A cryogenic container is a container used to store or transport a liquid gas or refrigerant, as defined below:
Functions and Classification
Cryogenic container is a general term for the equipment for storing and transporting cryogenic liquids, and is customarily divided into small dewars, storage tanks, tankers, tankers, etc.
In industry, the liquefied gases stored and transported include liquefied natural gas, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, liquid helium and liquid fluorine.
Temperature Range
According to the Regulations for Safety and Technical Supervision of Liquefied Gas Storage and Transportation Equipment, the temperature standard for cryogenic containers is generally between -196°C and -162°C.
However, depending on the storage temperature, cryogenic containers can be further subdivided into:
Ultra-low temperature containers
The storage temperature is generally below -150 °C, and it is often used in medicine, biological research and other fields.
Cryogenic containers: The storage temperature is generally between -150°C and -50°C.
Structure & Materials
Dewar containers are made up of two or more layers of metal shells of concentric devices, the innermost layer is called the inner tank, which is used to store cryogenic liquids, and the outermost layer is called the outer shell.
Between the inner tank and the shell, there is a thermal insulation interlayer, which is equipped with thermal insulation material, or then installed with a protective screen.
Classification & Application
According to its insulation method, cryogenic containers can be divided into ordinary insulation structure containers, high vacuum insulation containers, vacuum powder insulation and vacuum fiber insulation containers, vacuum multi-layer insulation containers and containers with liquid hydrogen screens or conduction screens.
According to its working pressure, it can be divided into low-pressure container (or open container) and high-pressure container.
According to its use, cryogenic containers can be divided into two types: stationary and transport, the former is for storage, and the latter is used for transportation.
Design Points
Cryogenic containers are generally made in a spherical or cylindrical shape, which can save materials and reduce cold loss.
The cylindrical container can be made in the vertical or horizontal type, depending on the specific conditions.
The actual volume of the container should be greater than the effective storage volume, and generally 5%~10% of the steam space should be left to ensure safety.
Differences from cryogenic containers
Cryogenic containers are generally used to store substances at temperatures between -40°C and -80°C, while cryogenic containers are suitable for lower temperature ranges, generally below -100°C, and can reach as low as -196°C.
In summary, cryogenic containers are special equipment designed for the storage and transportation of cryogenic liquids, with temperature standards, construction, materials, and applications that are carefully designed to meet specific industrial and scientific needs.
