With the development of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, the demand for insulation in cryogenic storage, transportation, and related equipment is gradually increasing. To ensure that LNG remains at a low temperature during transportation, the selection of insulation materials is crucial. LNG elastic felt, as a new type of cryogenic insulation material, has been widely used in cryogenic engineering in recent years. This article will compare and analyze LNG elastic felt with traditional cryogenic insulation materials to help engineers select the most suitable material for their projects.

I. Differences in Material Structure and Basic Properties

1. Structural Characteristics of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt typically uses flexible composite materials, possessing extremely low thermal conductivity and excellent resistance to cold shrinkage, specifically designed for cryogenic insulation. It employs a multi-layer composite structure, with a microporous interior and an outer layer typically covered with a moisture-proof layer to ensure long-term stable insulation performance.

2. Structural Characteristics of Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials

Traditional cryogenic insulation materials, such as polyurethane, glass wool, and rock wool, are mostly rigid insulation layers, requiring additional protective layers to prevent condensation penetration or insulation layer damage. Traditional materials have high thermal conductivity, requiring thicker insulation layers to achieve the same insulation effect.

II. Comparison of Insulation Performance

1. Thermal Conductivity

LNG Elastic Felt: Possesses extremely low thermal conductivity, typically 0.018-0.023 W/(m·K), providing excellent insulation even in thin layers, making it ideal for use in ultra-low temperature environments.

Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials: Generally have higher thermal conductivity; for example, polyurethane and glass wool typically have a thermal conductivity of 0.022-0.035 W/(m·K), requiring greater insulation thickness to achieve the same insulation effect.

2. Thermal Bridge Issues

Due to the rigid structure and joint treatment issues of traditional cryogenic insulation materials, thermal bridging is common, leading to unstable insulation performance. The flexibility and integrity of LNG elastic felt allow it to better conform to equipment and pipeline surfaces, reducing the formation of thermal bridges.

III. Resistance to Cold Shrinkage

1. Resistance to Cold Shrinkage of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt is designed to withstand extremely low temperatures. Its special microporous structure and flexible material allow it to maintain a stable structure during low-temperature changes, making it less prone to embrittlement, cracking, or shrinkage.

2. Resistance to Cold Shrinkage of Traditional Low-Temperature Insulation Materials

Traditional low-temperature insulation materials such as polyurethane and glass wool are prone to shrinkage or cracking in low-temperature environments, especially in situations with large temperature fluctuations. Even after reinforcement, their resistance to cold shrinkage is relatively poor, affecting long-term insulation performance.

IV. Construction and Installation Ease

1. Construction Characteristics of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt has high flexibility, making installation simple and quick. It can flexibly cover complex parts such as pipelines, valves, and equipment, greatly improving construction efficiency. At the same time, the strong integrity of LNG elastic felt reduces the complexity of joints and subsequent maintenance.

2. Construction Difficulty of Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials

Traditional cryogenic insulation materials are mostly rigid boards or require additional covering layers. Construction not only requires significant space but also presents potential joint problems. This is particularly true at bends and flanges in equipment and pipelines, where construction is more challenging.

V. Durability and Long-Term Stability

1. Durability of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt, as a high-performance cryogenic insulation material, boasts exceptional durability, maintaining stable insulation performance over long periods in extremely low-temperature environments. Its superior anti-aging properties reduce the likelihood of damage or performance degradation, minimizing the need for frequent replacement and maintenance.

2. Durability of Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials

While traditional materials exhibit stable performance at normal temperatures, their durability is relatively poor at low temperatures due to their rigidity and brittleness. Prolonged use at low temperatures can lead to material aging and damage, thus affecting the insulation effect.

VI. Economic and Cost Analysis

1. Cost and Value of LNG Resilient Felt

The initial purchase cost of LNG resilient felt may be higher than some traditional materials, but its superior insulation performance and thinner application thickness significantly reduce long-term energy consumption, making it particularly suitable for high-efficiency, low-energy-consumption cryogenic storage and transportation systems.

2. Cost of Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials

The initial cost of traditional cryogenic insulation materials is relatively low, but due to their higher thermal conductivity, thicker insulation layers are required to achieve the same effect, potentially leading to higher long-term energy costs. Furthermore, the higher frequency of maintenance and replacement makes them less cost-effective than LNG resilient felt in the long run.

VII. Comparison of Applicable Scenarios

LNG Elastic Felt Applicable Scenarios:

Cryogenic Pipeline Insulation

LNG Storage Tanks and Transportation Systems

Cryogenic Insulation Systems for High-Efficiency Equipment

Equipment Insulation in Cryogenic Environments

Traditional Cryogenic Insulation Materials Applicable Scenarios:

Conventional Cold Storage Insulation

Cryogenic Equipment Not Requiring Ultra-High Insulation Performance

Cryogenic Transportation Pipelines and Industrial Equipment

Overall, the advantages of LNG elastic felt in cryogenic equipment insulation mainly lie in its ultra-low thermal conductivity, flexible structure, excellent resistance to cold shrinkage, and relatively thin insulation layer thickness. In projects with high requirements for energy saving, space utilization, and system efficiency, LNG elastic felt is undoubtedly a more efficient choice. Traditional cryogenic insulation materials, on the other hand, are suitable for general cryogenic insulation needs, with relatively mature applications and lower initial costs.

Correctly selecting insulation materials, and comprehensively weighing actual application needs and long-term benefits, is key to ensuring the efficient operation of cryogenic systems.