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GASTANK Sweden develops composite CNG tanks
TECHNOLOGY
GASTANK Sweden develops composite CNG tanks GASTANK Sweden AB has developed composite compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks based on HiPer-tex™ high performance glass fibre from 3B. Using HiPer-tex glass fibre, GASTANK Sweden is able to produce a cylinder that meets the United Nations ECE R110 regulation governing the use of type IV high pressure cylinders containing CNG for motor vehicles. According to 3B, CNG has risen strongly in popularity over the last few years and more than 11 million vehicles worldwide benefit from this fuel. Currently, high pressure tanks are made of steel which are extremely heavy, adding significantly to the weight of the vehicle. Lighter weight carbon fibre composites can be used but component cost is often prohibitive for most vehicles. “HiPer-tex™ high performance fibres enable the gap between
GASTANK Sweden has produced a CNG cylinder that meets the ECE R110 regulation.
heavy weight steel and high cost, carbon fibre composites to be bridged due to its ability to deliver a comprehensive package of properties economically,” says Professor Kurt Berglund, President of GASTANK Sweden AB based in Piteå, Sweden. “This makes lighter weight, composite CNG tanks available to a much wider range of customers. This will consequently have an extremely positive impact on energy consumption and CO2 emissions as CNG continues to grow as a propulsion fuel.” Gastank Sweden; www.gastank.se 3B; www.3b-fibreglass.com
In brief ■ Italian company SO.F.TER. is
launching a new line of polyolefin based compounds reinforced with plant fibres at the K 2010 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber taking place in Düsseldorf in October. The composites are fully recyclable and contain fibres coming from renewable sources such as flax, sisal and hemp. Natural fibre composites are said to be particularly suitable for the automotive industry, for the production of internal parts and panels. ■ Automated Dynamics, a US
manufacturer of automated fibre placement and automated tape laying machines, has delivered a new piece of equipment to GKN
REINFORCEDplastics
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010
Aerospace in the UK. The machine has been installed in GKN’s new facility on the Isle of Wight, which is at the heart of the Environmental Lightweight Fan (ELF) research programme, which aims to develop an all-composite engine fan blade that will improve aircraft engine performance. The Automated Dynamics equipment will help GKN manufacture the complex aero-engine structures. ■ U.S. Polychemical Corporation
has introduced a saturated wipes version of its Acrastrip composite resin remover. Available from Ashland Distribution, Acrastrip 600 cleaner enables manufacturers to eliminate traditional acetone for industrial cleaning.
www.reinforcedplastics.com
GASTANK Sweden develops composite CNG tanks GASTANK Sweden AB has developed composite compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks based on HiPer-tex™ high performance glass fibre from 3B. Using HiPer-tex glass fibre, GASTANK Sweden is able to produce a cylinder that meets the United Nations ECE R110 regulation governing the use of type IV high pressure cylinders containing CNG for motor vehicles. According to 3B, CNG has risen strongly in popularity over the last few years and more than 11 million vehicles worldwide benefit from this fuel. Currently, high pressure tanks are made of steel which are extremely heavy, adding significantly to the weight of the vehicle. Lighter weight carbon fibre composites can be used but component cost is often prohibitive for most vehicles. “HiPer-tex™ high performance fibres enable the gap between
GASTANK Sweden has produced a CNG cylinder that meets the ECE R110 regulation.
heavy weight steel and high cost, carbon fibre composites to be bridged due to its ability to deliver a comprehensive package of properties economically,” says Professor Kurt Berglund, President of GASTANK Sweden AB based in Piteå, Sweden. “This makes lighter weight, composite CNG tanks available to a much wider range of customers. This will consequently have an extremely positive impact on energy consumption and CO2 emissions as CNG continues to grow as a propulsion fuel.” Gastank Sweden; www.gastank.se 3B; www.3b-fibreglass.com
In brief ■ Italian company SO.F.TER. is
launching a new line of polyolefin based compounds reinforced with plant fibres at the K 2010 International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber taking place in Düsseldorf in October. The composites are fully recyclable and contain fibres coming from renewable sources such as flax, sisal and hemp. Natural fibre composites are said to be particularly suitable for the automotive industry, for the production of internal parts and panels. ■ Automated Dynamics, a US
manufacturer of automated fibre placement and automated tape laying machines, has delivered a new piece of equipment to GKN
REINFORCEDplastics
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010
Aerospace in the UK. The machine has been installed in GKN’s new facility on the Isle of Wight, which is at the heart of the Environmental Lightweight Fan (ELF) research programme, which aims to develop an all-composite engine fan blade that will improve aircraft engine performance. The Automated Dynamics equipment will help GKN manufacture the complex aero-engine structures. ■ U.S. Polychemical Corporation
has introduced a saturated wipes version of its Acrastrip composite resin remover. Available from Ashland Distribution, Acrastrip 600 cleaner enables manufacturers to eliminate traditional acetone for industrial cleaning.
www.reinforcedplastics.com