(Commonwealth) _ Omni Tanker, an Australian composites manufacturer, has collaborated with Lockheed Martin and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to pioneer an unparalleled solution for transporting cryogenic and liquid cargoes like hydrogen and helium, even into space. With backing from the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), this partnership leverages Omni Tanker’s expansive composite expertise, initially developed for industrial transport. Their expertise includes pioneering lightweight, composite road tankers for caustic materials, serving both local and international markets, including Europe and North America, from their Sydney base. The collaborative effort between Omni Tanker and Lockheed Martin yielded groundbreaking results: the development of two pioneering tanks. The first is a Type 4 tank, featuring a fluoropolymer lining and crafted from carbon fibre composites. The second tank, a Type 5 variant, is a liner-less structure constructed from carbon fiber composites. These tanks represent a significant leap in technological innovation, offering a versatile and robust solution for transporting critical substances under intense conditions. Their adaptability to extreme temperatures and high pressures positions them as pivotal components for various applications, especially in space exploration and industries requiring precise handling of volatile substances.. The successful project led to the manufacturing of operational-scale demonstrator versions of these tanks for Lockheed Martin’s LM2100 satellite at Omni Tanker’s cutting-edge facility in Sydney’s west.
CEO and Founder of Omni Tanker, Dr. Daniel Rodgers, highlighted the $1.59 million project as a monumental leap for the company’s capabilities. “Omni Tanker’s expertise has allowed us to translate our composite road tanker technology into the global space sector, where performance, weight, and cost are pivotal,” said Rodgers. He added, “Our ability to develop and deliver composite pressure vessels that meet rigorous technical demands quicker and at a lower cost compared to materials like titanium, widely used in space technology, is a significant milestone.” Christopher Hess, Lockheed Martin Australia’s Head of Industrial Development, emphasized their commitment to collaborating with industry leaders like Omni Tanker, UNSW, and AMGC to advance space capabilities amidst the ever-evolving global strategic landscape. AMGC’s Managing Director, Dr. Jens Goennemann, emphasizes the importance for manufacturers to explore beyond their current scope. He applauds Omni Tanker’s leap from road tankers to spacecraft, facilitated with AMGC’s support, stressing the significance of capitalizing on existing capabilities for adjacent opportunities. “Omni Tanker’s transition showcases the broader potential for manufacturers to venture into adjacent industries,” remarked Goennemann. “This move, from road tankers to spacecraft, is a testament to innovative thinking.” The project unveiled a novel application for Omni Tanker’s patented OmniBIND solution, linking an interior thermoplastic tank to a lightweight composite exterior tank. Through collaboration, a nanoengineered additive product from UNSW prevented matrix cracks typically encountered at ultra-low temperatures in vessels storing liquefied hydrogen.
Professor Chun Wang from UNSW highlighted the transformation of cutting-edge technology into practical commercial applications through collaborative efforts with Omni Tanker and Lockheed Martin Space. “With extensive nano-engineering, we’ve created composite structures resilient to the extreme cold of liquid hydrogen without microcracking or gas leakage,” explained Professor Wang. Dr. Luke Djukic, Omni Tanker’s CTO, sees this project as a pivotal stride and a strategic boost to sovereign capability. The newly developed material technologies align with aerospace-grade composite materials but offer a more cost-effective production method using readily available materials. “Establishing sovereign capability onshore is crucial. These advancements position us to deploy our tanks in transport and aerospace sectors globally,” emphasized Djukic. The $1.59 million project, co-funded with a $700,000 investment from AMGC and $194,000 in in-kind contributions, showcases the potential for cross-industry innovation and the tangible benefits of collaborative endeavors in pushing technological boundaries.
