Super Insulation Technology

CSM employs a specially designed radiation shield with an incredibly low emissivity coefficient (ε), which indicates its exceptional ability to minimize heat emission. This radiation shield is manufactured to be just a few micrometers thick, significantly reducing the absorption of radiation heat (Qr) into the cryogenic system.

While the radiation shield effectively reflects a portion of the radiation heat, it also absorbs and transmits some of the heat to the adjacent layers through solid conduction. To mitigate radial heat transfer between these adjacent layers of the radiation shield, we incorporate spacers. These spacers are made from our proprietary inorganic glass fiber material, which is both flame retardant and compatible for use with liquid oxygen, certified to meet US DOT MC-338 standards. The spacers are manufactured with a specific porosity that allows for the formation of an efficient thermal barrier in the form of interstitial vacuum spaces.

To ensure the highest quality and performance of our super insulation materials, we subject them to a meticulous degassing treatment process. This process involves subjecting the materials to extreme heat and ultra-high vacuum conditions, combined with cryogenic condensation procedures. Through this procedure, volatile hydrocarbons, moisture vapor, and lighter gas molecules are effectively removed.

The twin-layer super insulation material is then expertly applied to the process pipes using a semi-automatic wrapping machine, forming multiple layers of insulation. Careful control of the wrapping load guarantees a consistent bulk density of 25 layers/cm throughout the entire length of the pipe. To achieve the desired radiation heat barrier, more than 40 layers of the radiation shield are meticulously applied, based on our calculation model. Following this application, the product undergoes a high-temperature baking and ultra-high vacuum evacuation process to eliminate any remaining moisture and gas molecule residues from the annular space. The final outcome is a product with an extremely low apparent thermal conductivity (Kt) that is virtually free of heat leaks, thereby preventing costly boil-off of your cryogen.

To ensure accurate heat leak calculations during the design of a cryogenics system, it is crucial for the manufacturer to conduct tests that determine the apparent thermal conductivity value of the Multilayer Insulation (MLI) and provide this data. 

By conducting these tests, the manufacturer can obtain precise measurements of MLI's thermal conductivity, which is essential for calculating heat leaks accurately. This information plays a critical role in designing a cryogenics system that effectively minimizes heat transfer and maintains the desired temperature levels.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the manufacturer prioritizes these tests and shares the resulting data. By doing so, they enable engineers and designers to make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate MLI and optimizing the system's thermal performance.

In conclusion, the manufacturer's commitment to conducting tests and providing accurate data on MLI's apparent thermal conductivity is a vital step towards ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of cryogenics systems. CSM can provide the white paper as regard to our product heat leaks and how it measured up against competitive product technologies in the market.   

Key benefits of multilayer super insulation:
  • Lesser cryogen boil-off
  • Elimimating two phase flow in pipeline
  • Stable cryogen pressure & temperature to your equipment
  • Lesser cryogen boil off means faster payback to your investment

At CSM, we are committed to utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques and processes to deliver superior products that meet the stringent demands of cryogenic applications. By employing our cutting-edge insulation solutions, you can achieve optimal thermal efficiency and minimize wasteful heat loss in your cryogenic systems.

To read more about super insulation, click the blog post link Super Insulation Technology (csm-cryogenic.com)