Applications automotive Zero-permeation lightweight composite CNG cylinders - Gastank Sweden unveils zero-permeation lightweight composite CNG cylinders ............. p14 - The tower of superlatives ............... p17 High-pressure cylinders for compressed natural gas (CNG) powered motor vehicles can now benefit from zero-permeation, costcompetitive lightweight advanced materials. range of properties economically, whereas the newly-developed, costeffective Akulon® Fuel Lock considerably reduces gas loss by permeation. The independent consulting firm Powertech Labs Inc. Canada did not detect any gas loss by permeation in the Gastank™ 32, a new CNG tank with a 32 litre capacity. This unprecedented result makes this composite CNG tank a benchmark within the composite cylinder manufacturing industry. A remarkable partnership By Eric Debondue, Business Development Leader 3B HiPer-tex™ glass formulation delivers a high level of performance in composite parts such as wind blades, ballistic armour and high-pressure vessels or pipes while ensuring sustainable economics. 3B has established a partnership with Gastank T hanks to the unique combination of an inner liner made with DSM’s Akulon® Fuel Lock and the superior mechanical characteristics of 3B’s HiPer-tex™ highperformance glass fibre, Gastank Sweden AB is now able to produce zero-permeation cylinders that meet the stringent ECE R110 regulation governing the use of Type IV highpressure CNG cylinders for motor vehicles. The perfect combination The combination of these two materials optimizes the cost-benefit ratio of Type IV cylinders. HiPer-tex™ high-performance fibre bridges the gap between heavy steel and costly carbon fibre composites due to its ability to deliver a comprehensive Hyper-tex delivers a high level of performance 14 jec composites magazine / No75 August - September 2012http://www.jeccomposites.com