What are Cryogenic Storage Tanks?
Cryogenic storage tanks are specially designed containers storing and transporting liquefied gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium, and hydrogen, at -150 °C or lower.
These tanks utilize the cryogenics principle, which involves studying and applying materials and processes at extremely low temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius (-238 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cryogenic pressure vessels, storage tanks, cryo-tanks, and storage dewars describe containers holding liquid such as oxygen, nitrogen, or LNG.
All of these tanks, in their most basic form, have cryogens.
What’s a cryogen? They are liquefied gases at frigid temperatures (often -238° F and below). These tanks keep the cryogens at the correct temp and pressure for storage, use, and transport.
They often feature vacuum jackets for insulation, depending on the vessel type and its use.
… “heat being absorbed from ambient air by refrigerated Cryogenic storage tanks, heat absorbed from ambient air by lines, heat produced by the operation of pumps, vapor displacement due to liquid inlet in the tank, and rapid variation of barometric pressure.”
Liquid Storage Tanks have three essential components:
Inner Tank
When exposed to cryogenic temperatures, the inner tank and pipes are made of stainless steel, ensuring high-quality cleaning and suitable strength properties.
Outer Vessel (Jacket)
An outer container made of carbon steel maintains the insulation and vacuum around the inner tank under normal operating conditions. Typically, the outer container is not exposed to cryogenic temperatures.
Insulation
The space between the inner tank and the outer container is filled with perlite, which can maintain cryogenic temperature and is subjected to high vacuum treatment. The vacuum and insulating material help reduce heat transfer, thereby reducing the boiling of liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or liquid argon stored in the container.
The maximum working pressure of cryogenic liquefied gas storage tanks ranges from 2 to 37 bar, depending on where the tank will be used. It can be designed vertically or horizontally according to customer demand.
During the manufacturing phase of cryogenic tanks, the tests and inspections required by the standards are carried out by third-party organizations, and all tanks are certified and presented to our customers with CE and Pi marks.
Flat bottom cryogenic storage tanks
- Liquid air gases (LIN, LOX, LAR), with 500 to 15,000 m³ capacity.
- LNG, LPG, and liquid ethylene, with 1,000 to 30,000 m³ capacity.
We design our gas storage tanks with double-wall steel structures using high-tech insulating materials (cellular glass, expanded perlite, rock wool, etc.).
All the cryogenic storage equipment we produce complies with internationally recognized quality and safety certificates.
Mechanical and seismic design:
- API620, API650, ASME
- EN14620, EN14015, EUROCODE
External access:
- EN ISO14122-1/3
- OSHA 1910.23/24
Other regulations used:
- EIGA/CGA/127/13/E.
- NFPA 59A.
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