Type IV Medical Oxygen Storage Cylinder

Type IV pressure vessels have been demonstrated in multiple applications, including fuel tanks carrying high pressure compressed natural gas or hydrogen gas. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has identified a need for a lightweight, fully qualified, Type IV medical oxygen cylinder that matches the external dimensions of the D size legacy Type 2 cylinders. A team assembled by Texas Research Institute Austin proposes to leverage the proven technology used in compressed natural gas or hydrogen gas cylinders to develop the sought Type IV medical oxygen cylinder conforming to the requirements of the ISO 11119-3 standard. The cylinder will be composed of a polymer liner, a metal boss, a high strength fiber reinforced resin overwrap, and an energy absorbing overwrap. The proposed design will be a drop-in replacement for the legacy Type 2 cylinders. The proposed effort will use proprietary and patented information to ensure that the Type IV medical oxygen cylinder developed during the Phase II effort will be qualified, certified, and ready to be procured by the end of the twenty-four month program. The testing specified in the ISO 11119-3 standard will be completed by the end of the Phase II effort. The regulatory approvals will be identified, sought, and obtained.