Cryogenic Tank

Cryogenic Tank

A cryogenic tank is a specialized container designed to store and transport liquefied gases at very low temperatures, typically below -150 degrees Celsius (-238 degrees Fahrenheit). These tanks are essential for handling gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, helium, and hydrogen, which are stored in these low-temperature liquid states. The construction of a cryogenic tank is quite complicated. They usually have two walls with an inner tank for containing liquefied gas, usually made of stainless steel, and an outer tank that acts as an insulating layer, which is typically made of carbon steel. The space between the two walls is filled with vacuum or insulating material, such as perlite or foam, to reduce heat transfer and maintain the low temperatures required to keep the gas in a liquid state.

Cryogenic tanks are equipped with a system that allows the circulation of cryogenic liquids, such as liquid nitrogen or helium, to cool the inner container and maintain the desired temperature. This technology is of great importance in various industries, including energy. It requires the storage and transportation of liquefied gas. Cryogenic tanks have a wide range of applications in various industries due to their ability to store and transport liquefied gas at very low temperatures.

Examples of how to use cryogenic tanks:

  • Industrial gases: They are used to store industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, which are essential in manufacturing processes, metal fabrication, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Energy: In the energy sector Cryogenic tanks store liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which are used as heating fuels. Cooking and electricity generation
  • Aerospace and Defense: These tanks are critical for storing fuel and oxidizers for rockets and other spacecraft, as well as for a variety of applications in the defense industry.
  • Medical Applications: Cryogenic tanks store biological samples such as blood, tissues, and germ cells for medical research and fertility treatments. In addition, it is used in hospitals and laboratories to store liquid nitrogen and oxygen.
  • Food Industry: Used in the food industry for flash frozen food products to preserve freshness and for storing biological samples.
  • Metal Processing: In Metalworking Cryogenic tanks are used for processes such as metal hardening, which requires cryogenic temperatures, also known as sub-zero steel hardening.
  • Electronics and water treatment: These tanks are also used in the production of electronics and water treatment plants.
  • Engineering Applications: Cryogenic fluids are used for low-temperature cooling, such as engineering shrinkage.

These are just a few examples of the use of cryogenic tanks, demonstrating their versatility and importance in modern industry and technology.

For Cryogenic Tanks Carbon steel is often used for outer tanks because of its strength and cost-effectiveness. The material must be able to withstand low temperatures without becoming brittle.

The following are the recommended carbon steel materials and mechanical properties for cryogenic tanks:

  • Low-temperature use carbon steel: such as ASTM A333 Grade 6 or ASTM A334 Grade 1 which are specifically designed for low-temperature service.
  • Fine Grain Carbon Steel: These steels have a fine-grained structure that improves their toughness at low temperatures, such as ASME SA516- 70.

Mechanical Properties:

  • Toughness: An important property for materials at extreme cold temperatures to resist breakage. Low-temperature carbon steel retains good ductility at temperatures below -45°C (-49°F).
  • Toughness: The ability of steel to resist deformation without breaking is important, especially during thermal shrinkage, which occurs at freezing temperatures.
  • Rigidity: High strength is required to withstand the internal pressure of the stored liquefied gas. These steels retain their strength even at low temperatures.
  • Weldability: Good weldability is essential for the production and repair of low temperature carbon steel cryogenic tanks; it can be welded with proper precautions to prevent cracking.

The exterior of the cryogenic tank is usually made of carbon steel with an anti-corrosion primer and an ultra-environmentally friendly top coating. The gap between the inner and outer tanks is filled with insulating powder (perlite) to reduce heat transfer.

When choosing a material for a cryogenic tank, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application, including the type of gas to be stored, the operating pressure, and the environmental environment. It is always recommended to consult with a material expert and engineer who is experienced in cryogenic applications to ensure the safety and efficiency of the storage system.

In addition to carbon steel, there are other special materials that can be used in cryogenic tanks, but they are expensive.

Recommended materials and mechanical properties:

  • Austenitic stainless steels: such as AISI grades 304, 304L, 316, 316L and 316LN, are commonly used, with high chromium content (16-20%) and large quantities of nickel (8-14%), which makes the austenitic structure stable at freezing temperature.
  • Aluminum alloy: It is light in weight and has good thermal conductivity. This makes it suitable for small freezer containers.
  • Nickel alloy: for very low temperatures. Nickel alloys are used due to their strength and ductility under such conditions.

Mechanical Properties:

  • Toughness: Helps maintain strength at extreme cold temperatures, which is important to prevent brittleness and cracking.
  • Tensile strength: Increased at low temperatures, especially in nitrogen-reinforced stainless steels.
  • Fracture Resistance: Materials such as austenitic stainless steel and some nickel steels have excellent fracture resistance toughness, which is essential for the safety of cryogenic tanks.
  • Wear resistance and hardness: Cold treatment of steel can enhance these properties, which can improve the life and efficiency of the tank.

These materials are shaped like an inner container for storing liquefied gas, and an outer container which acts as a protective shield insulating materials, such as vacuum insulation, perlite, or multiple layers of insulation, is used between these two layers to maintain the low temperatures that are necessary to keep what's inside in a liquid state. It is important to ensure that the material selected meets the specific requirements of the intended application, including compatibility with the stored substances and the operating environment of the tank.

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