Cryogenic Storage Tank

Overview of Cryogenic Liquid Storage Tanks

Cryogenic storage tanks are specialized equipment used for storing cryogenic liquefied gases (such as LNG, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, etc.) at temperatures ranging from -196°C to 0°C. They are widely applied in energy, chemical, medical, and other fields. The following is a detailed analysis from multiple dimensions including technology, application, market, and safety:

I. Core Technologies and Classification

1. Thermal Insulation Technology

Vacuum Powder Insulation: Adopts a double-layer cylindrical structure, with the interlayer filled with perlite and evacuated to a high vacuum (0.5~6Pa). It is suitable for tanks with a capacity below 200m³ and high working pressure (e.g., 2.0MPa), and the evaporation rate can be controlled below 0.5%.

Atmospheric Pressure Powder Insulation: Features a flat-bottom double-layer structure, with the interlayer filled with perlite without vacuum pumping. It has a maximum capacity of 2000m³ and low working pressure (34~40KPa), mainly used for oxygen peak-shaving gas supply.

2. Material Selection

Inner Cylinder: Austenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316L), which is low-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant.

Outer Cylinder: Carbon steel, which has low cost and sufficient strength.

Special Materials: 9% nickel steel is used for LNG storage tanks, capable of withstanding ultra-low temperatures of -196°C; aluminum alloy is used for liquid hydrogen storage tanks, featuring significant lightweight advantages.

3. Intelligent Upgrading

IoT Monitoring: Built-in pressure, temperature, and liquid****** sensors upload real-time data to the cloud. Automatic alarms and remote adjustments are triggered in case of abnormalities. For example, the new-type tanks of Liaoyang Shengwang Chemical have reduced equipment failure rates by 60% through intelligent systems.

Data Management: Supports historical data storage, export, and energy consumption analysis to optimize operational efficiency. For instance, the intelligent system of the YDD-550-445 liquid nitrogen tank can record temperature and liquid****** changes, with adjustable data collection cycles.

II. Application Fields and Market Trends

1. Traditional Fields

Energy Industry: LNG storage tanks are core equipment for natural gas transportation and peak shaving. The growth of global LNG trade drives their demand. For example, China's LNG imports are expected to exceed 100 million tons in 2025, with a simultaneous expansion in supporting tank demand.

Industrial Gases: Liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid argon are used in iron and steel smelting and chemical production. The chemical industry will account for 45% of the cryogenic storage tank market share in 2025.

2. Emerging Fields

Hydrogen Energy Storage and Transportation: Liquid hydrogen storage tanks (-253°C) are a key link in the hydrogen energy industry chain. China will increase subsidies for hydrogen energy storage and transportation equipment by 25% in 2025 to drive market scale growth. For example, a hydrogen energy logistics enterprise uses cryogenic storage tanks to realize long-distance transportation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Cryogenic CO₂ storage tanks are used for sealing industrial waste gas. China's market scale in this field is expected to reach 8.5 billion yuan in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%.

3. Market Growth Forecast

Global Market Scale: Expected to exceed 12 billion US dollars in 2025, with China accounting for 35% and becoming the world's******** single market.

Growth Rate of Segmented Fields: The compound annual growth rate of hydrogen energy storage tanks will reach 28% from 2023 to 2025, and the demand for medical cold chain storage tanks will increase by 15% annually.

III. Design Standards and Safety Specifications

1. International Standards

BS EN 14620-5:2025: Specifies the testing, drying, purging, and cooling requirements for on-site constructed cryogenic storage tanks, covering media such as LNG, LPG, and ammonia.

ASME BPVC VIII: Pressure vessel design code, clarifying the material, manufacturing process, and pressure testing standards for cryogenic storage tanks.

2. Domestic Standards (China)

GB/T 18442: Standard for cryogenic insulated pressure vessels, setting strict requirements for vacuum degree, leakage rate, and other indicators.

TSG 21: Safety Technical Supervision Regulations for Stationary Pressure Vessels, strengthening welding processes and non-destructive testing procedures.

3. Safety Management Measures

Daily Inspection: Check for valve leakage, tank frosting, and instrument accuracy; test the acetylene content in liquid oxygen weekly (required to be <0.1×10⁻⁶).

Regular Maintenance: Conduct vacuum degree testing (required to be ≤16Pa under cold conditions), wall thickness detection, and weld flaw detection to ensure the structural integrity of the tank.

Emergency Response: Equip with spray systems, fire dikes, and gas detectors; formulate leakage disposal plans (e.g., no open flames are allowed near liquid oxygen storage tanks).

IV. Low temperature storage tank technical parameters