In the fields of cryogenic engineering and pipeline insulation, LNG elastic felt and rigid insulation materials (such as polyurethane and rock wool) are two common insulation materials. Although both types of materials can effectively provide insulation, their applicability in different projects varies significantly due to differences in their structural characteristics, insulation performance, and applicable scenarios. This article will analyze the applicability of LNG elastic felt and rigid insulation materials from the aspects of material structure, thermal conductivity, anti-condensation capability, ease of construction, and application scenarios.

I. Comparison of Material Structure and Basic Characteristics

1. Structural Characteristics of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt is a composite flexible insulation material, mainly composed of synthetic rubber, polyurethane, and other inorganic materials. Its internal microporous structure effectively prevents heat transfer, providing excellent insulation performance. In addition, LNG elastic felt also has good resistance to cold shrinkage, making it particularly suitable for cryogenic environments.

2. Structural Characteristics of Rigid Insulation Materials

Rigid insulation materials (such as polyurethane, rock wool, and glass wool) typically employ solid foam or fiber structures, possessing high thermal resistance. Rigid insulation materials often require an additional moisture barrier to enhance condensation resistance. Furthermore, in low-temperature environments, their relatively rigid physical structure may lead to cracking or deformation under significant temperature variations.

II. Insulation Performance Comparison

1. Insulation Effect of LNG Resilient Felt

LNG resilient felt has an ultra-low thermal conductivity, typically between 0.018 and 0.023 W/(m·K). Its microporous structure allows it to provide excellent insulation even in thin layers, making it particularly suitable for low-temperature systems with high energy efficiency requirements or limited space.

2. Insulation Effect of Rigid Insulation Materials

Rigid insulation materials typically have higher thermal conductivity; for example, polyurethane has a thermal conductivity between 0.022 and 0.030 W/(m·K), while rock wool and glass wool typically have a thermal conductivity between 0.035 and 0.045 W/(m·K). Therefore, to achieve the same insulation effect as LNG resilient felt in low-temperature environments, rigid insulation materials usually require a greater thickness.

In general, LNG elastic felt provides higher insulation performance at a thinner thickness, while rigid insulation materials require a thicker insulation layer to achieve a similar effect.

III. Comparison of Anti-condensation and Moisture-proof Capabilities

1. Anti-condensation Capability of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt has a closed-cell structure, resulting in excellent anti-condensation performance. It effectively prevents moisture from entering the insulation layer, thereby reducing condensation. This makes it ideal for systems prone to condensation, such as chilled water pipelines and cryogenic storage tanks.

2. Anti-condensation Performance of Rigid Insulation Materials

Rigid insulation materials, such as rock wool and glass wool, typically have an open-cell structure. While they offer good thermal insulation, their moisture-proof performance is poor, usually requiring an additional moisture barrier to prevent moisture from entering the insulation layer. Therefore, in humid environments, rigid insulation materials have weaker anti-condensation capabilities.

IV. Comparison of Construction and Installation Ease

1. Construction Characteristics of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt is lightweight and highly flexible. During construction, it can be cut and wrapped according to the shape of pipelines and equipment, enabling quick and convenient installation. It is particularly suitable for insulation of complex pipelines and irregularly shaped equipment, and joint problems are less likely to occur during installation.

2. Construction Characteristics of Rigid Insulation Materials

Rigid insulation materials such as polyurethane, rock wool, and glass wool are usually in the form of boards or pipe shells. During construction, the boards need to be cut to appropriate sizes and fixed to the pipeline surface, making the installation process more cumbersome. Due to their rigid structure, construction is more difficult, especially in complex areas.

V. Applicability Analysis and Application Scenarios

| Application Scenarios | LNG Elastic Felt | Rigid Insulation Materials |

| ------------- | ---------------- | ----------------- |

| Cryogenic Pipelines | ✔ Preferred | △ General |

| Cryogenic Storage Tanks | ✔ Applicable | △ Not Recommended |

| Industrial Equipment Insulation | ✔ Preferred | ✔ Applicable |

| High Anti-Condensation Requirements | ✔ Preferred | △ Limited |

| Conventional Building Insulation | △ General | ✔ Preferred |

VI. Economic Efficiency and Long-Term Benefit Analysis

1. Economic Efficiency of LNG Elastic Felt

The initial cost of LNG elastic felt is usually high, but due to its ultra-thin and highly efficient insulation characteristics, it can save materials and construction space, and reduce energy consumption in long-term use, resulting in good long-term economic benefits.

2. Economic Efficiency of Rigid Insulation Materials

Rigid insulation materials such as rock wool and polyurethane have lower initial costs, but to achieve the same insulation effect, thicker layers are usually required, potentially increasing the construction area and space occupied, and resulting in higher long-term energy consumption.

Overall, there are significant differences in the applicability of LNG elastic felt and rigid insulation materials in cryogenic systems:

LNG elastic felt: Suitable for efficient and energy-saving cryogenic pipeline and equipment insulation, especially in applications with limited space or high requirements for condensation prevention, where it has a clear advantage.

Rigid insulation materials: Suitable for equipment and pipeline insulation in high-temperature and conventional environments, and have certain advantages in terms of fire resistance and cost.

In practical applications, engineers should scientifically select the material type based on the specific needs of the project, the operating environment, budget, and construction conditions to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the system.