Composite diaphragm expansion vessels
AssigneeEnpress LLC
InventorsDouglas M. Horner, Douglas S. Stolarik
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A polymer ring assembly for securing a diaphragm to an inner side of a polymeric vessel, a fiber-reinforced polymeric vessel containing a diaphragm secured using a polymer ring assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The polymer ring assembly allows for the production of high-quality diaphragm expansion vessels, without the use of metal vessel bodies and metal retaining rings. Also, a ring assembly for securing a diaphragm to an inner side of a polymeric vessel, a fiber-reinforced polymeric vessel containing a diaphragm secured using a ring assembly and a method of manufacturing the same.
Claims2
A method for manufacturing a diaphragm expansion vessel comprising:
- providing an assembly comprising a polymeric lower ring, an elastomeric diaphragm, and a polymeric upper ring, wherein a lip of the diaphragm is clenched between the lower ring and the upper ring by compressive force, wherein the lip of the diaphragm is received in a recess formed in the lower ring, wherein the upper ring comprises a plurality of teeth that engage the diaphragm, and wherein an air-tight and water-tight seal is formed between the lower ring and the upper ring by the diaphragm;
- providing a polymeric vessel;
- disposing the assembly within the polymeric vessel;
- spin-welding the assembly to an inner side of the polymeric vessel;
- closing off an open end of the polymeric vessel with an end cap;
- and
- wrapping the polymeric vessel and end cap with reinforcing fibers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.