vertical cross is a vertical cross-section of a composite pressure vessel during a step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0076] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments
[0077] FIG. 1 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fiber reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a sleeve adaptor assembly (5) is fixed on the first boss (4). Said sleeve adaptor assembly comprise a suction point (52), a suction line (51) and a first fixing means (50) for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) to the first boss (4).
[0078] FIG. 2 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fiber reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a proof test adaptor assembly (8) is fixed to the first boss (4). Said proof test adaptor assembly (8) comprises a second fixing means (80) for fixing the proof test adaptor assembly (8) to the first boss (4) and a first connecting means (81) for connecting the composite pressure vessel (1) to a liquid circuit.
[0079] FIG. 3 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a proof test adaptor assembly (8) is fixed to the first boss (4). Said proof test adaptor assembly (8) comprises a second fixing means (80) for fixing the proof test adaptor assembly (8) to the first boss (4) and a first connecting means (81) for connecting the composite pressure vessel (1) to a liquid circuit. The composite pressure vessel (1) is filled with a liquid (9) via the proof test adaptor (8) to reach a threshold pressure, which is a pressure test that is1.5 times the nominal working pressure according to known regulations. The step of injecting the liquid in the composite pressure vessel to reach the threshold pressure is performed in a first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10).
[0080] FIG. 4 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a proof test adaptor assembly (8) is fixed to the first boss (4). Said proof test adaptor assembly (8) comprises a second fixing means (80) for fixing the proof test adaptor assembly (8) to the first boss (4) and a first connecting means (81) for connecting the composite pressure vessel (1) to a liquid circuit. The composite pressure vessel (1) is filled with a liquid (9) via the proof test adaptor (8) to reach a threshold pressure inside the composite pressure vessel (1), which is a pressure test of 1050 bar. Said pressure test is maintained during the testing period. The test is performed in the first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10). Said test comprises the step of measuring an external volume variation of the composite pressure vessel.
[0081] FIG. 5 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a proof test adaptor assembly (8) is fixed to the first boss (4). Said proof test adaptor assembly (8) comprises a second fixing means (80) for fixing the proof test adaptor assembly (8) to the first boss (4) and a first connecting means (81) for connecting the composite pressure vessel (1) to a liquid circuit. The composite pressure vessel (1) is drained off the liquid (9) via the proof test adaptor (8). The draining step is performed in the first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10).
[0082] FIG. 6 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. The FIG. 6 presents the end of the draining step and shows that a certain quantity of liquid may remain inside the composite pressure vessel (1). During this step, the proof test adaptor assembly is disassembled. The second fixing means (80) remains fixed to the first boss (4), the first connecting means for connecting the composite pressure vessel (1) to the liquid circuit being withdrawn.
[0083] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). During this step, a cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a sleeve adaptor assembly (5) is fixed on the first boss (4). Said sleeve adaptor assembly (5) comprises a suction point (52), a suction line 51), a first fixing means (50) for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) to the first boss (4) and a pipe (53) for blowing a gas inside the composite vessel pressure. A gas is blown inside the composite pressure vessel (1) represented by the arrow (11). The remaining liquid (9) is drained off the composite pressure vessel (1) through the sleeve adaptor assembly via the suction point (52) and the suction line (51) using the gas blown, which is air. The draining step is performed in the first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10). FIG. 9 shows that possible rotational (12) and/or transversal movements of the suction point (52) and the suction line (51) and/or the pipe (53) inside the composite vessel pressure (1) may be generated during the draining step in order to optimize the liquid draining. The second fixing means of the test adaptor assembly may be used as first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) or replaced by said first fixing means (50).
[0084] FIG. 10 present a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention, more precisely at the end of the draining step. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) is disassembled, the suction point, the suction line a pipe for blowing a gas inside the composite vessel pressure are removed. The sole part sleeve adaptor assembly (5) remaining is the first fixing means (50) for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) to the first boss (4).
[0085] FIG. 11 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention, before the step of drying the inner liner using a drying gas. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. During this step, a pressure adaptor connector (54) is fixed on the first fixing means (50). Alternatively, the first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) may be replaced by a third fixing means or may be the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel. The composite pressure vessel is located in a first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10).
[0086] FIG. 12 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention, which is a possible step of drying the inner liner. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. A pressure adaptor connector (54) is fixed on the first fixing means (50). Alternatively, the first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) may be replaced by a third fixing means or may be the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel. The composite pressure vessel is located in a first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10). A vacuum is performed inside the composite pressure vessel in order to eliminate possible traces of liquid. In order to avoid a possible collapsing of the inner layer, a low pressure differential is maintained between the inner side and the outer side of the composite pressure vessel by performing a vacuum in the first chamber (10). In order to accelerate the elimination of the liquid, a heating of the composite pressure vessel may be performed. The heating means are not shown on the FIG. 12.
[0087] FIG. 13 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention, which is a possible step of drying the inner liner using a drying gas. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. A pressure adaptor connector (54) is fixed on the first fixing means (50). Alternatively, the first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) may be replaced by a third fixing means or may be the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel. The composite pressure vessel is located in a first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10). An inert gas, preferably a heated inert gas, is blown inside the composite pressure vessel (10) leading to a evaporation of the traces of the remaining liquid. Alternatively, the FIG. 13 presents the final step of the method for performing pressure tests on a composite pressure vessel, which comprises the filling of the composite pressure vessel (1) by an inert gas in order to avoid contamination of said composite pressure vessel (1), the internal pressure in the composite pressure vessel (1) being higher than the ambient pressure.
[0088] FIG. 14 presents a composite pressure vessel (1) during a step of the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention. The composite pressure vessel (1) comprises an inner liner (2) made of unreinforced polymer and forming an inner cavity, enclosed in a fibre reinforced polymer shell (3). The composite pressure vessel comprises a first boss (4) and a second boss (6). A cap (7) closing the second boss (6) is fixed on the second boss. The cap (7) and the second boss (6) are monoblock when the composite pressure vessel requires only one service opening in using. A pressure adaptor connector (54) is fixed on the first fixing means (50). Alternatively, the first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) may be replaced by a third fixing means or may be the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel. The composite pressure vessel is located in a first chamber (10), which is a burst containment chamber (10). The composite pressure vessel (1) is filled of the composite pressure vessel (1) by an inert gas, the internal pressure in the composite pressure vessel (1) being higher than the ambient pressure. The first fixing means (50) of the sleeve adaptor assembly (5) or the third fixing means or the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel is covered by a cap (not) shown and the composite pressure vessel is removed from the first chamber (10) and is stored. Alternatively, the FIG. 13 presents a step of the manufacturing method of a composite gas according to the invention before the step of fixing a valve on the composite vessel. In this case, the first chamber is a second chamber if the testing and the manufacturing are not performed in the same chamber, preferably the first chamber is also the second chamber.
[0089] FIGS. 15 and 16 present steps of the manufacturing method of a composite pressure vessel (1) according to the invention. FIG. 15 shows that the first fixing means of the sleeve adaptor assembly or the third fixing means or the second fixing means used to fix the proof test adaptor to the composite pressure vessel is removed. The removal is performed in the first chamber (10) or in the second chamber. The first chamber is a second chamber if the testing and the manufacturing are not performed in the same chamber, preferably the first chamber is also the second chamber. FIG. 16 shows the step of fixing a valve assembly (13) on the composite pressure vessel. Said step is performed in the first chamber (10) or in the second chamber. The first chamber is a second chamber if the testing and the manufacturing are not performed in the same chamber, preferably the first chamber is also the second chamber.
[0090] FIG. 17 illustrates in details the step of measuring an external volume variation of the composite pressure vessel (1) and the location of said measurements using water as testing liquid.
[0091] FIGS. 18a and b illustrate a particular embodiment of a sleeve adaptor assembly (5) used in the methods of the manufacturing and testing composite pressure vessel (1) according to the invention. FIG. 18a) is a vertical section of sleeve adaptor assembly (5) illustrating the location of the suction line (51) and the pipe (53) for blowing a gas inside the composite vessel pressure on the first fixing means (50) for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly to the first boss. FIG. 18b) illustrates the location of the different openings (54, 55, 56) for fluid communication on the first fixing means (50) for fixing the sleeve adaptor assembly to the first boss. A first opening is used for the suction of the liquid and the gas evacuation (54), a second opening is used for the liquid filing (55) and a third opening is used for the gas injection (56).
[0092] FIG. 19: Example of OTV (On Tank Valve)) affixed on composite pressure vessels, said OTV being a FCV Cylinder valve.
[0093] The table I presents examples of composite pressure vessels on which the method for performing pressure tests according to the invention are performed.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Examples of composite pressure vessels tested. Composite pressure vessels Description Unit 1 2 3 4 5 6 Length (Boss to mm 870 1000 1050 1860 2010 2110 Boss) Diameterafter mm 360 430 320 360 450 415 winding Volume Liter 52 81 60 150 240 180 Amount openings [-] 1 2 2 2 2 2 Boss Thread Nominal Inch 1″1/2 1″1/2 1″1/8 1″1/8 1″1/8 1″1/8 Rod Diameter) Nominal working bar 700 700 200 200 350 350 pressure Vessel Weight Kg +−40 +−70 +−20 +−30 −+90 +−90 Carbon fiber weight Kg +−21 Glass fiber weight Kg +−1 Epoxy resin weight Kg +−10
The composite pressure vessels are type IV vessels for 350 bars or 700 bars nominal pressure applications. The liner of the composite pressure vessels is made of thermoplastic polymer(s), either mono- or multi-layer. The liners materials can be a polyolefin such as polyethylene (PE), preferably High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyamide (PA). The thickness of the liner is typically in the range of 2 to 7 mm. The liner is preferably submitted to a temperature in the range of −35° C. to +80° C. The boss is made of metal, generally of aluminum or steel, for example the boss is made of 6061-T6 hard anodized aluminum or 7075-T6 grade aluminum. The composite pressure vessel comprise an On Tank Valve (OTV). The OTV is assembled onto a composite pressure vessel opening. The composite pressure vessel is equipped with a Flow Control Valve (FCV) Cylinder Valve designed for use in high-pressure compressed hydrogen stationary or mobile storage cylinder. Module components fixed on the composite pressure vessel may comprises an outlet adaptor, a manual valve, a solenoid valve, a bleed valve, a Thermally activated Pressure Relief Device (TPRD, a Temperature-Sensor and an Excess Flow valve) (EFV).
[0094] An example of the process sequences is described in the table II.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II example of the process sequences: Manual/ Process step Automatic Actions Load the composite pressure Manual By pushing and sliding vessel into the machine into loading position Connect adaptor TBD Close the first chamber Automatic Pressurize with air to Automatic a few bar (<6 bar) Fill the composite Automatic Air is compressed pressure vessel with test liquid to test pressure Maintain test pressure Automatic per EC79 or R134 Measure length and Automatic Calculate volumetric diameter expansion expansion Release pressure Automatic Liquid is pushed out Drain liquid from dead Automatic Apply vacuum to plunger pocket connection. Make sure to stay within acceptable vacuum level Spray cleaning liquid Automatic Spray nozzle to be defined through inlet Use warm liquid (50 to Simultaneously 70° C.) vacuum dead pocket Drain liquid from dead Automatic Apply vacuum to plunger pocket connection. Make sure to stay within acceptable vacuum level Apply vacuum inside and Automatic Make sure to stay within outside the vessel acceptable vacuum level inside the vessel Heat the chamber Automatic Fill with H.sub.2/N.sub.2 test gas Automatic To a few bar Repeat vacuum/filling cycles Automatic Monitor the humidity Automatic Repeat the cycles until the humidity target is reached Apply small pressure Automatic of H.sub.2/N.sub.2 inside Remove the adaptor Automatic Assembly the OTV Automatic Minimize open time to avoid air & humidity intake Open the chamber Automatic Disconnect the adaptor
[0095] The table III presents several parameters used in the process
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III example of process parameters: PROCESS STEPS REQUIREMENT Test gas Test gas 5% H.sub.2/95% N.sub.2 Pressurization liquid Tap water Initial vessel pressure Atmospheric Initial vessel content Air Air pressurization inside 1 to 10 bar vessel before filling Maximum Pressure increase 285 bar/s rate during filling Test pressure and test Per EC79 or R134 sequence Final pressure after Atmospheric emptying Drying cycles Chamber pressure: from 100 mbar absolute to atmospheric Vessel pressure: from 100 mbar absolute to 10 bar Humidity level after −40 C. Dew Point drying
[0096] The decompression will generate a temperature drop in the composite pressure vessel. Low temperature could lead to water condensation and freezing according to the pressure/temperature conditions during the decompression phase.
[0097] The humidity level is monitored to manage the dew point and avoid water freezing that could block or damage the installation during the decompression.
