A flexible pressure vessel is constructed from at least one pair of upper
and mating lower dome shaped cell portions. The dome portions are molded
from sheets of resilient material and joined together by radio frequency
welding or high-strength adhesives. Upper and lower passageway portions
extend outwardly from each cell portion to the surrounding sheet
material. When the cell portions are joined the passageway portions are
joined to form a passageway for connection to a valve or another cell.
Upper and lower rings surround the upper and lower cell portions to
provide reinforcement for the cells. First and second blankets of
heavy-duty fiber reinforced material are attached over the upper and
lower cell portions and stitched in place with heavy-duty stitching
extending through the resilient material surrounding the cell portions.
Cell shaped sponges impregnated with absorbent materials are encased in
liquid and gas impermeable plastic tubing and inserted into the cells
prior to joining of the cell portions. Heat-reflecting plastic film or
metal foil is inserted between blankets and the cell portions. The heavy
duty stitching is high-pressure loop and lock braiding. The passageway
has a cross-section of between 0.050 and 0.100 inches. An apparatus and
method are described for constructing the flexible pressure vessel.