Pressure vessel and also apparatus and process for producing a pressure vessel blank comprising at least one connection element

An apparatus for producing a pressure vessel blank comprising

• (a) at least one connection element comprising a through-passage;
• (b) a multi-part blow-moulding tool comprising at least two blow-mould portions, wherein each blow-mould portion defines a partial cavity configured to receive a thermoplastic tubular preform;
• and
• (c) at least one blowing pin comprising an end portion having a gas outlet opening configured to discharge a gas, and a holding device for releasably holding the connection element, wherein the end portion is configured for insertion into the through-passage of the connection element;
• wherein the blow-mould portions are configured to move reversibly between an open position in which the blow-mould portions are apart from one another, and a closed position in which the blow-mould portions contact one another such that the partial cavities of each blow-mould portion form a mould impression in which the thermoplastic preform can be moulded under differential pressure to form the pressure vessel blank;
• wherein the blowing pin is configured for placement between the blow-mould portions so that in the closed position the thermoplastic preform disposed therebetween can be moulded in the mould impression while being brought to bear against the connection element by application of gas pressure discharged from the gas outlet opening;
• wherein the end portion of the blowing pin further comprises a fluid outlet configured to release a cooling fluid, and a fluid inlet configured to receive the cooling fluid;
• and
• wherein the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet are configured for fluidic connection with one another, so that, in use, the through-passage of the connection element held by the blowing pin can be brought directly into contact with the cooling fluid and a cooling fluid circulation can be produced in the through-passage of the connection element.