Liquid Hydrogen (LHy)

Amidst escalating concerns over climate change, the global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation towards cleaner, more sustainable alternatives. Liquid Hydrogen (LHy) has emerged as a frontrunner in this endeavor, offering a plethora of applications across diverse industries. What distinguishes these fuels is not just their efficiency and lower emissions but also the pivotal role played by super insulation technology and innovative products from CSM-Cryogenic i.e. vacuum jacketed pipes, valve manifold boxes and bulk-fluid loading and off-loading equipments.

LHy Distribution Hub

LHy Loading Skid

With climate change policies driving industries to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact, the need for decarbonization has never been more urgent. While the rapid growth of renewables is promising, transitioning entire energy sectors takes time. Enter LHy, promising a cleaner energy future by significantly cutting CO2 emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels.

The introduction of CSM super insulation technology has revolutionized LHy applications, ensuring efficient refueling, vehicle usage, and power generation. This innovation minimizes heat transfer, enabling safe and cost-effective transportation and storage of hydrogen fuel while catering to various energy needs. Our advanced super insulation technology, designed to guarantee the reduction of boil-off-gas (BOG) and improve preservation of your valuable LHy in the pipeline. With an exceptional ability to minimize heat leakage, this technology ensures that pressure buildup remains controlled, safeguarding your assets and minimizing losses to the absolute minimum.

For LHy applications, CSM provides option on material of construction with SS316L (1.4404) on top of our standard 304L (1.4301/1.4307). We also provide W-series fully welded pipe connections for leak free, higher level of safety and 80% lower heat leaks than any competitive connection in the market. 

 

Vacuum Jacketed Pipe (VJP)

Overview

CSM Cryogenic, with prior experience in designing and commissioning several VJP systems for large scale cryogenic facility, bring invaluable expertise to ongoing prototyping and technology development for VJP in LHy application. Our focus remains on enhancing performance, safety, reliability, durability, and maintainability.

Design Features:

The VJP shares a stainless-steel core pipe with conventional PIR/PUR systems but is enclosed within an external pipe in a 'pipe-in-pipe' configuration. The radial gap between the pipes is insulated with multiple layers of highly reflective aluminum foil to minimize radiation heat input. Additionally, this annular space is evacuated to high vacuum and to eliminate heat transfer through conduction and convection.

LHy VJP is equipped with an internal expansion joint (bellows), the LHy VJP enables the core pipe to self-compensate for thermal contractions during normal operation, ranging from room temperature to -253°C (20 K).

The jacket pipe experiences environmental temperature fluctuations, from low temperatures during winter nights to elevated temperatures of up to 75°C due to solar heating in summer. Thermal movements in the jacket are minimal and can be safely managed by expansion bellow with rigid pipe supports within allowable design stress limits.

Each VJP spool, up to 18m long, maintains a consistent length under all operating conditions, eliminating the need for expansion loops in straight lengths of up to 1 km in LHy terminals.

Pipe supports, welded to the jacket pipe, form an integral part of the VJP spool and are directly bolted onto pipe racks, modules, or plinths at job sites. These supports can withstand significantly higher loading than conventional PIR/PUR pipe supports, particularly axial thrust load induced by thermal contraction/expansion and dynamic loads from abrupt LHy flow changes.

Benefits of VJP

Enhanced Thermal Insulation

The superior thermal insulation of VJP is attributed to the absence of major heat transfer media, including conduction via solids and convection via gas/fluid. Unlike conventional mechanical insulation media such as PIR and PUR, which rely on thermal conductivity coefficient and insulation thickness, VJP maintains consistent insulation performance over time, provided the operating vacuum is maintained.

For instance, while conventional PIR or PUR insulation degrades over time due to air and moisture ingress, resulting in increased heat flux to LHy, VJP offers significantly better insulation performance, yielding reduced boil-off gas and extended hold time for LHy storage.

Reduced Expansion Loops

CSM Cryogenic's latest VJP design offers structural advantages that reduce the need for expansion loops, leading to substantial cost savings in pipe material procurement, insulation, and civil construction. 

Reduced Pressure Drop

Fewer expansion loops in VJP result in lower pressure drop in LHy loading lines, allowing for design pressure reduction or downsizing of pump capacity and pipe thickness, thereby saving costs.

Integrated Pipe Support

VJP spools come equipped with welded pipe supports, customizable to suit client requirements. These supports are designed to withstand various loading conditions during normal and abnormal operations, providing enhanced safety and reliability.

Secondary Confinement for Environmental Protection

In the event of core pipe leakage, VJP's secondary confinement feature temporarily confines LHy within the jacket pipe, preventing uncontrolled spillage and minimizing environmental hazards.

Superior Protection

VJP spools offer immunity to corrosion, as the core pipe is fully contained within a vacuum condition, eliminating moisture and oxygen ingress. Additionally, the sturdy jacket pipe provides protection against external impacts, weather elements, and fire, ensuring reliable performance with minimal maintenance.

Operation and Maintenance

VJP spools undergo rigorous factory testing to ensure maintenance-free operation throughout their lifespan. With an anticipated design life of 40 years, VJP requires minimal maintenance, offering substantial cost savings over time.

Expedited Installation and Reduced Project Risk

Pre-tested and sealed VJP spools are delivered ready for installation, reducing project timelines and labor costs. With pre-tested spools, on-site pressure testing is limited to field-welds at spool joints, further streamlining installation and reducing project risk.

Overall, CSM Cryogenic's VJP solutions offer unparalleled performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, setting new standards in cryogenic piping technology.

Products for Liquid Hydrogen (LHy) applications:

Learn more:

 New Energy Overview (LH2).pdf