At AMS Composite Cylinders, we supply lightweight, high-performance carbon composite cylinders for a huge range of interesting applications – with an excellent track record in the aerospace industry.
Earlier in the year, we supplied some of our advanced, fully wrapped carbon composite cylinders to Dr. Stephen Andrews of the Wolfston Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) at The University of York, for a sampling project involving the FAAM atmospheric research aircraft.
Steve Langron, AMS Director explains…
About The Wolfston Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) and FAAM.
Established in 2013, WACL are the first laboratories of their kind in the UK, and are designed to enable experimental and theoretical studies related to the science of climate change, stratospheric ozone depletion and air pollution.
Based at The University of York, the labs are home to some of the country’s leading climate and atmospheric researchers, as well as students and post-graduates from the university.
As part of its work, the Atmospheric Chemistry group studies gas and aerosol phase processes in the atmosphere, developing technology for atmospheric science and modelling the atmosphere.
Research happens in the lab, on ships, and in the air – using FAAM, The Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements.
The Atmospheric Research Aircraft
FAAM is a specially adapted research aircraft – it’s a world-class, highly flexible flying atmospheric research facility that scientists and researchers can use to conduct practical experiments, gather data and collect samples with.
A highly modified four-engine BAe-146 jet, it can fly as low as 50ft over the sea, or up to 35,000ft, carrying up to 4 tonnes of scientific equipment in the process. Used by UK university groups, the UK Met Office and scientific researchers worldwide, it can be modified by users to include custom instrumentation for specialised work.
As part of this project with WACL, our lightweight cylinders were filled with compressed air, and used to open and close valves on the aircraft as part of some specially developed sampling instrumentation. This is used to capture specific atmospheric samples for further analysis in the lab. With a light weight, durable construction and extensive global certification, our cylinders were the perfect solution for the project.
The cylinder is now fully certified for use on the BAE-146-301 large Atmospheric Research Aircraft – and will continue to support Dr. Andrews in his ongoing work in analytical instrumentation, accurate atmospheric measurement and climate research.
AMS Cylinders for cutting edge applications
AMS Composite Cylinders offers an advanced range of lightweight composite gas cylinders designed for the aerospace industry, and applications where weight saving is paramount.
Our composite gas cylinders offer high pressure (300 Bar), NLL (Non-Limited Life) performance, and are accredited for use worldwide – holding a wide range of quality assurance accreditations, including: ISO 11119-2, UN-TPED Pi, DOT (USA) and TC (Canada).
They are available in a range of sizes and capacities, and can be produced in customised sizes to suit the configuration of any aircraft cabin or application where required – with quick turnaround available on bespoke orders.
Additional information about AMS Composite Cylinders and our products can be found at www.ams-composites.com.
This blog was written by AMS CC Director, Dr Steve Langron