Lignostone® cryogenic

The material Lignostone® cryogenic consists of laminated densified wood impregnated with synthetic resin, manufactured from a renewable material, selected beech veneers (Fagus sylvatica). It is impregnated under vacuum with thermosetting synthetic resin and densified under heat and pressure. This produces a unique character profile that makes it ideal for thermal insulation of LNG systems.

Proven applications include:

• Tank insulation for carriers: Lignostone® cryogenic has been used for decades throughout the world for tank supports in LNG, LPG and ethylene tankers. This material is used for insulating large storage tanks with dimensions of up to 165,000 m³ from the tanker structure, and has been approved by many renowned companies. More information about Lignostone® cryogenic LNG and LPG cryogenic tank insulation

• LNG fuel tanks for LNG engines: Lignostone® cryogenic is used for the insulation of LNG fuel tanks of ships, and thus contributes towards the reliability and durability of modern and environmentally friendly LNG drives. More information about Lignostone® cryogenic for LNG fuel tanks

• Pipe supports

Properties - Lignostone® cryogenic:

• Low thermal conductivity
• Outstanding temperature resistance: -196 °C to +90 °C
• High mechanical strength
• Low coefficient of slide friction
• High wear and abrasion resistance
• Low specific weight

Advantages:

Lignostone® cryogenic

• reliably insulates LNG storage tanks, fuel tanks and pipe systems
• and thus, contributes towards the efficiency, durability and reliability of these applications.

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Tank support made of Lignostone® cryogenic, densified wood impregnated with synthetic resin

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For reliable LNG drives: Lignostone® cryogenic for LNG fuel tanks

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Avoidance of thermal bridges: tank supports made of Lignostone® cryogenic for large LNG storage tanks

Durolight® - cryogenic pipe insulation

Durolight® was specifically developed for supports for pipework systems. With its special formulation of selected resins in conjunction with high-strength glass fibre reinforcement, it offers very low thermal conductivity, excellent thermal insulation and is suitable for applications with temperatures of -196 °C to +200 °C. At the same time, Durolight® stands out for its high dimensional stability and resistance to corrosion and chemicals, and is free of halogens. It is also flame retardant in accordance with the international standard UL 94 with the classification V0. Thus, it meets the high requirements of materials used for the conveyance and transport of LNG.

Applications:

• Pipe supports: Durolight® is used throughout the world as cryogenic insulated pipe supports. More information about Durolight® cryogenic supports for pipework systems
• Floating LNG

Properties - Durolight®

• Very low thermal conductivity
• High mechanical strength
• Application at temperatures of -196 to +200°C
• Dimensionally stable
• Flame-retardant (free of halogens)
• UV resistant

Why is high-performance cryogenic insulation important?

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas which when liquefied only has 1/600 of its volume in a gaseous state. The natural gas is cooled down to -164 °C to liquefy it. Thanks to the reduction in volume, the liquefied natural gas is ideal for efficient transport and storage. However, the low temperature of LNG places particularly high demands on the plant components and the equipment that is used for storage and transport of LNG – such as pipework systems transporting LNG, and tanks in which LNG is stored. The pipes and tanks have to be permanently thermally insulated from the adjacent plant components. This requires cryogenic insulation.

Prevention of heat exchange

The cryogenic insulation has to reliably prevent heat exchange between the pipes and tanks and plant structure. This is extremely important for the efficient operation of the plants along the LNG value chain. This is for three main reasons:

• Thermal exchange and resulting temperature increase of the tanks and pipes would increase the energy required for cooling the liquefied gas.
• At the same time, cooling of the adjacent structure, such as treads, would cause formation of ice and compromise work safety.
• In addition, cryogenic insulation prevents extreme temperature fluctuations, thus avoiding the undesired expansion of plant components and the resulting strain this would place on connection members.

Requirements on cryogenic insulation

The efficiency of cryogenic insulation particularly depends on its thermal conductivity, in conjunction with the mechanical properties, such as pressure and shear strength. The thermal conductivity is specified by the unit of measure W/(m•K). The lower this value for a material is, the lower its thermal conductivity and the better it is at avoiding thermal bridges.
However, the efficiency of cryogenic insulation materials is not solely determined by low thermal conductivity. Depending on the application in the LNG value chain, the materials have to meet a number of additional requirements. This includes, for example:

• Low flammability for areas which have to meet high requirements with respect to fire behaviour (including no halogens)
• Mechanical properties: for example for supporting structures for pipework systems
• High resistance to UV radiation and corrosion: for example in offshore applications
• Continuous operation temperature
• Dimensional stability

Individual cryogenic insulation

The specific requirements and ambient conditions need to be factored into the choice of cryogenic insulation materials for your application. Each application requires individually coordinated cryogenic insulation materials.

We are happy to advise you on the selection of suitable cryogenic insulation materials for your particular application. Just ask us. Individually machined Lignostone® cryogenic and Durolight® components are available according to your specifications.