Gas cylinders made of composite materials: the pros and cons of gas cylinders for gas

If you need a container for storing liquefied gas, you should definitely consider such an option as a composite gas cylinder. This is a modern development that allows you to store a combustible mixture in the safest way. In addition, such cylinders are very convenient in operation.

We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the article, which details the design differences of the device and the principle of operation. To make a balanced purchase, we show the positive and negative sides of the polymer euro gas tank. Safe operation will ensure compliance with the rules set forth by us.

The principle of operation and device

For the manufacture of Euroballs, fiberglass and epoxy are used. To make a flask, a thread made of high-quality fiberglass is wound on a special form. Then this dense winding is carefully impregnated with epoxy resin. The composition is treated with a hardener.

After the flask has completely hardened and acquired the necessary strength, further work can be continued. Valves, valves and other devices regulating the capacity of the device are inserted into the prepared connectors.

From above put on a removable casing made of plastic, equipped with handles for carrying the balloon. This trellis can be removed or replaced if necessary.

For the production of composite gas cylinders, high-quality materials, modern equipment and the latest technologies are used, which explains the high cost of devices of this type

The polypropylene from which such containers are made is completely environmentally friendly. Such material is not difficult to dispose of; expensive special procedures are not needed for this. If desired, the material can be given almost any color.

Some companies order a batch of containers with a unique design for the sake of corporate style or for practical needs, for example, to distinguish between cylinders with different contents or intended for different departments, etc.High environmental safety requirements are one of the main conditions in the production of composite gas cylinders.

A high-quality fiberglass filament is used to make the Euro-bulb flask, which is tightly wound on the workpiece, and then impregnated with epoxy

For example, only fiberglass is used, the manufacture of which did not use such a dangerous substance as boron, which improves the characteristics of the material without high costs. For the production of composite flasks, fiberglass is taken, which is made with a safer boron substitute.

The resulting composite material does not fade, does not fade and maintains uniform transparency, since it remains resistant to ultraviolet radiation for a long time. A slight discoloration of the flask made of composites can occur only a few years after the start of operation.

Light weight gas cylinder made of composite materials allows you to transport the tank without much effort. Product color can vary according to customer preferences.

But even in this case, the remaining functional characteristics of the cylinders will not change. The outlet of gas cylinders, which are made of composite materials, is usually standardized according to types EN 11363, EN 629 or DIN 477. The inlet valve 25E allows you to easily fill the tank with available means.

Euro balloons resist rupture much better than metal containers in similar conditions. In order to explode a composite cylinder, it will be necessary to create a force inside it that is approximately two times higher than the indicators at which ordinary gas cylinders explode.

Although in accordance with the requirements of GOST, any gas cylinder must withstand a pressure of at least 50 atm. Exerted on the body of the device, which is enough to provide the necessary level of safety.

When choosing a gas cylinder made of composite materials, you should carefully compare the characteristics and design of various models to select the most suitable option

Metal cylinders are equipped with valves of the VB-2 type, and in order to increase the level of safety, safety devices have to be additionally installed. Compare composite option with others types of gas cylinders You can, having familiarized with article recommended by us.

Most often this is a special gearbox with valve, such products are popularly released under the GOK brand. On composite cylinders, all the necessary fuses are already installed, there is no need for additional protective equipment.

Depending on where the composite balloon is manufactured, it may have some differences. For example, Norwegian Euro balloons, such as Ragasco LPG 24.5, do not have as high transparency as devices from other companies. To determine the amount of liquefied gas in them, you need to shake the bottle a little.

Laboratory tests show that Euro balloons show high resistance to statistical fatigue at a temperature of 70 degrees. As for the heat transfer capabilities of composite structures, at temperatures up to -15 degrees they show the same characteristics as their metal counterparts.

The evaporation rate in this case is usually about 300 g / h. However, if you intend to use a device of this type at lower temperatures, or when you need a different evaporation rate of LPG, you should carefully study the characteristics of the selected model.

Outdoor temperature can significantly affect the rate of evaporation of liquefied gas, which may affect the efficiency of the device. In such situations, it is recommended to take care of additional insulation of the tank.

Advantages and disadvantages of Euro capacities

Cylinders made of polymeric materials are very convenient to store. Such containers can be stacked on top of each other, for example, in stacks.

They can be connected to the same types of gas appliances that are designed for standard gas supply devices. Liquefied gas can be transported in such containers, they can be used in everyday life and in outings, for long-term storage of LPG, etc.

One of the advantages of gas cylinders made of composite materials is a removable casing that protects the device from damage, as well as convenient handles that make it easy to carry

The weight of composite devices is about a third less than that of metal counterparts, but they are not inferior in strength to them. Another advantage of this type of device is its rich assortment. They vary widely in volume and shape. You can always choose the option suitable for a particular case.

The walls of such tanks have some transparency, which allows you to visually assess the amount of liquefied gas remaining inside. Over time, the transparency of the balloon is not lost, nor does the amount of gas inside it affect it. Composite materials do not spark upon impact, so the danger of an accidental explosion is virtually eliminated.

The sizes of gas cylinders made of composite materials vary in a wide range, you can choose a device for autonomous gas supply of a private house or a small model for outdoor trips

Of course, the development of corrosion processes for polymer products is also not threatened. The material is able to tolerate heating to a temperature of 100 degrees. Such cylinders look very attractive and modern, you can choose the right color. A cylinder of about 20 kg weighs about seven kilograms or less.

By weight, composite containers with a plastic protective casing are almost two times lighter than metal cylinders of the same volume. Buyers note that the handles on the composite cylinder make its use even more convenient. Light weight and handles allow even fragile women to cope with loading medium-sized containers.

Before buying, installing and refueling a composite gas cylinder, you should carefully study the technical passport of the product and the manufacturer's instructions

Typically, the manufacturer's warranty on composite LPG cylinders is two years. But the service life is 30 years, and with careful handling and more. The flask of the composite cylinder is protected from above by a special casing made of plastic, which increases the strength of the device.

In the event of an accidental fall, the force impact falls precisely on this casing, even if it cracks, the flask and its dangerous contents will remain intact. Damaged casing can be replaced with a new one. Such an operation is much cheaper than a complete cylinder replacement.

Static electricity also does not threaten such a device. This point has been confirmed in numerous practical studies. Accidental sparks, fire, and explosion are therefore excluded.

It is recommended that composite cylinders be checked once a decade, while a similar examination of metal products for gas storage should be performed twice as often, i.e. every five years.

The flask walls of a composite cylinder are usually transparent enough to visually determine how much liquefied gas remains inside the container

One of the major drawbacks of Euroballs is the price. The cost of composite tanks is about four times higher than the cost of metal counterparts. Nevertheless, it makes sense to invest in such a container, since it is lighter, more convenient and safer than a regular metal cylinder. The high price of Euro balloons is understandable.

The technology of their production requires high costs.Such containers are produced abroad, so the price also includes the cost of delivery, customs duty, etc.

The additional costs are unlikely to pay off if you replace with a composite tank not just one, but several metal gas cylinders. The main benefit in this case is more convenient use and increased security.

Useful Information for Safe Use

Of course, an essential element of any composite gas cylinder is safety devices. Composite models are no exception. Mandatoryly put on each device pressure reducer. If it exceeds the minimum allowable threshold, the valve will open, and part of the gas will be vented, thereby avoiding structural rupture.

At the same time, the gas cylinder continues to work as usual. Another protective element that is installed on Euro balloons is a fusible insert. At a dangerous level of heating, it melts, preventing the structure from overheating. Earlier, spring fuses were used for these purposes, but the new element is considered more reliable.

Composite cylinders for liquefied gas can be used not only for gas supply at home, but also at other facilities, for example, to perform some construction operations, to heat utility rooms, etc.

After the insert melts, for example, due to overheating during a fire, the gas exits the tank in a safe controlled manner. Unfortunately, after that it is impossible to restore the fusible insert, the cylinder becomes unsuitable for further operation.

Of course, it is not necessary without extreme necessity to heat Euro balloons to such high temperatures. The working range for such structures are considered parameters from 40 degrees of frost to 60 degrees of heat.

Can a composite balloon explode? From the spark - no, but if the pressure inside the tank accidentally rises, the likelihood of such an outcome will increase markedly. Therefore, statements about the absolute explosion safety of cylinders do not correspond to reality.

The cause of the increase in internal pressure inside such a cylinder may be heating of the body, causing too rapid evaporation of the liquefied gas.

There are videos on the Internet about the exceptional resistance of Euroballs to fire and mechanical damage, but this can not be a reason for neglecting safety standards

Nevertheless, the explosion of the Euro ballon is an extremely rare occurrence. When exposed to open flame, a fusible link will trigger and part of the body may melt. Gas will leave the tank through these openings and it will not explode. The use of combustible gas is always carried out subject to increased safety measures.

Although the composite balloon itself cannot explode, the cause of the explosion can be a gas leak through a large hole. Therefore, a regular check of the integrity of the tank should be carried out without fail. Proper maintenance of composite gas cylinders will extend their life.

Before filling the composite cylinder with liquefied gas, check the integrity of the flask, the presence of markings and their conformity to the type of fuel, as well as the operation of shut-off and control devices

On the case of each new product there is an inscription reminding of the need for a full examination and possible replacement of the product every ten years.

Of course, a standard inspection and examination of the balloon should be performed much more often:

• before filling it with liquefied gas;
• during such refueling;
• after the tank is filled with LPG.

The cylinder check includes the following requirements:

• brand of fuel and type of cylinder must match each other;
• tank maintenance should be carried out on time;
• it is necessary to verify the integrity of the composite bulb itself and the markings applied to it.

If the results of the inspection were unsatisfactory in one of the mentioned points, the capacity should be sent to an extraordinary technical examination to make sure that it is suitable for further operation. In this case, the analysis of cylinder wear is carried out. It takes into account the presence of scratches, scuffs, dents and other damage on the case.

The state of each damage is analyzed for danger for the overall integrity of the tank. Monitor the status of such shortcomings from the moment they appear. When checking the marking of a gas cylinder made of composite materials, you must ensure its integrity.

Modern devices for regulating and filling composite gas cylinders make their use safer than using metal analogues

A grave and dangerous mistake would be to refuel a cylinder for which it is not intended. Different manufacturers mark differently. This can be a barcode or a special sticker that is laminated and securely attached to the case.

Be sure to specify and save data such as a barcode and serial number of the product. If this information is completely or partially lost, you may need to dispose of the bottle and replace it with a new product.

Another important point is checking the integrity of the valve. This element must be screwed into the hole provided for it. The area of ​​contact with the flask material is strictly standardized.

In modern composite cylinders, shutoff valves are installed that meet international standards. In addition, you need to monitor the health of locking and regulating devices both on the device itself and on the one used for the connected line. Installation and replacement of gas taps and hoses must be manufactured in accordance with the regulations.

For safety reasons, it is better to choose enterprises that can present licenses and permits for this type of activity for filling cylinders and replacing a gas valve.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Information on the production of containers of this type can be found here:

Gas cylinders made of composite materials are relatively new designs, but they have already confidently replaced their metal “brothers”. In operation, such products are much more convenient and safe. When used and maintained correctly, they serve impeccably for many years.

Have you ever used a composite gas bottle? Maybe you know the technical nuances of its operation and connection, not described in the article? Please write comments, ask questions, share your impressions, useful information, post a photo on the topic in the block below.