Every kilogram matters in aerospace. Composite overwrapped pressure vessels — COPVs — combine a thin metal or polymer liner with a filament-wound carbon fiber shell to store high-pressure gases at a fraction of the weight of all-metal tanks. They are the standard choice for satellite propellant and pressurant storage, launch vehicle subsystems, and rocket ground testing.
Acecare manufactures carbon fiber composite cylinders and supports aerospace teams two ways: in-stock DOT/CE cylinders for ground testing, lab work, and R&D — and custom / OEM COPV development for programs with specific size, pressure, or interface requirements.
Why teams talk to us
- Mass budget pressure: Small satellite and rocketry teams need the lightest possible tank. A carbon composite overwrap cuts weight dramatically versus steel.
- Long lead times elsewhere: Flight-qualified space tanks can take 6–12 months. Our stock cylinders ship from California for immediate test needs.
- Testing before committing: Validate your feed system, valves, and procedures on the ground with an affordable DOT/CE cylinder before investing in custom flight hardware.
What is a COPV?
A composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV) has two parts: 1. Liner — a thin aluminum-alloy (Type III) or polymer (Type IV) vessel that seals the gas. 2. Overwrap — continuous carbon fiber wound over the liner, carrying almost all the pressure load.
The result: working pressures of 300 bar (4,350–4,500 psi) and above at a fraction of steel-tank weight. Common aerospace uses include pressurant storage (helium, nitrogen), cold-gas propellant storage, and ground-test oxidizer handling.
What we offer
1. Stock cylinders for ground testing & R&D
Our DOT-certified (6.8L, 9L) and CE-certified (12L) carbon fiber cylinders are available from our California stock for:
- Rocket and propulsion ground testing
- University rocketry and research labs
- Valve, regulator, and feed-system development
- Pressurized gas storage for test stands
These stock cylinders carry DOT / CE certifications for terrestrial pressure-vessel use. They are not space-qualified flight hardware.
2. Custom / OEM COPV development
For programs that need something the catalog doesn’t offer:
- Custom water volume and envelope dimensions
- Custom threads and port configurations (e.g. M25x2 — factory production runs in batches, typically around 200 units)
- Application-specific liners and interfaces
Send us your target volume, operating pressure (MEOP), interface drawing, and gas media — we’ll review feasibility with our engineers and quote.
Custom process
- Requirements — You share volume, pressure, thread/interface, gas media, and quantity.
- Engineering review — We confirm feasibility and propose a design.
- Quotation & PI — Formal quote with lead time.
- Production & testing — Manufactured and pressure-tested per the agreed specification.
- Delivery — Shipped from China or California stock.
Discuss your COPV requirements
Discuss your COPV requirements — Request a Quote
Tell us: target volume · operating pressure · thread/interface · gas media · quantity — we’ll reply with feasibility and pricing.
FAQ
Are your cylinders space-qualified?
No. Our stock cylinders are certified to DOT / CE standards for terrestrial pressure-vessel use. Spaceflight hardware requires mission-specific qualification. If you’re developing a flight program, contact us about custom COPV development.
Can I use your cylinders for ground testing?
Yes — that’s exactly what our stock DOT/CE cylinders are suited for: propulsion ground tests, university rocketry programs, and lab R&D.
Can I fill them with nitrous oxide or other propellants?
Share your gas media, pressure, and operating conditions with us first, and always follow your institution’s safety review procedures for energetic materials. We’ll advise whether a stock cylinder fits or a custom build is needed.
What is the minimum order for a custom thread or size?
Custom configurations are produced in factory batches — typically around 200 cylinders per run. Single prototypes are difficult to schedule; stock sizes are available individually.
Do you ship to Canada / Europe?
Yes, we ship internationally. Tell us your destination and we’ll quote freight with the cylinder price.