Method of making a pump housing
AssigneeArgo-Tech Corporation
InventorThomas A. Chenock, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of forming a polymer composite fuel pump housing is provided. The method calls for the application of an elastomeric material onto a mandrel surface to create a substantially continuous elastomeric layer thereon. A fiber-reinforced resin layer is added to the elastomeric layer. The application of the fiber-reinforced resin layer is accomplished by either autoclave or resin transfer molding (RTM). The fiber-reinforced layer and elastomeric layer are then subjected to curing and the mandrel is removed. The resulting fuel pump housing comprises a leak and abrasion resistant elastomeric liner bonded to the fiber-reinforced resin layer.
Claims10
A method of forming a lined pump housing, comprising the steps of:
- applying a sheet of B-staged elastomeric material onto a mandrel surface to create a continuous lining layer thereon;
- subsequently drawing a vacuum over the B-staged elastomeric material;
- subsequently heating the B-staged elastomeric material to an appropriate curing temperature to semi-cure the elastomer;
- subsequently applying a fiber-reinforced resin layer comprising a prepreg sheet of fiber previously impregnated with resin on the semi-cured elastomer;
- simultaneously curing the fiber-reinforced resin layer and completing the cure of the elastomeric layer;
- bonding the fiber-reinforced layer to the elastomeric layer;
- and
- removing the mandrel.
A process for molding a lined composite pump housing, comprising the steps of:
- applying a sheet of B-staged elastomer to a mandrel surface to create a substantially continuous elastomeric layer thereon;
- semi-curing the elastomeric layer;
- adding a fiber-reinforced resin to the semi-cured elastomeric layer;
- curing the resin and the elastomeric layer;
- and
- removing the mandrel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.