Cryogenic insulation at -195deg. C

[MrMarcR]

I'm investigating a case where piping insulation is renewed/applied at -195 Celsius.

The plant still in full operation whilst renewing the insulation.
Normally the insulation is applied when the plant is shut down, allowing work at "normal" temperatures.

For it to work there should form some kind of barrier between the pipes and surrounding air preventing the condensation on the pipes (forming ice).

When applying the insulation material (foam glass) I also expect a problem with the temp. differences.
I expect cracks in the material.

Now this is only my first month in the insulation business so I was hoping I could get some pointers and/or information about this subject.

 

[dcasto]

try google, here are some hits.

http://www.insulation.org/products/detail.cfm?p=47080-17-20

In anycase, if you can't dry the equipment, putting foamglass on will trap the moisture that expands and will crack the insulation. The stuff I've seen used is a waterproof wax type material tah glues and seals the joints in the foam glass.

 

[MrMarcR]

Ofcourse I tried google first, mostly about LNG in direct contact with air.

I'll try to find some case studies on cold surfaces and the behaviour of surrounding air.

Also thanks for the wax info, I think its called Terostat a kind of butyl sealant.

 

[LSThill]

Technical Note:

What of type of insulation for LNG are you looking for

The following is for -270F/195C. LNG TANKS

RE: perlite insulation lng

http://www.google.com/search?source...erlite+insulation+lng&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f

http://www.lngexpress.com/itm/agenda.asp

LNG: New Insulation Techniques & Materials
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
12:00 - 12:40 PM LUNCH & REGISTRATION
Sponsor:

12:40 - 1:00
Welcome, Topic Introduction, Objectives, Agenda
Bob Nimocks, president, Zeus Development Corp.
1:00 - 1:40 LNG Pipe Insulation - Criteria and Selection
Jim Young, application technology leader, Dow Chemical Company
Engineers designing and specifying systems and selecting materials for LNG-pipe insulation face a myriad of alternatives. Dow has considerable experience with LNG insulation. Young has been asked to review the insulation needs for LNG facilities, the types of decisions to be made, and Dow's approach.
1:40 - 2:20 Using Perlite Insulation for LNG Storage and Processes
Tom Potzer, consultant, Perlite Specialist
Perlite has been used for many years in LNG facilities and has played a significant role in insulating large cryogenic tanks. Perlite concrete blocks have also been used for the base insulation of double wall cryogenic tanks and perlite loose fill has been used to insulate the annular spaces in these tanks as well as cold boxes and ships. Potzer has been asked to discuss new innovations with perlite and how it is being used most effectively today.

2:20 - 3:00 New LNG Insulation Technology: Introduction to Aerogel Insulation Blankets
John Williams, market research manager, Aspen Aerogels
Aerogels are highly porous solids formed from a gel in which the liquid is replaced with a gas. It has been called the world’s lightest solid, consisting of more than 95% air. Williams has been asked to describe Aerogel's potential for LNG.
3:00 - 3:30 BREAK
Sponsor:


3:30 - 4:10 Experience From the Field, An Insulation Contractor's Perspective
Richard Smith, general sales manager, LandCoast Insulation Contractors
LandCoast installs LNG insulation and scopes (fireproofing, coatings, refractory, abatement, etc.). It was the contractor for the Elba Island insulation. Smith has been asked to describe the issues around insulating an LNG terminal, the attributes of insulative materials that help in the installation and commissioning, as well as the life-cycle cost of the product.

4:10 - 4:50
Case Study: Elba Island LNG Insulation
Robert A. March, Jr. VP operations, IMC
Dyplast Products and Insulation Materials Corporation (fabricator) manufactured and installed the insulation for the Elba Island terminal. The speakers have been asked to review the project and discuss the lessons learned.

4:50 - 5:00 Workshop wrapup

5:00 - 6:00 PM Reception



Regards
Leonard Stephen Thill

 

[sentjoh]

Both PIR and Foamglass can be used and will not crack. The wax, it’s definitely not Terostat which is a MS polymer or butyl. If you like I could find out , but I’ve heard of contractors having good result not using any kind of wax. Depending on the moisture degree the moisture becomes light snow before it touches the pipe. Simply wipe of and install insulation as fast as possible on to the pipe. Important is to use good cryogenic adhesives like Foster 82-77