Fitting installation process and apparatus for a molded plastic vessel

摘要

A molded plastic vessel is provided with a fitting or other attachment after molding and before winding of the vessel. The fitting is provided with a plastic insert. The insert and a wall of the vessel are heated and welded together to hold the fitting on the vessel. The tank is filament wound for reinforcement, and the filaments capture the fitting to hold the fitting on the wall. The wall is opened to provide a passage through the fitting into the vessel. An apparatus is provided that carries and moves the fitting, insert, and a heater to install the fitting on the vessel.