CRYOGENIC TANK TECHNICAL GUIDE
Cryogenic tanks are engineered vessels designed to store and transport liquefied gases at extremely low temperatures such as Liquid Nitrogen (LIN), Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Argon (LAR), Liquid CO₂, LNG, and other cryogenic fluids. These tanks must withstand thermal shock, vacuum insulation loss, structural stress, and extreme temperature gradients between -196°C and ambient conditions.
This pillar page provides a complete engineering guide covering cryogenic tank design principles, material selection, insulation systems, stress calculations, fabrication processes, testing standards, safety requirements, instrumentation, and industrial application areas.
What Is a Cryogenic Tank?
A cryogenic tank is a double-wall, vacuum-insulated vessel designed to store liquefied gases below -150°C. The inner vessel contains the cryogenic medium, while the outer vessel provides structural support, vacuum retention, and insulation stability. Between these two walls, perlite or multilayer insulation (MLI) combined with high vacuum provides extremely low thermal conductivity.
Cryogenic tanks can be vertical, horizontal, stationary, skid-mounted, or mobile (trailer/tanker).
Cryogenic Tank Types
Stationary Cryogenic Storage Tanks
Used in industrial plants, hospitals, laboratories, chemical facilities, steel factories, and food processing units.
Microbulk Cryogenic Tanks
Designed for smaller consumption facilities requiring stable pressure and continuous supply.
Cryogenic ISO Containers & Tankers
Used for international transport under ISO 1496-3 and ADR/RID regulations.
LNG Storage Vessels
Used in energy facilities, fuel stations, marine applications, and power generation units.
Cryogenic Tank Material Selection
Due to the extremely low temperatures, materials must maintain ductility and strength.
| Material | Application | Temperature Range |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304/304L | General cryogenic service | down to -196°C |
| Stainless Steel 316L | High corrosion resistance | down to -196°C |
| 9% Nickel Steel | LNG storage | down to -165°C |
| Aluminum Alloys | Lightweight tanks | down to -196°C |
Material must be selected according to:
Charpy impact values
Thermal contraction coefficient
Weldability
Compatibility with cryogenic fluids
Stress-strain behavior in cryo conditions
Cryogenic Tank Design Parameters
Cryogenic tanks involve complex thermal and structural calculations. Key parameters:
Mechanical & Thermal Design
Inner vessel pressure: 2–30 bar
Outer vessel pressure: atmospheric
Design temperature: -196°C
Vacuum level: < 5 × 10⁻³ mbar
Insulation thermal conductivity: < 0.03 W/mK
Shell thickness: 4–40 mm depending on volume
Seismic load and wind load calculations
Thermal contraction allowance (ΔL)
Insulation Structure
High vacuum environment
Multilayer insulation (MLI)
Perlite or composite materials
Getters & absorbers for gas capture
Vacuum guard system
Cryogenic Tank Engineering Design Table
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Working Pressure | 8–24 bar |
| Test Pressure | Working × 1.5 |
| Inner Shell Material | 304L / 316L |
| Outer Shell Material | Carbon Steel / 304L |
| Insulation | Perlite + MLI |
| Design Temperature | -196°C |
| Vacuum Level | < 5×10⁻³ mbar |
| Stress Relief | PWHT if required |
| Heat Leak Rate | < 1 W/L/day |
