Composite pressure vessel and method of assembling the same

Abstract

A method for assembling a composite pressure vessel includes disposing a sealant into each of a plurality of annular slots defined in an exterior surface of a body portion of an end cap. The end cap is aligned with an end portion of a tubular member such that the exterior surface of the body portion of the end cap abuts an interior surface of the tubular member. A force is applied to the tubular member having the end cap aligned with the end portion of the tubular member. The force is applied while rotating the tubular member. The force deforms the tubular member such that the end portion conforms to the plurality of annular slots defined in the body portion of the end cap.

1 . A method for assembling a composite pressure vessel, comprising:
 disposing a sealant into each of a plurality of annular slots defined in an exterior surface of a body portion of an end cap;   aligning the end cap with an end portion of a tubular member such that the exterior surface of the body portion of the end cap abuts an interior surface of the tubular member; and   applying a force to the tubular member having the end cap aligned with the end portion of the tubular member, the force being applied while rotating the tubular member, the force deforming the tubular member such that the end portion conforms to the plurality of annular slots defined in the body portion of the end cap.   
     
     
         2 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein the applying of the force is accomplished by forcing a forming wheel against the tubular member, the forming wheel having a plurality of beads formed thereon, the plurality of beads configured to align with the plurality of annular slots defined in the body portion of the end cap. 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 1  wherein when the force is applied, the sealant is distributed through an annulus formed between the interior surface of the tubular member and the exterior surface of the body portion of the end cap. 
     
     
         4 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising retaining the end cap in the end portion of the tubular member via a locking ring. 
     
     
         5 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising curing the sealant. 
     
     
         6 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising forming at least one composite material layer on an annular exterior surface of the tubular member, the at least one composite material layer including carbon fibers or glass fibers and a binding agent.