METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURE OF REINFORCED COMPOSITE VESSEL

摘要

A cylindrical mandrel (12) capped by two convex, cylindrical symmetrical caps (16, 18) is supported externally only at the proximal end (16) thereof and is rotated and translated with respect to a strand delivery system (30) to wrap the mandrel (12) with at least two strands (40), in multiple strokes. A mechanism (36) is provided to ensure the strands (40) are laid flat and undamaged upon the mandrel. As the caps (16, 18) pass the strand delivery system (30), the strands (40) overlay and anchor each other. A liquid binder (60) is mixed intimately with a catalyst (62) and is depressurized to release dissolved gases. The binder (60) is applied to the wrapped mandrel (88) by causing a quantity of the binder (60) sufficient to coat the mandrel to surround one end of the mandrel (88) and then move towards the other end as an advancing annulus.