Cryogenic Insulation
Safety Focused Cryogenic Insulation Solutions
Cryogenic insulation is installed to withstand the effects of sub-zero temperatures of substances like liquified natural gas (LNG) which is controlled at minus 163°C. This type of insulation is needed to protect personnel from extreme freezing temperatures, and to help keep equipment and piping, which stores and processes substances, at a controlled temperature so that it remains in a stable and workable state.
Powertherm specialist teams have a deep understanding of the demands of cryogenic insulation projects. We provide our services to our clients during the construction, development and maintenance phases of their facilities. We have extensive knowledge of the specially designed solutions this safety critical application needs, acknowledging the significant risks to personnel.
We know that installations require a high level of craftmanship if they are to be done right. The smallest non-system application or penetration of the vapour barrier can cause detrimental icing. Issues such as these can put the process and quality of the final product at risk. It can also lead to significant energy and evaporation loss, cause major problems such as corrosion, and increase health and safety risks to personnel.
Expert Service you can Trust
Our cryogenic experts pride themselves on delivering innovative solutions that fit the requirements of the project; no matter its size. They are specifically trained and vastly experienced in providing cryogenic insulation services, where thermal and mechanical tensions are high, including:
- Cryogenic cargo and fuel tank insulation systems
- Cryogenic energy storage
- Fluid handling solutions
- Gas plant & equipment
- Liquified natural gas (LNG) facilities
- Repair & Maintenance services (on & offline)
- Storage terminals
- Tanks, vessels, ducting, and pipework
From liquefaction and storage, loading & unloading, to shipping and regasification we have solutions that cover the entire LNG operation. For us a cryogenic project starts with systems research and gathering information about the project. We then design and engineer the right system, before carrying out the actual on-site installation.
We offer a range of materials and solutions that are uniquely tailored to cryogenic applications and the surrounding environment; working closely with expert suppliers. The most suited solution is commonly a multi-layer construction, made up of different materials, protective layers and vapour barriers. Materials such as Polyisocyanurate (PIR), Polyurethane (PUR) rigid foam or cellular glass make up multi-layer systems. Stainless steel, aluminised steel or UV cured GRP is also applied to give weather and impact protection to the insulation system.
In addition we have in-house substructures which significantly improve the mechanical strength of the insulation system, reducing the chances of the system sustaining critical damage, delivering a much safer installation. For more >>
As part of our cryogenic insulation service we also offer:
- Class approvals, product certifications & accreditations
- Fire certified solutions
- High density pipe supports
- Material & fabrication supply, foam block production / machining, sandwich / hybrid insulation panels
- Pre-fabricated cryogenic insulation systems
- Spray foam systems
Clients trust us to provide cost-effective systems that are safe, fit the requirements of the situation, and last the expected life cycle. At Powertherm we know our in-house expert teams poses the skills, experience, industry knowledge and innovative solutions to achieve just that.
What is cryogenic insulation?
Cryogenic insulation is a specialist category of industrial insulation designed to minimise heat ingress into systems that operate at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C.
Unlike conventional thermal insulation, which is primarily concerned with retaining heat, it works in the opposite direction, preventing ambient heat from entering a cold system and causing the stored or transported substance to warm, expand, or evaporate.
The fundamental challenge of this type of insulation is that the temperature differential between the cryogenic medium and the surrounding environment is enormous, often several hundred degrees.
Even a small rate of heat ingress can cause significant boil-off of cryogenic liquids, resulting in product loss, pressure build-up, and potential safety hazards.
Common systems include polyurethane (PUR) or polyisocyanurate (PIR) or cellular glass foam insulation, aerogel blankets, and vacuum-jacketed pipe and vessel systems. Systems are typically multi-layered, with vapour barriers and secure banding on each layer as well as vapour stops applied at terminations and finished with protective metal cladding.
Cryogenic insulation is critical across a range of industries, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing, storage and distribution, liquid oxygen and nitrogen supply in industrial gas applications, or medical and laboratory gas systems.
In all cases, the insulation must be correctly specified, installed, and maintained to ensure both operational performance and safe containment of the cryogenic medium.
Powertherm provides expert services for pipework, vessels, and associated equipment, working across industrial gas, LNG, petrochemical, and process industries throughout the UK.