ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 22 June 2009
Page Count: 11

Vacuum Superinsulated Liquid Oxygen Piping and Vessels

Colson, Alain
Air Liquide International Senior Expert, Engineering and Large Industries Department, Air Liquide, Champigny-sur-Marne,

Werlen, Etienne
Air Liquide International Expert, Manager of the Engineering Technical Commission, Air Liquide, Champigny-sur-Marne,

Barthélémy, Hervé
Air Liquide International Fellow Senior Expert, Air Liquide, Champigny-sur-Marne,

(Received 25 November 2008; accepted 9 April 2009)

Abstract

Vacuum superinsulation is commonly used in industrial applications for liquid oxygen transfer piping and liquid oxygen vessels as an alternative to other solid insulation materials such as perlite or Foamglass^®, which have lower thermal performances. Tests have been conducted on insulation materials according to ASTM D2512 (equivalent to ISO 11114–3, EN 1797) in LOX as well as according to ASTM G72 (equivalent to EN 1797) in GOX. The superinsulation materials that have been tested are a number of layers of aluminum foils of various thicknesses each being separated by intermediate nonmetallic layers of various nature. Based on experience and incidents in the industry, this paper is intended to discuss the recent test results in pure oxygen and the possible ignition of superinsulation material in the interspace and mechanism of propagation as well as the consequences of a fire. Recommendations regarding material selection for vacuum superinsulation materials in LOX applications are also provided.

Keywords:
insulation material, superinsulation, organic, nonorganic, glass fiber, intermediate layers, contamination, aluminum foil, polyester, interspace, compatibility, vacuum, adsorbent, getter, impact, cryogenic, vessel, manufacturing, workshop, contamination, bellow, thermal barrier, liquid oxygen, impact test

Paper ID: JAI102252
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102252
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