Owens Corning

Thermal insulation solutions for liquid oxygen and nitrogen piping and equipment operating at cryogenic temperatures.

Insulation systems for liquid oxygen -183°C (-297°F) and liquid nitrogen -196°C (-320°F) require a specialized approach that considers the properties of the equipment to be insulated and the chemical and physical properties of the insulation to be used.

The potential for explosive reactions between with liquid oxygen (LOX) and organic materials require special design considerations for any LIN/LOX insulation system. The use of organic based materials, including those found in insulation materials and accessories such as coatings, adhesives and sealants, should be minimized. Considering the volatile nature of LIN/LOX and its possible interaction with organic materials, the choice of the thermal insulation should be a non-combustible and inorganic material.

An inorganic, non-combustible FOAMGLAS® insulation system will keep the fire and explosion risks at a minimum. When installed in accordance with our guide specifications, it will not interact with liquid oxygen, and minimize the dangers associated with oxidizing of organic materials.

Liquid oxygen plant with tanks

An inorganic, non-combustible FOAMGLAS® insulation system will keep the fire and explosion risks at a minimum. When installed in accordance with our guide specifications, it will not interact with liquid oxygen, and minimize the dangers associated with oxidizing of organic materials.

In terms of thermal performance, the insulation should be designed and installed with the primary purposes of preventing condensation and ice on external surfaces, and to reduce heat flux into the LIN/LOX process. The temperature of the liquid in the pipeline must be maintained over long distances. Variations in temperature may cause the liquid to become unusable. FOAMGLAS® insulation, with its longer term, stable insulating efficiency in cold and cryogenic service applications, will limit heat gain by the system.

Liquid oxygen pipe

In below ambient processes, water vapor can enter permeable insulations and condense, resulting in a build-up of water and/or ice, subsequently lowering thermal performance by up to 50x. When this type of insulation deterioration occurs, energy consumption increases dramatically.

This can be avoided by using the appropriate insulation system. FOAMGLAS® insulation is impermeable to water and water vapor, and when installed according to or guide specifications, it will prevent moisture from penetrating the insulation system.

Frozen pipes and equipment

Typical configuration for service temperatures below -180°C (-292°F):

  • A double layer system of prefabricated shells (PSH), segments (PSG) and shapes is generally sufficient for this temperature range.
  • For large bore pipes and equipment, a triple layer system might be necessary depending upon the ambient or service conditions.
  • Many designers and national regulations impose liquid oxygen compatibility requirements to all applications at temperatures below -180°C (-292°F).