Fuel Tank with Sponge-like Structure for Storing Explosive Substances with Localized Explosion Containment

 

Patent Application

Title:
Fuel Tank with Sponge-like Structure for Storing Explosive Substances with Localized Explosion Containment

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Technical Field:

The invention relates to the field of safety containers and fuel storage systems, in particular to composite fuel tanks for explosive gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, and methane, and provides a structural solution for localized detonation suppression via closed-cell sponge-like geometry.

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Background of the Invention:

Conventional fuel tanks for explosive gases are highly susceptible to chain explosions due to the rapid propagation of flame or pressure waves throughout the entire volume of the stored substance. Current solutions focus on external insulation or relief valves, which do not sufficiently prevent catastrophic failure in case of thermal or mechanical impact.

This invention aims to mitigate such risks by segmenting the fuel volume into isolated microchambers, preventing the spread of explosions beyond the locally affected area.

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Summary of the Invention:

The invention proposes a fuel tank with a porous (sponge-like) internal structure, made from composite materials (basalt or fiberglass with filler). The structure comprises closed cells (microchambers) which localize detonation or thermal reactions within individual compartments. This design prevents chain reactions and ensures that only a limited portion of the fuel is affected during an incident.

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Detailed Description:

1. Microchamber Structure (Cell Discretization):

Each tank contains a grid of closed cells (pores), whose size is optimized depending on the gas:

Substance	Cell Size (mm)
Hydrogen	0.2 – 0.6 mm
Oxygen	0.5 – 1.0 mm
Methane	1.0 – 2.5 mm

Cells are isolated from one another by reinforced walls, designed to withstand internal detonation pressures.

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2. Wall Thickness Between Cells:

Wall thickness depends on the structural material:

Material	Wall Thickness (mm)
Basalt fiber composite	0.6 – 1.2 mm
Fiberglass composite with filler	1.0 – 1.8 mm

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3. Layered Tank Design:

• Inner Layer: Dampening layer made of elastic, fire-resistant filler (e.g., perlite, carbon-filled polymer).

• Core Structure: Closed-cell porous frame of basalt or fiberglass composite.

• Outer Layer: Protective shell of aluminum foil or carbon composite to block electrical impulses or external heat radiation.

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4. Functional Principle:

• In case of a thermal or mechanical impact, only the affected microchambers are ruptured.

• The porous matrix prevents the spread of the flame front or shockwave to adjacent cells.

• This ensures safe containment, preserving the rest of the fuel.

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Advantages of the Invention:

• Mitigates explosion risks in hydrogen/oxygen/methane storage.

• Allows lightweight, modular construction using composite materials.

• Compatible with aerospace, automotive, and industrial gas systems.

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Claims (example draft):

1. A fuel tank for explosive gases comprising a closed-cell porous structure made from a composite material, wherein said structure localizes explosions within individual cells, preventing chain detonation.

2. The tank of claim 1, wherein the cell size ranges from 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm depending on the stored gas.

3. The tank of claim 1, wherein the cell walls are made of basalt fiber composite with thickness from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm.

4. The tank of claim 1, further comprising a multilayered structure including an inner damping layer, a core porous matrix, and an outer protective layer.