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Hexcel (Stamford, Conn., U.S.) announces the debut of a Type 4 composite-overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV), engineered in collaboration with HyPerComp Engineering Inc. (HEI, Brigham, Utah, U.S.) and built using Hexcel’s high-performance HexTow IM11-R/12K carbon fiber. According to Hexcel’s Lyndon Smith, president, Americas and global fibers, the company’s fiber delivers optimal burst pressure performance and reliability for critical aerospace and space applications.

Type 4 COPVs are made with a polymer liner fully wrapped in continuous carbon fiber. They are lighter and more corrosion-resistant than metal pressure vessels, which make them ideal for storing gases like hydrogen, helium and nitrogen in demanding environments. Hexcel and HEI’s design offers high processability during filament winding and near-perfect translation of fiber mechanical properties. 

“We have a high level of collaboration with Hexcel, which is resulting in the development of Type 4 COPVs used in extreme environments. Initial testing has shown excellent delivered fiber strengths and burst pressures,” says Jake Walker, chief innovation officer, HyPerComp. “The combination of Hexcel’s advanced fiber technology and our engineering expertise has set a high standard of performance for qualifying new COPV designs used in space launch and other applications.”

Smith says Hexcel and HyPerComp are well along the path for certification. The partners’ goal is to foster a more open, innovation and competitive market, with applications broadening beyond aerospace.”