The increase of sustainability in cylinder manufacturing

Abstract

To satisfy the needs of a demanding and competitive market, Amtrol-Alfa decided to allocate its resources in a new innovative composite cylinder. The CoMet cylinder consists of a thin steel inner liner, wrapped in a commingled glass and polypropylene fibre inside a plastic jacket, which exceeded our expectations. Safety and environment are on the top of Amtrol-Alfa’s priorities. As such, the manufacturing of the CoMet cylinder has no dangerous emissions to the environment, in comparison with thermoset traditional processes, and uses inert products such as PP and HDPE. Regarding recyclability, the steel can be reprocessed, the commingled fibres can be chopped and used in injection processes, including the HDPE exterior jacket that can also be chopped and re-injected. The use of only recyclable products contributes to a better environment. The design was thoroughly studied, so that the handling is less aggressive to the costumer. The cylinder exterior is also very important, not only because the new design may look more ergonomic and elegant, but also because it is cleaner and safer. CoMet lightweight cylinder integrates in one cylinder, the Past and the Future, the Proven and the Innovation, in an elegant compromise.