WO2022032180A1

WO2022032180A1 - Systems and methods for composite pressure vessels

Info

Publication number: WO2022032180A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/045082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jimmie Dean HINKLE; Daniel STRANGFELD; Ashton WAGNER; Eli DZURINO
Original assignee: Kegstand Co.
Priority date: 2020-08-06
Filing date: 2021-08-06
Publication date: 2022-02-10

Abstract

A pressure vessel assembly includes a pressure vessel including a liner and a composite layer. The liner includes a shell, a first head, and a second head. The shell has a cylindrical shape and is attached to the first head and the second head. The liner defines a liner thickness less than or equal to 0.025 inches. The composite layer is attached to the liner.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPOSITE PRESSURE VESSELS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/061,914, filed August 6, 2020, and entitled COMPOSITE OVERWRAPPED LIGHTWEIGHT BEER KEG, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to composite pressure vessels, and more particularly relates to composite-metallic kegs, and related methods for making composite- metallic kegs.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Fluids for human consumption, such as beer, may be stored and transported in pressurized containers that maintain the fluid in a specific state. For example, beer is typically carbonated and may be stored and transported in kegs. Kegs are typically pressure vessels formed of metal that are configured to maintain the beer in the carbonated state during storage and transportation. Kegs typically include a neck that enables the beer to be selectively withdrawn from the keg without reducing the carbonation of the beer. However, because the keg contains a pressurized fluid in a variety of environments and conditions, the walls of the kegs are formed of thick metallic walls that increase the weight of the keg. The increased weight of the keg increases transportation and manufacturing costs, increasing the overall costs of the keg and of the beer.

[0004] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need to provide improved pressure vessels that reduce the weight and transportation costs of the pressure vessel.

SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pressure vessel assembly including a pressure vessel including a liner and a composite layer. The liner includes a shell, a first head, and a second head. The shell has a cylindrical shape and is attached to the first head and the second head. The liner defines a liner thickness less than or equal to 0.025 inches. The composite layer attached to the liner.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a keg including a pressure vessel, a top chime, and a bottom chime. The pressure vessel assembly includes a pressure vessel including a liner and a composite layer. The liner includes a shell, a first head, and a second head. The shell has a cylindrical shape and is attached to the first head and the second head. The liner defines a liner thickness less than or equal to 0.025 inches. The composite layer attached to the liner. The top chime is attached to a top of the pressure vessel, and the bottom chime is attached to a bottom of the pressure vessel.

[0007] The present disclosure also is directed to a method of manufacturing a pressure vessel assembly. The method includes providing a top a of a liner. The method also includes providing a bottom of the liner. The method further includes inserting the bottom of the liner into the top of the liner. The method also includes welding the top of the liner to the bottom of the liner. The method further includes wrapping the liner with a fiberglass and epoxy composite material to form a composite layer.

[0008] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example pressure vessel assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pressure vessel of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the pressure vessel illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] FIGS. 4 is a perspective view of a top chime of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bottom chime of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the pressure vessel assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the pressure vessel illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6-8 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the liner illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6-8 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 12 is a schematic side view of a top of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the top of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. [0023] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the top of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 15 is a schematic side view of a bottom of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the bottom of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the bottom of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the bottom of the liner illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0029] While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross section of an example pressure vessel assembly 100 including a pressure vessel 102, a top chime 104, and a bottom chime 106. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pressure vessel 102 of the pressure vessel assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the pressure vessel 102 illustrated in FIG. 2. FIGS. 4 is a perspective view of the top chime of the pressure vessel assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bottom chime 106 of the pressure vessel assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The pressure vessel assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is configured to contain a fluid and maintain the fluid in a predetermined state as the fluid is stored, transported, and withdrawn from the pressure vessel assembly 100. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressure vessel assembly 100 includes a keg configured to contain beer and maintain the beer in a carbonated state as the beer is stored in the keg, transported from a brewery to a venue that serves the beer, and withdrawn from the keg for consumption. In alternative embodiments, the pressure vessel assemblies described herein may be any type of pressurized vessel that is configured to contain any type of fluid including, but not limited to, any gases (such as helium, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, natural gas (methane, ethane, propane, etc.), and/or any other type of gas) and any liquids (such as water, hydrocarbons (gasoline, diesel, etc.), consumable fluids (carbonated beverages, other alcoholic beverages, milk, juices, etc.), and/or any other type of liquid).

[0031] Specifically, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein are designed to optimize the transportation and storage of the fluid. More specifically, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein are designed to be lighter than traditional kegs, reducing transportation and storage costs. Additionally, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein are designed to have a maximum operating pressure that is greater than the maximum operating pressure of traditional kegs. Traditional kegs have thick, metallic walls configured to contain carbonated beer at a specified pressure. The pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein include a liner 108 (shown in FIG. 9) and a composite layer 110 (shown in FIG. 9) wrapped around the liner 108. The liner 108 is thinner than the walls of traditional kegs, reducing the weight of the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein when compared to traditional kegs. However, the thinner liner 108 reduces the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein. To compensate for the reduced maximum operating pressure of the liner 108, the composite layer 110 is wrapped around the liner 108 and composite layer 110 increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein to a pressure above the maximum operating pressure of traditional kegs. Additionally, the composite layer 110 is a very light, strong material that does not increase the weight of the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein above the weight of traditional kegs. Accordingly, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein include a composite layer 110 that reduces the weight and increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assembly 100, decreasing storage and transportation costs of the pressure vessel assemblies 100.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the pressure vessel assembly 100 includes the pressure vessel 102, the top chime 104, and the bottom chime 106. The top chime 104 is attached to a top 112 of the pressure vessel 102 and the bottom chime 106 is attached to a bottom 114 of the pressure vessel 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the top chime 104 is removably attached to the top 112 of the pressure vessel 102 and the bottom chime 106 is removably attached to the bottom 114 of the pressure vessel 102. In alternative embodiments, the top chime 104 is permanently attached to the top 112 of the pressure vessel 102 and the bottom chime 106 is permanently attached to the bottom 114 of the pressure vessel 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106 are formed of a plastic such as polypropylene in an injection molding process.

[0033] As described below, ridges 116 (shown in FIG. 10) are formed in the pressure vessel 102 and the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106 each define a channel (not shown) formed in an inner surface 118 of the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106. The top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106 are configured to snap onto the pressure vessel 102 by snapping the ridges 116 into the channels of the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106. Thus, the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106 are configured to be removably attached to the pressure vessel 102. Additionally, the pressure vessel 102 has a cylindrical shape and the top chime 104 and the bottom chime 106 each have a cylindrical shape that corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the pressure vessel 102. Moreover, the bottom chime 106 defines a base 120 and is configured to support the pressure vessel 102 and the top chime 104 defines two handles 122 and is configured to enable a user to pick up the pressure vessel assembly 100.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the pressure vessel assembly 100. FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the pressure vessel assembly 100. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the pressure vessel assembly 100. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the pressure vessel 102. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pressure vessel assembly 100 defines a pressure vessel assembly height 124 and a pressure vessel assembly diameter 126. The dimensions of the pressure vessel assembly 100 are dependent on the volume of the pressure vessel assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure vessel assembly 100 may be a Cornelius keg (5 gallons), a sixth barrel (5.16 gallons), a quarter barrel (7.75 gallons), a slim quarter (7.75 gallons), a half barrel (15.5 gallons), and/or any other type of vessel. Table 1 below lists the pressure vessel assembly height 124, the pressure vessel assembly diameter 126, the pressure vessel assembly volume, and the pressure vessel assembly weight of the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein. As shown, the pressure vessel assembly height 124, the pressure vessel assembly diameter 126, and the pressure vessel assembly weight is dependent on the pressure vessel assembly volume.

[0035] As described above, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein include the liner 108 and the composite layer 110 wrapped around the liner 108 that reduce the weight and increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assembly 100, decreasing storage and transportation costs of the pressure vessel assemblies 100. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the mini keg pressure vessel assembly (1.32 gallons) has an empty weight (weight of the pressure vessel assembly without the fluid) of about 1.0 lbs. to about 1.5 lbs. and/or about 1.25 lbs. The Cornelius keg pressure vessel assembly (5.0 gallons) has an empty weight of about 5.5 lbs. to about 10.5 lbs., about 6.5 lbs. to about 9.5 lbs., about 7.5 lbs. to about

8.5 lbs., and/or about 8 lbs. The Sixth Barrel pressure vessel assembly (5.16 gallons) has an empty weight of about 6.5 lbs. to about 15.5 lbs., about 6.5 lbs. to about 12.5 lbs., about 6.5 lbs. to about

10.5 lbs., about 6.5 lbs. to about 9.5 lbs., about 7.5 lbs. to about 8.5 lbs., and/or about 8 lbs. The Quarter Barrel pressure vessel assembly (7.75 gallons) has an empty weight of about 11 lbs. to about 22 lbs., about 13 lbs. to about 20 lbs., about 15 lbs. to about 18 lbs., about 16 lbs. to about

17 lbs., and/or about 16.5 lbs. The Slim Quarter pressure vessel assembly (7.75 gallons) has an empty weight of about 11 lbs. to about 22 lbs., about 13 lbs. to about 20 lbs., about 15 lbs. to about

18 lbs., about 16 lbs. to about 17 lbs., and/or about 16.5 lbs. The Half Barrel pressure vessel assembly (15.5 gallons) has a weight of about 15 lbs. to about 30 lbs., about 16 lbs. to about 27 lbs., about 17 lbs. to about 24 lbs., about 18 lbs. to about 21 lbs., and/or about 20 lbs. In alternative embodiments, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein may have any weight, height, diameter, and volume that enables the pressure vessel assemblies 100 to operate as described herein.

[0036] As described above, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein include the composite layer 110 increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assembly 100. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein have a maximum operating pressure greater than 250 pounds per square inch (psi). More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein have a maximum operating pressure of about 250 psi to about 1,200 psi, about 300 psi to about 1,000 psi, about 350 psi to about 700 psi, about 500 psi to about 600 psi, and/or about 550 psi. In alternative embodiments, the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein may have any maximum operating pressure that enables the pressure vessel assemblies 100 described herein to operate as described herein.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the pressure vessel 102 includes the liner 108, the composite layer 110, and a neck or nozzle 128. The liner includes a shell 130, a first head or end cap 132 attached to the shell 130, and a second head or end cap 134 attached to the shell 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the shell 130 is a cylindrical shell and the first and second heads 132 and 134 are semi-elliptical heads. In alternative embodiments, the shell 130 and the first and second heads 132 and 134 have any shape that enable the pressure vessel 102 to operate as described herein. The neck 128 is attached to the first head 132 and enables the pressure vessel 102 to be filled with the fluid or emptied of the fluid.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 128 includes a standard keg neck and is formed of AISI 304 stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the neck 128 may be any type of pressure vessel nozzle formed of any material that enables the pressure vessel 102 to operate as described herein. AISI 304 stainless steel is a standard material for the food and beverage industry because AISI 304 stainless steel does not impact the taste of the fluid. Additionally, the neck 128 is welded to the first head 132. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the neck 128 is attached to the first head 132 by gas tungsten arc welding (GT AW) to form a strong attachment to the first head 132. In alternative embodiments, the neck 128 is attached to the first head 132 by any method that enable the pressure vessel 102 to operate as described herein.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the pressure vessel 102 is formed of the liner 108 and the composite layer 110. The liner 108 is formed of AISI 304 stainless steel because AISI 304 stainless steel does not impact the taste of the fluid. In alternative embodiments, the liner 108 may be formed of any material that enables the pressure vessel 102 to operate as described herein. Additionally, as described below, the liner 108 is formed of at least two preformed sections that are welded together to form a pressure vessel cavity 136 configured to contain the fluid. The pressure vessel cavity 136 is defined by the liner 108 and the neck 128 such that the fluid is only exposed to the AISI 304 stainless steel.

[0040] The liner 108 has a liner thickness 138 that at least partially defines the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner thickness 138 less than the thickness of a traditional keg, reducing the weight of the pressure vessel 102 and reducing transportation and storage costs. For example, the liner 108 may be formed of 24 gauge or thinner AISI 304 stainless steel. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner 108 is formed of 24-gauge AISI 304 stainless steel such that the liner thickness 138 is about 0.025 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the liner 108 is formed of 26-gauge AISI 304 stainless steel such that the liner thickness 138 is about 0.01875 inches. In yet another alternative embodiment, the liner 108 is formed of 28-gauge AISI 304 stainless steel such that the liner thickness 138 is about 0.015625 inches. In alternative embodiments, the liner thickness 138 may be any thickness that enables the pressure vessel to operate as described herein.

[0041] The composite layer 110 is formed of a fiberglass and epoxy composite that is wrapped around the liner 108. In alternative embodiments, the composite layer 110 is formed of any material that enables the pressure vessel 102 to operate as described herein. The composite layer 110 is wrapped around the liner 108 and increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel 102 to a pressure above the maximum operating pressure of traditional kegs. Additionally, the composite layer 110 is a very light, strong material that does not increase the weight of the pressure vessel 102 above the weight of traditional kegs. Accordingly, the composite layer 110 reduces the weight and increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel assembly 100, decreasing storage and transportation costs of the pressure vessel assemblies 100. The composite layer 110 has a composite layer thickness 140 of about 0.02 inches to about 0.096 inches. The composite layer thickness 140 increases the maximum operating pressure of the pressure vessel 102 to a pressure above the maximum operating pressure of traditional kegs.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the liner 108. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross- sectional view of a portion of the liner 108. FIGS. 12 is a schematic side view of a top 142 of the liner 108. FIGS. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the top 142 of the liner 108. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the top 142 of the liner 108. FIGS. 15 is a schematic side view of a bottom 142 of the liner 108. FIGS. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the bottom 142 of the liner 108. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the bottom 142 of the liner 108. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion of the bottom 142 of the liner 108.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 10-18, the liner 108 is formed of the neck 128, the top 142, the bottom 144, a neck ring 146, and a plug 148. The top 142 is welded to the bottom 144, the plug 148 is welded to the bottom 144 to form a bottom 150 of the liner 108, the neck ring 146 is welded to the top 142, and the neck 128 is welded to the neck ring 146. Specifically, the top 142 is welded to the bottom 144 by GT AW, the plug 148 is welded to the bottom 144 by GT AW to form the bottom 150 of the liner 108, the neck ring 146 is welded to the top 142 by GTAW, and the neck 128 is welded to the neck ring 146 by GTAW. In alternative embodiments, the neck 128, the top 142, the bottom 144, the neck ring 146, and the plug 148 are attached to each other by any method that enables the liner 108 to operate as described herein.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the top 142 and the bottom 144 are formed using a pressing process. In alternative embodiments, the top 142 and the bottom 144 are formed using any process that enables the liner 108 to operate as described herein. As shown in FIGS. 12, the top 142 defines a top diameter 152 and the bottom 144 has a main shell 154 and a welding tab 156 extending from the main shell 154. The main shell 154 defines a main shell diameter 158 and the welding tab 156 defines a welding tab diameter 160. The main shell diameter 158 is approximately equal to the top diameter 152 and is greater than the welding tab diameter 160 such that the welding tab 156 is positioned within the top 142.

[0045] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, during the manufacturing process, the top 142 and the bottom 144 are formed using a pressing process that forms the welding tab 156 in the bottom 144. The plug 148 is welded to the bottom 144 by GTAW, the neck ring 146 is welded to the top 142 by GTAW, and the neck 128 is welded to the neck ring 146 and the top 142 by GTAW. The weld tab 156 of the bottom 144 is then inserted into the top 142 and the top 142 is welded to the bottom 144 by GTAW. Specifically, the weld tab 156 is welded to the top 142 by GTAW such that the liner 108 is formed. In alternative embodiments, the liner 108 may be formed by any method that enables the liner 108 to operate as described herein.

[0046] After the liner 108 has been formed as described above, the composite layer 110 is applied to the liner 108 to form the pressure vessel 102. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the composite layer 110 is wrapped around the liner 108 to form the pressure vessel 102. The composite layer 110 is formed of a plurality of fiberglass plies that are wrapped around the liner 108. In some embodiments, an epoxy is impregnated into the fiberglass plies before the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 and the fiberglass plies and the epoxy cure into the composite layer 110. In another embodiment, the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 and the epoxy is applied to the fiberglass plies after the fiberglass plies have been applied to the liner 108. The fiberglass plies and the epoxy then cure into the composite layer 110. In yet another embodiment, the fiberglass plies are dipped into a bath of epoxy as the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 and the fiberglass plies and the epoxy cure into the composite layer 110.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 in a plurality of directions such that the fiberglass plies form a plurality of layers that form the composite layer 110. The strength of the composite layer 110 increases as the number of layers of fiberglass plies increases. In the illustrated embodiment, the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 in three directions such that the fiberglass plies form three layers that form the composite layer 110. In alternative embodiments, the fiberglass plies are applied to the liner 108 in any direction such that the fiberglass plies form any number of layers that form the composite layer 110. For example, the fiberglass plies are wrapped circumferentially around the liner 108 to form the first layer, the fiberglass plies are then wrapped axially around the liner 108 to form the second layer, and the fiberglass plies are then wrapped around the liner 108 at an angle a relative to an axis 162 of the liner 108 to form the third layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the liner 108 is mounted on a cantilevered winding mount to enable the bottom 150 of the liner 108 to be completely covered in fiberglass plies and for the composite layer 110 to completely cover the liner 108.

[0048] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 1900 of manufacturing a pressure vessel assembly. The method 1900 includes providing 1902 a top of a liner. The method 1900 also includes providing 1904 a bottom of the liner. The method 1900 further includes inserting 1906 the bottom of the liner into the top of the liner. The method 1900 also includes welding 1908 the top of the liner to the bottom of the liner. The method 1900 further includes wrapping 1910 the liner with a fiberglass and epoxy composite material to form a composite layer.

[0049] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0050] Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.”

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pressure vessel assembly comprising: a pressure vessel comprising: a liner including a shell, a first head, and a second head, the shell having a cylindrical shape and attached to the first head and the second head, the liner defining a liner thickness, wherein the liner thickness is less than or equal to 0.025 inches; and a composite layer attached to the liner.

2. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is less than 15 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 5.16 gallons of a fluid.

3. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 2, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is about 8 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 5.16 gallons of a fluid.

4. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is less than 30 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 15.5 gallons of a fluid.

5. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 4, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is about 20 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 15.5 gallons of a fluid.

6. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel assembly comprises a keg.

7. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one chime attached to the pressure vessel.

8. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a top chime attached to a top of the pressure vessel.

9. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bottom chime attached to a bottom of the pressure vessel.

10. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the composite layer comprises a fiberglass and epoxy composite.

11. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 10, wherein the composite layer defines a composite layer thickness of less than 0.1 inches.

12. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel has a maximum operating pressure of greater than about 250 pounds per square inch (psi).

13. The pressure vessel assembly of claim 12, wherein the pressure vessel has a maximum operating pressure of about 1200 psi.

14. A keg comprising: a pressure vessel comprising: a liner including a shell, a first head, and a second head, the shell having a cylindrical shape and attached to the first head and the second head, the liner defining a liner thickness, wherein the liner thickness is less than or equal to 0.025 inches; and a composite layer attached to the liner; a top chime attached to a top of the pressure vessel; and a bottom chime attached to a bottom of the pressure vessel.

15. The keg of claim 14, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is less than 15 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 5.16 gallons of a fluid.

16. The keg of claim 15, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is about 8 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 5.16 gallons of a fluid.

17. The keg of claim 14, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is less than 30 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 15.5 gallons of a fluid.

18. The keg of claim 17, wherein a weight of the pressure vessel assembly is about 20 pounds for a pressure vessel assembly configured to contain 15.5 gallons of a fluid.

19. The keg of claim 14, wherein the composite layer comprises a fiberglass and epoxy composite.

20. A method of manufacturing a pressure vessel assembly comprising: providing a top a of a liner; providing a bottom of the liner; inserting the bottom of the liner into the top of the liner; welding the top of the liner to the bottom of the liner; and wrapping the liner with a fiberglass and epoxy composite material to form a composite layer.

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