[75]
`
`.
`[73] Assignee:
`
`Inventors: George C. Hale; Charles M. Coldren,
`:
`both of Edmond; Robert K. Meek,
`Norman,all of Okla.
`.
`.
`Tri-Fuels, Inc. & The Rosalind Hale
`Revocable Trust, Edmond, Okla.
`[21] Appl. No.: 26,954
`.
`22]
`Filed:
`Mar. 5, 1993
`nt i* “a
`=
`
`CVS ooo
`cece ce ceeteeeseeeteeeeees B65D 53/00
`Mt,
`[52] US. CD ceerecsssssssersesserenceeeenee 220/582; 220/254,
`;
`206/443; 206/446
`[58] Field of Search ..............00.. 220/254, 582, 584;
`206/443, 446
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`ABSTRACT
`57]
`This invention includes an above ground gas storage
`vessel of tubular or cylindrical configuration. A head or
`cap with threads mating the threads of the tube is
`screwed on each end of the tube to form a pressure
`vessel. Each cap contains a passage therein threaded to
`mate a reducing bushing. The reducing bushing like-
`.
`636,083 10/1899 Sweetser et al.
`wise contains a passage which is at
`least partially
`2,332,462 10/1943 NilSOM .0......cccccscssesscsserssencsssene 220/3
`threaded. This passage may be capped to prevent gas
`2,661,113 12/1953 Benson .........cccscscscsssseessnsaseeeoee 220/3
`
`flow or valve to allow the flow of gas as required. In an
`1/1955 Aronson.....
`«-. 29/540
`2,669,596
`
`alternative embodiment, the cap assembly is inserted
`. 220/254
`2,962,185 11/1960 Starr et al.
`
`3,024,938 3/1962 Watter .......scsccsecsseeereereeeee 220/5
`into the tube and retained therein. A packing assembly
`
`. 220/67
`3,246,794 4/1966.Marshall....
`would be used to seal the tube to prevent the escape of
`3,439,405 4/1969 Berman etal.
`gas. A plurality of vessels are secured in a vertical-par-
`3,762,448 10/1973 Donohue.......
`allel arrangement using a support structure to increase
`we. 52/224
`3,863,408 2/1975 Closneretal.
`gas storage capacity while taking up a minimal amount
`4,000,826
`1/1977 Rogers ......eccesssececesseeesteccsens 220/3
`of ground space.
`
`1/1977 Guldenfels et al... 220/3
`4,004,706
`4,114,779 9/1978 Stoll, HI...
`- 220/254
`
`.....csscsscsssssecsrenseees 220/72
`4,320,848
`3/1982 Dye et al.
`
`US005429268A
`United States Patent 119)
`5,429,268
`[11] Patent Number:
`Hale etal.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jul. 4, 1995
`
`
`CANORA
`
`[54] TUBULAR ABOVE GROUND GAS STORAGE
`VESSEL
`
`4,380,302 4/1983 Broad -.0....eeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeee 220/254
`
`4,643,825
`2/1987 Wzslowski .
`. 220/254
`4,724,975
`2/1988 Leventry «10...
`essccsecssesereees 220/3
`
`4,736,779 4/1988 Bernaver .......sseccssesseecnseseeesees 141/4
`3/1989 RUZ oon.eseecsseeseceeneecencereee 220/254
`4,813,569
`
`4,846,088 7/1989 Fanse etal...
`eeeseceeeseeee 114/72
`4,871,077 10/1989 Ogden et alo
`sees 220/254
`
`4,964,524 10/1990 Halene wssccssccsssssseseeeenscsnseee 220/3
`
`5,143,239 9/1992 Yang seseccossssssescccssesseeesensssees 220/254
`
`5,230,437
`7/1993 Kelly occecsesscetseeseeeseees 220/254
`Primary Examiner—Joseph Man-Fu Moy
`Attorney, Agent, orFirm—Head & Johnson
`
`3 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE1
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 1
`
`

`

`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`5,429,268
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`July 4, 1995
`
`Fig.4
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 2
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 2
`
`

`

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`
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`
`
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`July 4, 1995
`
`5,429,268
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 4
`
`

`

`USS. Patent
`
`July 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`3,429,268
`
`
`RGMig
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 5
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 5
`
`
`

`

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`ce—AEENEa,
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`it
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`$0!
`
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`July 4, 1995
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`5,429,268
`
`STI’,
`
`CATALYST,EX-1013
`PAGE6
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 6
`
`

`

`1
`
`5,429,268
`
`TUBULAR ABOVE GROUND GAS STORAGE
`VESSEL
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to pressure vessels used for the
`storage of gases, particularly compressed natural gas
`(CNG) above ground.
`2. Description of the Related Arts:
`Pressure vessels used for the storage of gases have
`traditionally been expensive due to the time and labor
`intensive manufacturing processes. Conventional meth-
`ods of manufacture have been by welding component
`parts together or forging of the vessel. Both of these
`methodsare expensive and time consuming.Asa result,
`a very costly pressure vessel is produced requiring long
`lead times for manufacture. In addition, pressure vessels
`of conventional construction are extremely heavy,
`thereby causing difficulties and added cost in handling
`and transportation.
`Welding of component parts of a pressure vessel is
`accomplished by obtaining a piece of pipe of desired
`length and specifications and welding a forged hemi-
`spherical section on each end. Each hemispherical sec-
`tion would have an opening therein to allow for gas
`access. Welding produces a pressure vessel with seams
`that are a line of reduced strength ofthe vessel. In addi-
`tion, welding is a very labor intensive process.
`Difficulties arise in the welding process when two
`sections of differing thicknesses are welded together.
`Joining ofthis type may require additional machining of
`the pieces to producea taperin orderfora satisfactory
`weld to be obtained.
`A pressure vessel may also be constructed by welding
`sections ofdiffering shapes to one another. An example
`of this is disclosed in the Watter patent, U.S. Pat. No.
`3,024,938. Such construction also produces a vessel
`containing seams therein.
`An alternative conventional method of construction
`of pressure vessels is accomplished through forging at
`high temperatures. Such methods of manufacture are
`equally as labor intensive and time consuming as those
`that are welded.
`In using the forging method, a section of pipe of a
`desired length is obtained. In this method, in order to
`produce the hemispherical heads of the pressure vessel,
`the pipe is forged at extremely high temperature and the
`ends of the pipe are swaged closed. Once this is com-
`pleted, the entire vessel is heat treated. After heat treat-
`ment, the swaged closed endsof the pipe are machined.
`The resultant pressure vessel is then cleaned and tested
`accordingto applicable specifications. This manufactur-
`ing process produces a seamless vessel, however, the
`cost of such production are high due to the heating and
`machining requirements.
`Therefore, a need in the industry exists for a pressure
`vessel that is capable of storage of compressed gases,
`such as compressed natural gas which requires no ex-
`pensive forging or welding. A need also exists for a
`pressure vessel where the manufacturetimeis expedited
`over conventional methods. A further needin the indus-
`try exists which conforms to ASMEspecificationsyetis
`not as heavy as conventional vessels.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`It is the purpose of the present invention to obtain a
`pressure vessel capable of above ground compressed
`
`5
`
`10
`
`—_ 5
`
`40
`
`45
`
`30
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`storage of gases, such as compressed natural gas meet-
`ing ASMEspecifications.
`An additional purpose is to provide an apparatus for
`storage of compressed gases which is constructed with-
`out the requirement of forging or welding. Such con-
`struction facilitates and expedites the manufacturing
`process resulting in significant cost savings over tradi-
`tional designs. The pressure vessels ofthis invention are
`capable of use in a plurality while taking up minimal
`ground space.
`An apparatus to accomplish this purpose is comprised
`of a seamless cylinder or tube requiring no hot or cold
`forming or welding. This seamless tube is rolled to
`American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or
`American Petroleum Institute (API) standards. Electric
`Resistance Weld tubes, butt weld tubes, or common
`oilfield casing could be used instead of seamless tubes.
`Oncea desired length of tube is obtained, threads are
`machined on each end. A head or cap with threads
`machined on its inner surface is constructed. The
`threadsof the cap mate the threadsof the tube and a cap
`is screwed onto each end of the tube. Since both the
`tube and cap are threaded so that the threads of the tube
`receive the threads of the cap, no welding, or re-heat
`treating is required to produce the necessary seal in
`order to create the pressure vessel. Therefore, this de-
`sign is very effective for use as a pressure vessel while
`also being easy to manufacture at minimal cost. The
`tubular gas storage vessels of this invention may be
`designed to meet ASME or DOTspecifications.
`A cap is screwed on each end of the tube. Each cap
`contains a passage which is threaded to mate a reducing
`bushing. The threaded reducing bushing is screwed
`inside the passage of the cap to allow access of a gas
`port of required diameter. In order to provide this ac-
`cess, at least a partially threaded central passage is ma-
`chined into the reducing bushing.
`A. gas port with threads mating those ofthe partially
`threaded central passage of the reducing bushing can
`then be screwed into the reducing bushing to provide
`gas flow as required.
`Depending upon the particular application of the
`pressure vessel, the other end of the tube with a second
`cap screwed thereon may be fitted with a second reduc-
`ing bushing and gas port or may be sealed by screwing
`a threaded plug into the reducing bushing to prevent
`the escape of the contents of the vessel. When the vessel
`is fit with this reducing bushing with a second gas port,
`a plurality of vessels may be connected together, or in
`any other manner as required.
`An alternative cap assembly includes a cap which is
`not threaded to be screwed onto the end of the tube but
`rather designed to fit inside. This cap contains a shoul-
`der portion of reduced diameter onto which a packing
`assembly is attached. The packing assembly consists of
`alternating series of chevron rings stacked against one
`another in wood chip or teflon chip type packing mate-
`rial knownin the art and moldable aroundthe cap. This
`packing assembly seals the end of the tube to prevent
`the escape of gas stored in the tube.
`Thecapis secured in the tube by a retainer ring hav-
`ing a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the
`tube. Theretainer ringfits into a groovecut in the inner
`diameterandis constructed in three sectionsto facilitate
`installation. The cap assembly is secured in the tube by
`a washerand a plurality ofbolts that extend through the
`washer and retaining ring to screw into the cap. Pas-
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 7
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 7
`
`

`

`—_0
`
`_ 5
`
`3
`sages are drilled partially through the cap which inter-
`sect with its shoulder so that the packing assembly can
`be energized to provide a proper seal in the tube. Fit-
`tings secure the passages once the packing assemblyis
`energized. A drain is drilled through the cap and is
`sealed by a drain plug. A partially threaded passage
`extends throughthe cap, retaining ring, and washerinto
`which a gas port may be inserted. The other end of the
`tube would be closed by the same cap assembly which
`may be closed by a plug screwed into the partially
`threaded center passage of the cap or another gas port
`could be inserted into the partially threaded central
`passage in order to connecta plurality of tubes together
`or in any manneras required.
`A plurality of pressure vessels may be stacked verti-
`cally to form a cascade. A cascade provides increased
`storage capability while taking up a minimal amount of
`ground space, or footprint. This support consists of a
`pair of vertical vessel clamps which conform to the
`outer diameter of the tubular pressure vessels. When
`two such vessel clamps are clamped onto a plurality of
`vessels and secured together, the vessels are retained at
`a pre-determined distance from one another.
`A second, identical set of vessel clamps are secured a
`distance from thefirst set in order to support the entire
`lengths of the tubular pressure vessels.
`Multiple pressure vessels are then positioned verti-
`cally by securing them to a support base designed to
`receive the support brackets. The base receives the
`support brackets so that they are perpendicular to the
`ground. When secured, the tubular pressure vessels are
`secured in a vertical-parallel arrangement by the sup-
`port structure.
`In constructing a threaded tubular pressure vessel of
`this design, the manufacturing process may be expe-
`dited in comparison with traditional arrangements since
`no forging or welding is required. As a result, a tubular
`above ground gas storage vessel suitable for storage of
`compressed gases may be manufactured at significant
`savings in cost and labor.
`Other features. and advantages of the invention will
`becomeapparentin view of the drawings and following
`detailed description.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the tubular above
`ground gas storage vessel of this invention where three
`tubular vessels are secured, or stacked; in a cascade by
`the support structure.
`FIG.2 is a cross-section taken along line 2—2 of FIG.
`
`1.
`
`FIG.3 is an isometric view of a support bracketfor a
`plurality of above ground gas storage vessels of this
`invention.
`FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a support base for a
`cascade of tubular above ground gas storage vessels of
`this invention.
`FIG.5 is an end view of the tubular above ground gas
`storage vessel ofthis invention depicting an alternative
`means of securing the caps to the tube.
`FIG.6 is a view taken along line 6—6 of FIG.5.
`FIG.7 is a view taken along line 7—7 of FIG.6.
`FIG. 8 is a view taken along line 8—8 of FIG.5.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`Referring now to the drawings, where identical or
`corresponding parts were referred to by the samerefer-
`
`5,429,268
`
`4
`ence numerals throughout the several views, FIG.1 is
`an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the
`invention. In FIG. 1, a cascade of three tubular above
`ground gas storage vessels, numerically 10, 12, and 14,
`are viewed as they are supported by a pair of support
`structures, 20 and 22.
`When constructed according to this invention, tubu-
`lar gas storage vessels 10, 12 and 14 are usable for stor-
`age of any compressed gas, however, they are particu-
`larly suited for storage of compressed natural gas. Such
`gas storage may either be stationary or mobile as re-
`quired. Stationary storage of compressed natural gasis
`required to meet motor vehicle fuel requirements at a
`fueling station.
`Tubular gas storage vessels 10, 12 and 14 may be
`constructed from any suitable materials such as 9 3” OD
`common seamless tubes which require no forging or
`welding. Tubular casings 16, 17 and 18 of tubular gas
`storage vessels 10, 12 and 14,respectively, are seamless
`and rolled to American Society of Mechanical Engi-
`neers (ASME) or American Petroleum Institute (APD
`standards. It should be understood, however, that these
`tubes are not limited to these standards. Where permit-
`ted common oilfield casing milled to API standards
`could be used. It should also be understood that con-
`struction is not limited to seamless tubes as Electric
`Resistance Weld (ERW)or butt weld tubes can also be
`used. Seamless welds are preferred because presently
`ASMEde-rates the working pressure of ERW tubes,
`therefore, seamless tubes provide more storage per dol-
`lar.
`Tubular casings 16, 17 and 18 can be cut at any length
`required by particular gas storage requirements. When
`used for the storage of compressed natural gas, suitable
`standard lengths of 21’ and 42' are possible with the
`pressure rating (4:1) of 4,340 psi. In such configurations,
`the tubular gas storage vessels will hold 2,277 SCF in
`the 21’ version and 4,554 SCF in the 42’ model (each
`tube). The preferred tubular gas storage vessels of this
`invention are designed according to Section VIII, Div.
`1 of the ASME Code.
`Both endsof each tubular casing 16, 17 and X8 termi-
`nate with a cap. Each tubular gas storage vessel 10, 12
`and 14 are identical in configuration. For the purpose of
`exemplification,
`this description and accompanying
`reference numerals will be limited to tubular gas storage
`vessel 10. It is understood that tubular gas storage ves-
`sels 12 and 14 are configured in the same manner as
`vessel 10. Both ends of tubular casing 16 of tubular gas
`storage vessel 10 are threaded to mate with threads
`machined on the inner circumference of caps 24 and
`FIG. 2, a view taken along line 2—2 of FIG.1, de-
`picts a cross-sectional view of the manner in which
`tubular casing 16 is sealed by cap 26 on a first end to
`form a tubular gas storage vessel 10. Tubular casing 16
`is machined to terminate with a threaded portion 28.
`Cap 26 is threaded on its inner circumference 30 so that
`the threads of the threaded portion 28 of tubular casing
`16 mate with the threads of the inner circumference 30
`of cap 26. Cap 26 is then screwed onto the end of tubu-
`lar casing 16. Since both the tube and cap are threaded
`so that the threads of the tube receive the threads of the
`cap, no welding, or re-heat treating is required to pro-
`duce the necessary seal to create gas storage vessel 10,
`therefore making this design very effective for use as a
`gas storage vessel while also being easy to manufacture
`at minimal cost.
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE8
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 8
`
`

`

`5,429,268
`
`5
`In order to help prevent the leakage of the contentsof
`tubular gas storage vessel 10, the inside of cap 26 may be
`grooved to receive a gasket, or o-ring 40.
`An annular passage 32 is drilled in cap 26 in orderto
`providefor the flow ofgasto tubular pressure vessel 10.
`The wall of annular passage 32 within cap 26 is ma-
`chined to have threads 34 therein. A reducing bushing
`36 having the same outer diameter 38 as the diameter of
`passage 32 is threaded to mate threads 34 of passage 32.
`Reducing bushing 36 is screwed into passage 32 of cap
`26. A groove may be cut in reducing bushing 36 in
`order to receive a gasket or o-ring 42 to help prevent
`the escape of the contents of tubular pressure vessel 10.
`A central passage 44 is drilled in reducing bushing
`Central passage 44 is at least partially threaded to re-
`ceive a gas port to inject gas into tubular gas storage
`vessel 10. Reducing bushing 36 providesthe ability for
`vessel 10 to receive gas ports of various diameters.
`A drain 46 maybe drilled into cap 26 at any suitable
`location. Drain 46 allows access to vessel 10 without
`disturbing any otherfittings. Drain 46 may receive a
`probe to monitor the pressure in vessel 10 or a plug to
`provide for the removal of condensation which may
`result from compression of the gas within vessel
`Reducing bushing 36 mayreceive a gas port butit
`may be plugged depending upon operational require-
`ments. Referring to FIG.1, the second end 29 oftubular
`casing 16 depicts a second cap 24 and a secondreducing
`bushing 48. Reducing bushing 48 in FIG. 1 is sealed
`with a plug 50.
`In a preferred embodiment, the first end of tubular
`casing will have a reducing bushing, such as 36 of FIG.
`2, which receives a gas port to allow the flow ofgas into
`and out of vessel 10. As shown in FIG.1, the second
`end of tubular casing 16 will then have a second reduc-
`ing bushing 48 which is sealed with plug to allow com-
`pressed gas to be stored within vessel 10. It is under-
`stood, however, that the second reducing bushing 48
`could also receive a gas port, or be configured so that
`tubular gas storage vessels 10, 12 and 14 are connected
`to one another (not shown).
`FIG. 5 is an end view of the above-ground storage
`vessel of this invention depicting an alternative assem-
`bly for closing the endsofthe tube. In this embodiment,
`the ends ofthe tube are not threaded to receive the cap
`but rather the cap is secured into the endsof the tube in
`order to seal the pressure vessel.
`Referring to FIG. 6, a view taken along line 6—6 of
`FIG.5, a first end 82 of a tube 83 with this alternative
`embodiment can be seen. Tubes of this design can be
`substituted for those shown in FIG. 1. In order to re-
`ceive the cap assembly, generally 84 of this embodi-
`ment, the inner diameter of each end ofthe tube 83 is
`slightly enlarged. In FIG.5, first end 82 of tube 83 has
`an enlarged section 86. This enlarged section 86offirst
`end82 is of a length sufficient to receive the entire cap
`assembly 84.
`Cap assembly 84 includes cap 88 of a diameter that
`equals the internal diameter of the enlarged section 86
`of the first end 82. A central passage 89 is drilled into
`cap 88. Central passage 89 is at least partially threaded
`to receive a gas port so that the gas being stored in tube
`83 maybe injected or released as required.
`Cap 88 contains an annular shoulder 90 of reduced
`diameter which is inserted into first end 82 of tube 83.
`Shoulder 90 has a reduced diameter as compared with
`the rest of cap 88 so that packing 92 may be inserted
`between cap 88 and enlarged section 86.
`
`—0
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`Reference is now madeto FIG.8, a view taken along
`line 8—8 of FIG. 5. Prior to inserting cap 88 intofirst
`end 82 of tube 83, packing is placed around cap $8 on
`shoulder 90. Packing 92 consists of a series of chevron
`rings 94 fit against one another in a stacked arrange-
`ment. A material 96 is inserted as a part of packing 92
`against chevron rings 94. Material 96 is injectable pack-
`ing used in the art for high pressure applications. This
`injectable packing material 96 is moldable by hand,
`formed into a wad Ping and inserted against chevron
`rings 94. Once material 96 is inserted, a second set of
`chevron rings 98 are inserted against material 96. Fol-
`lowing rings 96 is a metal support ring 100 which pre-
`vents packing 92 from extruding into theinterior of the
`tube.
`A snap ring 102 is fit over cap 88 into a snap ring
`groove 104 cut into cap 88. The function of snap ring
`102 is to hold packing 92 in place, both before and after
`cap 88 is inserted into first end 82 of tube 83. After
`packing 92 is secured to cap 88, cap 88 is inserted into
`first end 82.
`Referring to FIG. 6, once cap 88 including packing
`92 is inserted into first end 82, a retainer plate 106 is
`secured. Retainer plate 106 has a diameter greater than
`the inside diameterof enlarged section 86offirst end 82.
`A retainer plate groove 108 is cut inside first end 82 to
`receive retainer plate 106.
`Referring to FIG. 7, a view taken along line 7—7 of
`FIG. 6, retainer plate 106 consists of three segments,
`110, 112 and 114. These segments, 110, 112 and 114,
`enable retainer plate 106 to befit inside retainer plate
`groove 108 of FIG. 6. Retainer plate 106 contains a
`central passage 116 to allow a gas port to be inserted
`through: Holes 111, 113 and 115 are drilled in segments
`110, 112 and 114 respectively of retainer plate 106 to
`allow bolts to be inserted there through.
`After retainer plate 106 is secured in retainer groove
`108, a washer 118 is mounted inside first end 82. Washer
`118 is mounted flush with the endoffirst end 82 of tube
`83. Washer 118 has a plurality of holes drilled through
`it so that a series of bolts, fittings and a plug may be
`inserted. After the entirety of cap assembly 84 is in-
`serted into first end 82, bolt 120 is inserted through
`washer 118, retainer plate 106 and screwedinto cap 88.
`Twoadditional bolts (not shown) ape screwed into cap
`88 in the same manneras bolt 120. FIG. 5 showsthese
`bolts 120, 122 and 124 which are spaced approximately
`120° around a circumference of washer 118. Although
`bolts 120, 122 and 124 ape used in this embodiment,it is
`understood that any number can be used to secure cap
`assembly 84 in first end 82. Washer 118 has a central
`passage 126in orderto allow insertion of a gas port to
`be screwed into cap 88.
`Referring to FIG. 8, a view taken along line 8—8 of
`FIG.5, in order to energize packing 92, a plurality of
`passages are drilled into cap 88. Two horizontal pas-
`sages 128 and 130 ape drilled in in cap 88 priorto inser-
`tion into tube 83 and priorto installation of packing 92.
`In addition, horizontal passages 128 and 130 are drilled
`only a part of the way through cap 88. Two vertical
`passages 132 and 134 ape drilled in cap 88 from shoulder
`90 to intersect with horizontal passages 128 and 130.
`Vertical passages 132 and 134 ape positioned to inter-
`sect with material 96 of packing 92.
`In order to energize packing 92, vertical passage 132
`and horizontal passage 128 are filled with the same
`packing material as 96. An injection fitting 136 with
`threads mating the threads of horizontal passage 128 is
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 9
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 9
`
`

`

`5,429,268
`
`7
`screwed into horizontal passage 128. Injection fitting
`136 is available commercially and consists of a body, a
`check valve, and an injection screw. Fitting 136is filled
`with packing material which is forced into horizontal
`passage 128 by the screw in fitting 136. This, in turn,
`forces the packing material inside the horizontal pas-
`sage 128 into vértical passage 132 and out into shoulder
`90 and compresses material 96. Additional packing may
`be added as required. While packing 92 is being ener-
`gized, horizontal passage 130 and vertical passage 134
`are Left open to allow air to escape which wasprevi-
`ously trapped in pockets inside material 96. In addition,
`excess material 96 can also escape. Oncethe packing has
`been energized, plug 138 is screwed into horizontal
`passage 130.
`Once the tube has been pressurized, additional pack-
`ing material 96 may be addedto seal leaks should they
`develop without removing cap assembly 84. This pro-
`vides a feature not previously knownin the art.
`As shown in FIG.6, a third partially threaded hori-
`zontal passage 140 is drilled through cap 88. Horizontal
`passage 149 is distinct from horizontal passages 128 and
`130 of FIG.8 in that it continues entirely through cap
`88. Horizontal passage 140 serves as a drain for the
`removal of condensation from tube 83 or may receive a
`probe to monitor the gas pressure within tube $3. Tube
`83 is positioned for use so that horizontal passage 140 is
`locatedat the bottom of tube 83. Horizontal passage 140
`is sealed by a plug 142. Plug 142 has threads mating the
`threads in horizontal passage 140 so that plug 142 is
`screwed into horizontal passage 140.
`FIG. 5 showsbolts 120, 122 and 124 spaced approxi-
`mately 120° around washer 118. Fitting 136, and plugs
`138 and 142are, likewise spaced 120° around thecir-
`cumference of washer 118. In a preferred embodiment,
`therefore, bolts 120, 122 and 124, fitting 136,and plugs
`138 and 142 are spaced 60° from each other as shownin
`FIG.5. It is understood that any suitable configuration
`could be an alternative to this arrangement.
`Holes 144, 146 and 148 are drilled through washer
`118 and ape of a diameterto allow fitting 136, and plugs
`138 and 142 to be inset. In FIG. 7 it can be seen that
`plate segments 110, 112 and 114ofretainerplate 106 are
`spaced to allow fitting 136, and plugs 138 and 142 to be
`screwed flush with cap 88 in order to obtain a proper
`seal.
`In FIG.1, a plurality of tubular gas storage vessels,
`10, 12 and 14 are supported in vertical-parallel fashion
`by support structures 20 and 22. Support structures 20
`and 22 allow tubular pressure vessels 10, 12 and 14 to be
`arrangedin a cascade providing increased storage capa-
`bility while taking up a minimum of ground space, on
`footprint. Although a cascade of three to five tubular
`gas storage vessels would be mostpractical, it should be
`understood that any number of any size tubular gas
`storage vessels may be in a cascade. Several such cas-
`cades could be positioned next to one another making
`the tubular gas storage vessels of this invention versatile
`to meet any gas storage requirements.
`Support structures 20 and 22 providerigid, vertical-
`parallel support for a cascade of vessels 10, 12 and 14.
`Since support structures 20 and 22are identical, for the
`purpose of exemplification, this description and accom-
`panying reference numerals will be limited to support
`structure 20.
`Support structure 20 includes two vessel clamps 52
`and 54 and support base 56. FIG.3 illustrates vessel
`clamp 52 of supportstructure 20. Vessel clamp 52 in-
`
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`cludes a vessel cradle 58, a plate 60 and a contoured
`spacer 62. Vessel cradle 58 contains a number of semi-
`circular concave portions 64, 66 and 68. A number of
`semi-circular concave portions of vessel cradle 58
`would equal the numberoftubular gas storage vessels in
`the cascade. Concave portions 64, 66 and 68 are semi-
`circular in order to conform to the circular outer cir-
`cumference of tubular gas storage vessels 10, 12 and 14,
`such that when vessel clamps 52 and 54 of FIG. 1 are
`secured together,
`the vessel cradles 58 and 70 will
`match up to conform to the outer diameter of the tubu-
`lar gas storage vessels 10, 12 and 14.
`Referring to FIG. 3, contoured spacer 62 connects
`vessel cradle 58 with plate 60. Contoured spacer 62 is
`contoured so as to follow semi-circular concave portion
`64, 66 and 68 and provide a flat, linear surface onto
`which plate 60 may be attached. Contoured spacer 62
`may be fixed to vessel cradle 58 and plate 60 by any
`suitable fashion knownin theart.
`Referring to FIG. 4, support base 56 includesa hori-
`zontal foot 72 upon which twovertical channels 74 and
`76 are secured perpendicular to horizontal foot 72. Ver-
`tical channel 74 and 76 are secured a distance from the
`distal ends of horizontal foot 72. Braces 78 and 80 ex-
`tend from horizontal foot 72 and are secured to vertical
`channels 74 and 76 respectively. Braces 78 and 80 main-
`tain vertical channel 74 and 76 in their perpendicular
`association with horizontal foot 72. Plate 60 of FIG. 3
`provides a flat surface which is received by vertical
`channel 74 of FIG.4.
`As seen in FIG. 1, vessel clamps 52 and 54 are se-
`cured to one another such that tubular gas storage ves-
`sels 10, 12 and 14 are clamped in a vertical-paraliel
`atrangement, or cascade. Plate 60 is received by vertical
`channel 74 such that vessel clamp 52 and 54 are main-
`tained perpendicular to horizontal foot 72.
`Vessel clamps 52 and 54 are secured together by any
`suitable means.
`In a preferred embodiment, vessel
`clamps 52 and 54 are bolted to one another. Likewise,
`plate 60 is secured to vertical channel 74 by anysuitable
`manner. In a preferred embodiment, plate 60 is bolted
`into vertical channel 74. It is understood that vessel
`clamp 54 is secured into support base 56 in the same
`manneras vessel clamp 52.
`A plurality of tubular gas storage vessels may be
`supported in a cascade in FIG. 1 by support structures
`20 and 22. The number of such support structures is
`dependent upon the length of the tubular gas storage
`vessels requiring support. The length of tubular gas
`stoppage vessels is, likewise, dependent upon gas stop-
`page requirements. This invention, therefore, provides a
`lightweight pressure vessel that is economical to con-
`struct, lightweight in design, and highly versatile in use.
`While the invention has been described with a certain
`degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes
`may be made in the details: of construction without
`departing from the spirit and scopeofthis disclosure.It
`is understood that the invention is not limited to the
`embodiment set forth herein for purposes of exemplifi-
`cation, but is to be limited only by the scope of the
`attached claim or claims, including the full range of
`equivalency to which each element thereofis entitled.
`Whatis claimedis:
`1. An assembly, comprising:
`a plurality of tubular gas storage vessels;
`each tubular gas storage vessel having a tube with
`outside threads at a first end and second end;
`
`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE10
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`5,429,268
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`a first cap with threads mating the tube threads which
`is screwed onto the tubeatsaid first end;
`said cap containing a passage therein whichis atleast
`partially threaded;
`threadable into said passage
`a closable gas port
`through which a gas may flow;
`means to close the second end ofthe tube;
`at least one pair of vertical vessel clamps, each clamp
`having a plurality of semi-circular concave por-
`tions which when mated creates a circular cradle
`for each said vessel, meansto retain each pair to-
`gether,
`a support base, meansto receive and retain said pairs
`of vertical vessel clamps whereby the tubular gas
`
`10
`storage vessels are retained by the vessel clampsin
`a vertical-parallel relationship to one another.
`2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the meansto close
`the second end of each said tube, comprises:
`a second outside cap with threads mating the tube
`threads which is screwed onto the tube at said
`second end;
`said second outside cap containing a threaded passage
`therein which is at least partially threaded;
`a second closable gas port threadable into said pas-
`sage through which a gas may flow.
`3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the gas port is
`closed by
`a plug threadable into said second cap.
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`10
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE11
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`CATALYST, EX-1013
`PAGE 11
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