NEW GENERATION CARBON FILAMENT-WOUND COMPOSITE CYLINDERS FOR SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

摘要

Lightweight carbon composite cylinders are now standard equipment for high pressure air storage in fire service self-contained breathing apparatus. Weighing only 34 percent of equivalent steel and aluminum cylinders, carbon composites provide 15-30 percent weight saving over comparable S-glass and Kevlar composite cylinders. During the past five years, carbon cylinders have been authorized for high pressure gas containment in commercial applications around the world. In this paper, approvals and standards are reviewed, along with design criteria and manufacturing processes. Test results arc presented on extreme damage, abuse, and environmental resistance evaluations to define limitations and demonstrate the safety, reliability, tolerance and durability of these cylinders. High pressure gas cylinders must be treated with respect, and recommendations are made for care, maintenance, and reinspection.