
Polyurethane Foam Insulated LCO₂ Storage Tank
Featuring a rigid closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation layer protected by an outer metallic jacket, the vessel supports industrial gas distribution, beverage carbonation, food freezing, and industrial process applications.
Introduction
The Polyurethane Foam (PUF) Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LCO₂) Storage Tank is a stationary pressure vessel designed for bulk storage of refrigerated liquid carbon dioxide.
Featuring a rigid closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation layer protected by an outer metallic jacket, the vessel supports industrial gas distribution, beverage carbonation, food freezing, and industrial process applications.
Technical Specifications
|
Parameter |
10 m³ LCO₂ Tank |
20 m³ LCO₂ Tank |
50 m³ LCO₂ Tank |
100 m³ LCO₂ Tank |
|
Tank Orientation |
Vertical / Horizontal |
Vertical / Horizontal |
Vertical / Horizontal |
Vertical / Horizontal |
|
Design Pressure |
2.16 / 2.50 MPa |
2.16 / 2.50 MPa |
2.16 / 2.50 MPa |
2.16 / 2.50 MPa |
|
Effective Working Volume |
~9.0 m³ |
~18.0 m³ |
~45.0 m³ |
~90.0 m³ |
|
Overall Dimensions (Dia. × H/L) |
~1,600 × 5,800 mm |
~2,000 × 7,200 mm |
~2,600 × 10,500 mm |
~3,200 × 14,200 mm |
|
Empty Tare Weight |
~5,800 kg |
~9,200 kg |
~18,500 kg |
~34,000 kg |
|
Inner Vessel Material |
16MnDR |
16MnDR |
16MnDR |
16MnDR |
|
Outer Jacket Material |
Q235B Carbon Steel / SS304 |
Q235B Carbon Steel / SS304 |
Q235B Carbon Steel / SS304 |
Q235B Carbon Steel / SS304 |
|
Insulation Type & Thickness |
Rigid PUF (150 mm) |
Rigid PUF (150 mm) |
Rigid PUF (200 mm) |
Rigid PUF (200 mm) |
|
Design Life |
20 Years |
20 Years |
20 Years |
20 Years |
Capacity, Pressure & Temperature
Capacity: Standard tanks range from 5–150 m³, with custom designs available up to 250 m³.
Pressure: Standard design pressures and MAWP are 2.16 MPa or 2.50 MPa. Alternative ratings can be specified according to project requirements. Recommended operating pressure is 1.4–2.0 MPa, depending on downstream needs.
Temperature: The inner vessel is rated for −40°C to +50°C, while the outer jacket is designed for ambient temperatures from −20°C to +50°C.
Filling Level: Maximum filling level is determined by applicable pressure vessel codes, site conditions, and project safety requirements.
Tank Materials & Construction
Inner Vessel: Fabricated from normalized low-temperature pressure-vessel steel 16MnDR in accordance with GB 3531, with Charpy V-notch impact testing at −40°C.
Outer Jacket: Made from Q235B carbon steel with an outdoor anti-corrosion coating, or SS304 stainless steel for harsh environments.
Heads and Shell: 2:1 ellipsoidal heads are cold- or hot-formed to ensure even stress distribution and structural integrity.
Welding: Longitudinal and circumferential seams use automatic submerged arc welding (SAW). Nozzles are welded using GTAW/GMAW by qualified pressure-vessel welders.
Insulation System
Insulation Layer: Closed-cell rigid polyurethane foam, either directly injected or applied as cladding, with a uniform thickness of 150–200 mm.
Foam Density: 40–50 kg/m³, balancing mechanical support and thermal insulation.
Thermal Performance: Initial thermal conductivity is below 0.022 W/(m·K) at the specified mean operating temperature.
Weather Protection: Aluminum, galvanized steel, or SS304 cladding protects the insulation from weather and impact. Sealed joints and overlapping panels help prevent moisture ingress.
Safety Relief & Pressure Protection
Dual Relief Valves: Primary and secondary safety valves are installed on a three-way diverter valve, allowing one valve to be serviced while the other remains operational.
Calibrated Set Pressure: Relief valves are sealed and preset to the specified vessel design pressure.
Optional Burst Discs: Burst discs can be installed in series or parallel with the relief valves, depending on code requirements or customer preference.
Thermal Expansion Protection: Relief valves on isolated liquid piping protect against pressure buildup caused by trapped LCO₂ during warm-up.
Safe Venting: Relief manifolds direct discharged CO₂ vapor away from operator platforms and access areas.
Compliance
Code Compliance: Design, engineering, and manufacturing can be executed according to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII, Division 1), European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU / EN 13445), or GB/T 150 requirements.
Certification Options: ASME "U" Stamp registration, CE / PED conformity assessment (Module G or Module B+F), or domestic pressure vessel licensing available depending on project scope.
Third-Party Inspection Support: Project documentation, manufacturing milestones, and design calculations can be audited and endorsed by independent third-party agencies (such as TÜV, SGS, or Lloyd's Register) upon contract request.
FAQ
Q: What is the typical lead time?
A: Standard 10–50 m³ tanks ship in 3–6 weeks, while 100 m³ tanks require 6–10 weeks. ASME U Stamp or PED certification may add 3–6 weeks.
Q: Can certificates and factory inspections be provided?
A: Yes. ISO 9001, ASME U Stamp, and PED certificates can be verified with the issuing body. Buyers or third-party inspectors may witness hydrostatic, leak, and insulation-thickness tests.
Q: What is the static evaporation rate?
A: A 150–200 mm PUF layer typically results in a daily loss of 0.5%–1.0% of tank volume at 20°C.
Q: Which outer jacket material should I choose?
A: Coated carbon steel is suitable for most inland sites. SS304 is recommended for coastal, humid, or chemically demanding environments.
Q: What foundation is required?
A: Liquid CO₂ weighs approximately 1.0–1.1 tons/m³. The tank requires a reinforced-concrete foundation designed for its full operating weight, including wind and seismic loads.
Q: Why must liquid CO₂ be stored above 0.52 MPa?
A: Below its triple-point pressure of 0.52 MPa, CO₂ forms dry ice instead of remaining liquid. Typical storage at 1.4–2.0 MPa corresponds to saturation temperatures of approximately −30°C to −19°C.
Q: Should I choose a PUF or vacuum-insulated tank?
A: Choose a PUF tank for regular use with tank turnover within approximately 7 days. A vacuum-insulated tank is better for slow consumption, remote sites, or infrequent deliveries.
Hot Tags: polyurethane foam insulated lco₂ storage tank, China polyurethane foam insulated lco₂ storage tank manufacturers, suppliers, factory, bulk liquid gas storage, cryogenic liquefaction system, cryogenic liquid production equipment, cryogenic vessel, gas liquefaction storage system, liquefied argon storage equipment
You Might Also Like
Send Inquiry
