Compact Power: Lightweight Small Pressure Vessels for Demanding Mobile Applications
Small pressure vessels from Steelhead Composites pack innovation into every inch. Designed for environments where space and weight are limited, these vessels are the go-to choice for engineers developing mobile systems.
The small size doesn’t limit their capability. Built with advanced composites and precision engineering, these tanks ensure safe, efficient gas containment even under high pressure. They are lightweight enough for drones and durable enough for critical medical systems.
Uses and Applications
Defense & Military Applications
Steelhead’s small composite pressure vessels are engineered for mission-critical systems where weight and space are limited. Common uses include:
- UAVs and AUVs – Fuel cells, propulsion systems
- Strike Vehicles – Compact oxidizer and fuel storage
- Buoyancy Control – Precision underwater operations
- Fire Suppression – Rapid-deploy systems in confined environments
- Oxygen, Breathing & Spare Air Systems – Life support for tactical and emergency use
- One-Time Use COPVs – Disposable, high-performance containment under extreme conditions
Aerospace and Space Flight Systems
These small vessels deliver precise, reliable pressure in tight spaces—making them ideal for:
- Pneumatic Actuation Systems – Gas for emergency deployable life safety systems
- Space-Constrained Vehicles – Lightweight gas storage for satellites, UAVs, and autonomous robots
- End of Life Requirements – Fully demisable solutions for reentry into the atmosphere
- Backup Gas Supply – Critical redundancy for space and high-altitude environments
Spare Air & Life Support Systems
With their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, Steelhead’s small composite vessels safely deliver breathable gases in:
- Portable Life-Support Systems – Lightweight breathing air delivery for patient transport and field care
- Emergency Response Kits – Reliable air supply for trauma and disaster response
- Spare Air and Gas Storage – For first responders and the war fighter front line safety
- Rescue & First Responder Tools – Durable, high-pressure containment in critical-care scenarios
High Performance & Rugged Applications
Designed for high performance in compact form, these vessels support a wide range of civilian uses, including:
- Robotics and Drones – Lightweight fuel and energy storage
- Motor Sports – High-pressure gas storage for high performance vehicles
- Scientific Instruments – Compact high-pressure containment for mobile labs or field research
- Technical & Recreational Diving – Air systems for underwater and top side applications
Small Volume, Compact High-Pressure Vessel Capabilities
- Gas Type: Air, Nitrogen, Argon, Hydrogen, Oxidizers
- Applications: UAV, Motor Sport, Breathing Air
- Industries Served: Aerospace, Defense, Motor Sport, SCUBA
- Pressure Rating: Up to 515 bar (7500 psi)
- Size/Volume: Up to 24L (water volume)
Fully Demisable COPV (Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel)
- Type 3 Liner
- Reinforced with Kevlar
- Strap-Mounted for Easy Integration
- Dual Port AS52020-08 Interface
- Certified to UN/ISO and DOT Standards
- Designed for Small Satellite Applications
Technical Details
- Operating Pressure: 207 bar (3000 psi)
- Outer Diameter: 171 mm (6.7 inches)
- Water Volume: 12L to 24L
- Compatible Gases:
- UN1006 Argon, compressed
- UN1046 Helium, compressed
- UN1049 Hydrogen, compressed
- UN1971 Methane or Natural Gas, compressed (high methane content)
- UN1065 Neon, compressed
- UN1066 Nitrogen, compressed
- UN1002 Air, compressed
- UN1056 Krypton, compressed
| Volume Liters (Gal) | OAL Length mm (Inches) | Mass Kg (Lbs) | OD mm (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 (3.2) | 812.8 (32) | 7.7 (17) | 171 (6.72) |
| 24 (6.3) | 1498.6 (58.8) | 11.3 (25) | 171 (6.72) |
3000 psi Gas Transport Vessel
- Type 3 Liner
- Reinforced with Carbon Fiber
- Strap-Mounted for Flexible Installation
- AS5202-08 Port Interface
- UN/ISO and DOT Certifications (Available Q4 2025)
- Designed for Transport of Nitrogen, Air, and Hydrogen
Technical Details
- Operating Pressure: 207 bar (3000 psi)
- Outer Diameter: 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Water Volume: 6L to 12L
- Compatible Gases:
- UN1006 Argon, compressed
- UN1046 Helium, compressed
- UN1049 Hydrogen, compressed
- UN1971 Methane or Natural Gas, compressed (high methane content)
- UN1065 Neon, compressed
- UN1066 Nitrogen, compressed
- UN1002 Air, compressed
- UN1056 Krypton, compressed
| Volume Liters (Gal) | OAL Length mm (Inches) | Mass Kg (Lbs) | OD mm (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (1.6) | 445 (17.5) | 2.9 (6.3) | 160 (6.3) |
| 8.5 (2.25) | 591 (23.3) | 3.9 (8.5) | 160 (6.3) |
| 10 (2.6) | 686 (27) | 4.8 (10.5) | 160 (6.3) |
| 12 (3.2) | 813 (32) | 6.1 (13.5) | 160 (6.3) |
Neck-Mounted 350 bar Pressure Vessel
- Type 3 Liner
- Patented Steelhead Port Design – Allows quick customization of valves and pressure relief devices
- Neck-Mount Configuration – Longer ports enable direct integration into systems
- UN/ISO and DOT Certifications (Available Q4)
- Designed for Nitrogen, Air, and Hydrogen Applications
Technical Details
- Operating Pressure: 350 bar (5050 psi)
- Outer Diameter: 170 mm (6.7 inches)
- Water Volume: 6L to 18L
- Compatible Gases:
- UN1006 Argon, compressed
- UN1046 Helium, compressed
- UN1049 Hydrogen, compressed
- UN1971 Methane or Natural Gas, compressed (high methane content)
- UN1065 Neon, compressed
- UN1066 Nitrogen, compressed
- UN1002 Air, compressed
- UN1056 Krypton, compressed
| Volume Liters (Gal) | OAL Length mm (Inches) | Mass Kg (Lbs) | OD mm (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (1.6) | 493 (19.4) | 5.4 (12) | 170 (6.7) |
| 7.5 (2) | 640 (25.2) | 6.8 (15) | 170 (6.7) |
| 11 (2.9) | 874 (34.4) | 9.5 (21) | 170 (6.7) |
| 18 (4.8) | 1255 (49.4) | 12.7 (28) | 170 (6.7) |
Ultra Lightweight One-Port Pressure Vessel
- Type 3 Liner
- Single AS5202-10 Port for Simplified Integration
- Available in 350 bar (5050 psi) and 515 bar (7500 psi) Variants
- UN/ISO and DOT Certifications (Available Q4)
- Optimized for UAVs, AUVs, Breathing Air, and Nitrogen Systems
Technical Details
- Operating Pressure: 350 bar (5050 psi) and 500 bar (7500 psi)
- Outer Diameter: 173 mm (6.8 inches) and 180 mm (7 inches)
- Water Volume: 9L
- Port: AS5202-10
- Compatible Gases:
- UN1006 Argon, compressed
- UN1046 Helium, compressed
- UN1049 Hydrogen, compressed
- UN1971 Methane or Natural Gas, compressed (high methane content)
- UN1065 Neon, compressed
- UN1066 Nitrogen, compressed
- UN1002 Air, compressed
- UN1056 Krypton, compressed
Aluminum Fiber Translation Liner or STEB Liner
- Liner Material: Aluminum 6061-T6
- Outer Diameter: 6 inches
- Water Volume: 6.8L
- Port: SAE ORB-12
- Designed for filament-windable fibers: Carbon, Glass, Aramid, and more
- Used in burst testing to evaluate fiber translation
- Steelhead offers fiber testing and burst testing services
Engineered Plastic STEB Liner
- Liner Material: Engineered Plastic with Polar Bosses
- Outer Diameter: 6 inches
- Water Volume: 6.8L
- Overall Length: 21 inches
- Port: SAE ORB-12
- Supports Carbon, Glass, Aramid, and other filament-windable fibers
- Purpose-built for fiber translation testing via burst pressure analysis
- Testing services available through Steelhead
Lightweight Hydraulic Bladder Accumulator
- Type 3 Composite Liner
- Operating Pressure: 3000 psi
- Outer Diameter: 173 mm (6.8 inches) and 180 mm (7 inches)
- Volume: 4L
- Port: Inquiry for availability
- Applications: Motorsports, Watersports, Aviation
- Value Proposition: 8x lighter than steel bladder accumulators of the same volume
Ready to Power What’s Next?
Steelhead’s small pressure vessels are engineered for performance where space is tight and reliability is critical. Whether you’re building next-gen UAVs, robotics, or portable medical devices, we’re here to help you find the perfect fit.
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