Low-temperature liquid storage tank with a volume of 200 cubic meters

Refrigerated storage tanks: Technological innovation and market development

Cryogenic storage tanks are specialized equipment used to store cryogenic liquid gases (such as liquefied natural gas, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid hydrogen) with a storage temperature range of -196°C to 0°C. They are widely used in industries such as energy, chemicals, and medicine. The following will provide a detailed analysis from multiple perspectives, including technology, applications, market, and safety.

I. Basic Techniques and Classification

1. Thermal insulation technology

Vacuum powder insulation materialDouble-layer cylindrical structure with perlite powder filling the space between layers, providing a high vacuum (0.5~6 Pa). Suitable for storage tanks with a volume of less than 200 m³ and a high working pressure (e.g., 2.0 MPa), with an evaporation rate controllable below 0.5%.

Figure 1 – Structure of a vacuum powder container: 1 – Inner cylinder (316L stainless steel), 2 – Perlite powder (insulation material), 3 – Vacuum layer (0.5~6 Pa), 4 – Outer cylinder (carbonate steel), 5 – Adsorbent (used to maintain vacuum).

Atmospheric powder insulation materialIt has a double-layered, flat-bottomed structure with perlite powder filling the space between the layers, but does not create a vacuum. The maximum volume is 2000 cubic meters, and the operating pressure is relatively low (34-40 kPa), primarily used for peak oxygen supply.

2. Material Selection

Inner cylinderAustenitic stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316L) – resistant to low temperatures and corrosion.

outer cylinderCarbon steel – low cost and sufficient strength.

Special materialsSteel with a nickel content of 9% is used for liquefied natural gas storage tanks and can withstand ultra-low temperatures down to -196°C; aluminum alloys are used for liquid hydrogen storage tanks, which have significant weight reduction advantages.

3. Smart Update

Internet of Things (IoT) monitoringBuilt-in pressure, temperature, and****** sensors transmit real-time data to the cloud. In the event of an anomaly, the system automatically issues an alarm and initiates remote control. For example, Liaoyang Shenwan Chemical Co., Ltd.'s new storage tanks benefited from this intelligent system, resulting in a 60% reduction in equipment failure rate.

Data ManagementIt supports historical data storage, export, and energy consumption analysis to optimize operational efficiency. For example, the YDD-550-445 intelligent liquid nitrogen storage tank system can record temperature and liquid****** changes and has a configurable data acquisition cycle.

II. Application Areas and Market Trends

1. Traditional Areas

energy industryLiquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks are key equipment for natural gas transportation and peak shaving. The growth of international LNG trade is driving demand. For example, China's LNG imports are projected to exceed 100 billion tons by 2025, leading to a corresponding increase in demand for storage tanks.

Industrial gasesLiquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid argon are widely used in the metallurgical (steelmaking) and chemical industries. By 2025, the chemical industry will account for 45% of the entire refrigeration tank market.

2. New Fields

Hydrogen storage and transportationLiquid hydrogen storage tanks (-253°C) are a crucial link in the hydrogen energy industry chain. In China, subsidies for hydrogen storage and transportation equipment will increase by 25% by 2025, which will stimulate market growth. For example, a hydrogen logistics company is using refrigerated storage tanks for long-distance transportation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCUS)Carbon dioxide refrigerated tanks are used to store industrial waste gases. The market size in this sector in China is projected to reach 8.5 billion yuan by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.2%.

3. Market Growth Forecast

Global MarketsIt is projected that by 2025, its market size will exceed US$12 billion, with China accounting for 35%, making it the world's******** single market.

Growth rates of each market segmentBetween 2023 and 2025, the average annual growth rate of hydrogen storage tanks will reach 28%, while the demand for medical cold chain storage tanks will grow at a rate of 15% per year.

III. Regulatory Documents for Design and Safety Rules

1. International Standards

BS EN 14620-5:2025It specifies the testing, drying, purging, and cooling requirements for on-site constructed refrigeration tanks, including media such as liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and ammonia.

ASME BPVC VIIIThe pressure tank design specification document stipulates the materials, manufacturing process, and pressure testing standards for refrigeration tanks.

2. National Standard (China)

GB/T 18442The standard for refrigerated insulated pressure vessels sets strict requirements for parameters such as vacuum****** and leakage rate.

TSG 21The Safety Technical Supervision Rules for Stationary Pressure Vessels have strengthened the requirements for welding processes and non-destructive testing.

3. Safety Management Measures

Daily checkCheck for valve leaks, frost on the outer casing, and instrument accuracy; analyze the acetylene content in liquid oxygen weekly (should be <0.1×10⁻⁶).

Regular maintenanceVacuum testing (≤16 Pa in cold state), wall thickness measurement, and non-destructive testing of joints are conducted to ensure the integrity of the tank structure.

Emergency response measuresIrrigation system equipment, fireproof covers, gas analyzers; develop plans to mitigate the consequences of leaks (e.g., prohibit open flames near liquid oxygen tanks).