High pressure gas tanks in thermoplastic composites

• Thermoplastic composite for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
• 70% weight reduction compared to steel
• Extremely low gas permeation levels & fully recyclable

Royal DSM is introducing thermoplastic composite gas tanks for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that the company has developed with Covess, a specialist in advanced thermoplastic composite vessels for a wide range of applications. Together with hydrogen, natural gas is claiming its place in the field of cost-effective and low carbon footprint fuels for use in automobiles. Thermoplastic tanks weigh around 70% less than steel tanks, and they last longer than steel or even advanced thermoset gas tanks. They exhibit extremely low gas permeation levels, making them very safe, and they are fully recyclable. Besides thermoplastic tape, DSM provides solutions for liners in Type IV composite pressure vessels with its Akulon Fuel Lock polyamide range. Most recently, a material is developed for large pressure vessels for heavy duty vehicles and gas transportation.

DSM will showcase the gas tanks at the upcoming #Fakuma. The company will also unveil new Diablo high temperature resistant grades in its Stanyl polyamide 46 and Akulon polyamide 6 portfolios. These new Diablo grades are aimed at applications in automotive engine compartments such as air intake manifold, ducts and charge air cooler combinations, where temperatures can reach as high as 250°C. In addition, a thermally conductive grade of Stanyl polyamide 46 for LED heat sinks will be demonstrated.

Picture: Besides thermoplastic tape, DSM provides solutions for liners in Type IV composite pressure vessels with its Akulon Fuel Lock polyamide portfolio (Source: DSM Engineering Plastics)