Composites Use in Pressure Vessels
High-pressure gas storage vessels represent one of the largest and fastest-growing markets for advanced composites, particularly for filament-wound carbon fiber composites. Although they are used in self-contained breathing apparatuses and provide oxygen and gas storage on aerospace vehicles, the primary end markets are for storage of liquid propane gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen gas (H2).
Latest Pressure Vessels Articles
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Multiple commercial truck-type high-pressure tanks have been extended to maritime applications.
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DOE MAKE IT prize supports U.S.-based manufacturing of clean energy technology components for a diverse range of market applications.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
LEARN MOREThe composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
LEARN MOREThis CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
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Optimizing robotic winding of composite tanks and pipes
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WatchComposites end markets: Pressure vessels (2024)
The market for pressure vessels used to store zero-emission fuels is rapidly growing, with ongoing developments and commercialization of Type 3, 4 and 5 tanks.
WatchForvia moves toward more sustainable automotive composites manufacturing
Automotive technology supplier Forvia shares sustainability goals and recent developments aimed at bio-based and recycled materials and ramping up hydrogen tank production for clean mobility.
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WatchComposites end markets: Energy (2024)
Composites are used widely in oil/gas, wind and other renewable energy applications. Despite market challenges, growth potential and innovation for composites continue.
WatchFAQ: Pressure Vessels
How are composites used in energy storage?
Composites are used to build pressure vessels to store compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hydrogen gas.
These typically involve filament winding of glass or carbon fiber around a metal, plastic or all-composite liner.
What are the types of pressure vessels?
You may see pressure vessels or storage tanks listed as one of various numbered “Types.”
Pressure vessels are organized into five types:
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- Type I: All-metal construction, generally steel.
- Type II: Mostly metal with some fiber overwrap in the hoop direction, mostly steel or aluminum with a glass fiber composite; the metal vessel and composite materials share about equal structural loading.
- Type III: Metal liner with full composite overwrap, generally aluminum, with a carbon fiber composite; the composite materials carry the structural loads.
- Type IV: An all-composite construction, polymer — typically polyamide (PA) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner with carbon fiber or hybrid carbon/glass fiber composite; the composite materials carry all the structural loads.
- Type V: Linerless, all-composite construction.
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Do composites have a role in the hydrogen economy?
For years, composites have offered lightweight storage of compressed hydrogen (H2) gas for zero-emission, fuel cell-powered vehicles via Type IV tanks comprising plastic liners wrapped with carbon fiber and epoxy resin. Though H2 has long promised a sustainable source of clean energy, until recently, progress was slow.
As the market continues to grow, demand for Type IV tanks continues to increase, with new technologies in development.
Follow CompositesWorld’s continuing hydrogen market coverage for the latest.
Source: The potential for hydrogen to fuel composites growth