IZMIR KATIP CELEBI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING

CRYOGENIC GAS TANK DESIGN AND MATERIALS

SELECTION

Gökçe DUNLU
İlkim TUNCER
Buse UĞURLU
Hilal ÇİĞDEM

20.12.2023

IZMIR
ABSTRACT
1. INTRODUCTION

Cryogenic gas tanks are special containers designed for the storage and transportation of
gases at very low temperatures (below -150 degrees Celsius). The term "cryogenic" originates
from the Greek word "kryos" meaning cold. These tanks are designed to transport gases in their
cryogenic state, such as liquefied gases or cold gases under high pressure. With its special
structure, insulation and pressure control systems, it ensures that the gases in the tank remain
in liquid form. For example, industrial gases such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied
oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, argon are often stored in cryogenic tanks.

1.1 USAGE AREAS OF CRYOGENIC TANKS

Cryogenic gas tanks play important roles in various areas of industrial applications. These
tanks are used for various purposes in industrial sectors as they have the capacity to liquefy
and store gases by operating at low temperatures. Here are some industrial uses and roles of
cryogenic gas tanks:

• Power Plants and LNG Storage: Cryogenic gas tanks play an important role in
storing fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) used in power plants. These tanks reduce
the volume of natural gas by liquefying it and enable it to be stored more easily and
economically.

• Metallurgy and Metal Processing: In the metallurgical industry, cryogenic gases are
used in metal processing processes. In particular, cryogenic nitrogen or argon is used in the
cooling and shaping stage of metals.

• Health and Medicine: Cryogenic gases are important in medical applications. For
example, liquefied oxygen, nitrogen, and argon are used for medical imaging devices and
surgical procedures.

• Food Industry: Cryogenic gases are used in cooling and freezing processes in the
food industry. In particular, liquefied nitrogen or carbon dioxide is used in freezing,
preserving or packaging foods.

• Chemical Industry: Cryogenic gases are used to maintain low temperatures and
control reactions in chemical production processes. Some chemical processes are carried
out in cryogenic conditions, which can increase the efficiency of certain chemical
reactions.

• Space and Aviation: In the space industry, liquefied oxygen, hydrogen, or other
cryogenic fuels are used as rocket fuel. These fuels provide the propulsion power of
spacecraft and rockets.
 Figure.1 Cryogenic liquid vacuum storage tank

1.2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CRYOGENIC GAS TANKS

Cryogenic gas tanks have some advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered
and determined depending on the area in which they will be used.

Table.1 Cryogenic tanks advantages and disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages
High Energy Density: Liquefying gases High Energy Consumption: Storing and
greatly reduces their volume. This provides maintaining cryogenic gases in liquid form
greater energy density in terms of storage generally requires high energy consumption.
and transportation. Liquefaction of natural This can increase operational costs and lead
gas (LNG), in particular, can be transported to environmental impacts.
over longer distances and takes up less
space.
Storage at Low Temperatures: Cryogenic Safety Risks: Cryogenic systems operating
tanks have the ability to preserve liquid at low temperatures and under high pressure
gases at low temperatures. This feature is have safety risks. Situations such as gas
important for use in industrial, medical and leaks and explosion risks can pose serious
research fields. dangers.

Various Application Areas: Cryogenic gas Requires Maintenance and Expertise:

tanks are used in many different areas, from Maintenance of cryogenic systems requires
the energy sector to the healthcare industry. special training and expertise. Maintenance
The storage and transportation of liquefied and operation of such systems must be
gases is vital for a variety of applications. carried out by expert technicians and
engineers.
Rapid Cooling and Process Control: Cost: Cryogenic tanks are costly because
Cryogenic technology provides rapid they are made of special materials and must
cooling capability and may be advantageous withstand high pressure and low
for process control in some industrial temperatures.
processes.
1.3 CRYOGENIC TANK PROPERTIES

Cryogenic tanks have a number of features that make them stand out compared to other
alternative gas storage methods. These;

• High Insulation Capacity: Cryogenic tanks have high levels of insulation to maintain
the low temperature inside. This insulation minimizes heat transfer from the external
environment.

• Low Temperature Endurance: These tanks have the ability to operate at low
temperatures (usually below -150°C) and high pressure.

• Made from Special Materials: Cryogenic tanks are usually made from special alloy
steel or other durable materials. These materials must be resistant to low temperatures
and high pressure.

• Pressure and Capacity Diversity: Tanks can be produced in different pressures and
sizes depending on storage capacity and intended use. This provides flexibility for a
variety of industrial and medical applications.

• Special Valves and Connections: Cryogenic tanks have specially designed valves and
connections for the intake, evacuation and transfer of gases.

• Safety Features: These tanks include safety measures as they operate under high
pressure and low temperatures. Additionally, precautions must be taken against gas
leaks.

• Corrosion Resistance: Special coatings or materials can be used to prevent corrosion

on internal surfaces.

• Low Heat Transfer: Cryogenic tanks prevent heat transfer to the outside to ensure
that the liquefied gas inside is maintained at a low temperature.

1.4 CRYOGENIC TANKS COMPONENTS

Cryogenic tanks consist of various special components that require resistance to low
temperature and high pressure conditions. The inner vessels of cryogenic tanks are the
innermost container where liquefied gas is stored. It is made of special materials such as
stainless steel, aluminum or other alloys that can withstand extremely low temperatures.
There is a layer surrounding the inner container called the outer vessel, which provides
structural support and acts as a secondary barrier for insulation. This outer layer is usually
made of durable materials and helps protect the inner container from external damage.
Annular space is filled with insulation material between the inner tank and the outer
vessel, which will minimize heat transfer and protect the low temperature environment
inside the tank. Common insulation materials include perlite, vacuum insulated panels,
foam insulation or multilayer insulation systems. For some larger tanks, pressure-
generating coils are mounted inside the tank. These coils help regulate and maintain the
pressure of the stored liquefied gas by allowing some of it to evaporate and increase the
pressure as needed. Cryogenic tanks are equipped with special valves, fittings and
connections designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. These components
enable controlled filling, withdrawal and transfer of liquefied gas. Cryogenic tanks have a
variety of safety features such as relief valves, rupture discs, pressure relief devices and
emergency shutdown systems. These safety measures help prevent overpressure situations
and ensure safe operation, especially in emergency situations.

Figure.2 Cryogenic tank basic component

1.5 COMMONLY USED MATERIALS IN CRYOGENIC TANKS

Cryogenic tanks are designed to withstand extremely low temperatures and high pressure
conditions associated with storing liquefied gases. Various materials are used in their
construction to ensure durability, strength, and resistance to these demanding conditions.
Some commonly used materials include:

Stainless Steel: Stainless steel, particularly grades that offer good low-temperature
toughness and resistance to corrosion, is a common material for cryogenic tanks due to its
durability and reliability.
Aluminum Alloys: Aluminum alloys are also used in cryogenic tanks due to their
lightweight nature and reasonable strength at low temperatures. These alloys are often
employed in inner tank structures.

Nickel Steel Alloys: Certain nickel-based alloys, such as Invar (an iron-nickel alloy),
possess low coefficients of thermal expansion, making them suitable for cryogenic
applications where dimensional stability is crucial.

Titanium: Titanium and its alloys exhibit excellent strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion
resistance, making them suitable for specific components or structures within cryogenic
tanks.

Composite Materials: Some modern cryogenic tanks might utilize advanced composite
materials that offer a combination of strength, lightness, and resistance to extreme
temperatures. These composites could be used for insulation or specific structural
components.
MATERIAL SELECTION PROCESS

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING REMARKS

REFERENCES