Vacuum Insulated LCO₂ Storage Tank
Overview
The Vacuum Insulated Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LCO₂) Storage Tank is a double-wall pressure vessel engineered for the reliable, low-loss storage of refrigerated liquid carbon dioxide at cryogenic temperatures.
This equipment is integrated into industrial gas distribution terminals, beverage carbonation plants, food processing and freezing lines, chemical manufacturing facilities, agricultural greenhouses, and water treatment systems.
Product Specifications
|
Parameter |
Specification Range |
|
Nominal Volume Range |
5 m³ to 150 m³ (Standard models: 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 150 m³) |
|
Effective Storage Volume |
4.75 m³ to 142.5 m³ (Calculated at maximum 95% filling ratio) |
|
Operating Medium |
Liquid Carbon Dioxide (LCO₂) |
|
Working Pressure Options |
1.6 MPa, 2.16 MPa, 2.5 MPa |
|
Inner Vessel Design Pressure |
1.76 MPa, 2.38 MPa, 2.75 MPa |
|
Outer Shell Design Pressure |
-0.1 MPa (Full internal vacuum) |
|
Design Temperature Range |
Inner Vessel: -40°C to +50°C / Outer Shell: -20°C to +50°C |
|
Configuration Options |
Vertical or Horizontal orientation |
|
Insulation Type |
Expanded Perlite + High Vacuum / Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) |
|
Empty Vessel Weight |
Approx. 4,200 kg to 42,500 kg (Varies by volume and pressure rating) |
|
Overall Outer Diameter |
1,800 mm to 3,800 mm |
|
Overall Height / Length |
5,200 mm to 18,500 mm |
LCO₂ Tank Capacity & Working Pressure Selection
Capacity: Tank size is determined by daily CO₂ consumption, delivery frequency, and the required operating reserve. Tanks are typically filled to a maximum of 95%, so a nominal 30 m³ tank provides approximately 28.5 m³ of usable volume.
Working Pressure: Pressure is selected based on operating requirements, CO₂ saturation conditions, downstream processes, and applicable pressure vessel codes.
Sizing Data: Key inputs include peak gas flow, minimum supply pressure, liquid delivery frequency, and site layout constraints.
Thermal Performance
Double-Wall Structure: The inner pressure vessel is suspended inside an outer shell with low-conductivity supports to minimize heat transfer.
Insulation System: Perlite powder and high vacuum are used for standard configurations, while multilayer insulation (MLI) is available for space- or weight-limited applications.
Vacuum Processing: Multi-stage evacuation, internal heating, moisture removal, and chemical getters help maintain long-term vacuum performance.
Normal Evaporation Rate (NER / Static Boil-Off): Typical static daily boil-off rates under baseline conditions (20°C ambient temperature, nominal filling level):
5 m³–15 m³: ≤ 0.18%–0.28%/day
20 m³–50 m³: ≤ 0.10%–0.16%/day
100 m³–150 m³: ≤ 0.08%–0.12%/day
(Exact test data is provided on project-specific specification sheets.)
Mechanical Design
Cryogenic Design: The inner vessel is designed for liquid CO₂ service at temperatures as low as −40°C and pressures up to 2.75 MPa.
Thermal Movement: Flexible loops and expansion bends accommodate piping movement during filling and temperature cycling.
Welding: Welding methods such as SAW and GTAW are selected based on material, thickness, joint configuration, and applicable WPS requirements.
Outer Shell: The outer steel shell is designed to withstand full internal vacuum of −0.1 MPa and external atmospheric pressure.
Safety Systems
Dual Safety Relief Valves: Two safety valves connected by a three-way changeover valve allow inspection, testing, or replacement without depressurizing the tank.
Bursting Discs: Optional bursting discs can be installed in parallel with the relief valves when required by applicable codes or project specifications.
Outer Shell Protection: A vacuum relief device protects the annular space from overpressure in the event of an inner-vessel leak.
Liquid Level Protection: High-level trycock valves and level indicators help prevent filling beyond the 95% capacity limit.
Emergency Isolation: Pneumatic or manual emergency shut-off valves (ESVs) can be installed on liquid outlet lines for rapid isolation.
Applicable Standards & Certification
Design Standards: Tanks can be designed to GB/T 18442, GB 150, ASME Section VIII, Division 1, or EN 13458, depending on project requirements.
Quality Management: Manufacturing is carried out under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system.
Certification Options: ASME U Stamp and PED/CE certification are available where required by the project.
Third-Party Inspection: Inspections and factory audits by SGS, TÜV, Bureau Veritas, or Lloyd's Register can be arranged upon request.
FAQ
Q: Is a vaporizer required?
A: A vaporizer is required when the process uses gaseous CO₂. Ambient vaporizers typically handle 50–100 kg/h per square meter of fin surface, while electric or steam vaporizers are suitable for peak flows above 500 kg/h.
Q: Should I choose a vertical or horizontal tank?
A: Vertical tanks save approximately 40%–50% of floor space and suit sites with limited land. Horizontal tanks are often preferred for capacities above 50 m³ or where height, wind-load, or transport restrictions apply.
Q: Can certificates and factory inspections be verified?
A: Yes. ISO 9001, ASME U Stamp, and PED certificates can be verified using their certificate numbers. Buyers or third-party inspectors such as SGS, TÜV, Bureau Veritas, or Lloyd's Register may witness hydrostatic, vacuum, and factory acceptance tests.
Q: How long does the vacuum last?
A: A well-built tank typically maintains high vacuum for 10–15 years. The vacuum should be checked annually. Increased evaporation or frost on the outer shell may indicate vacuum degradation and the need for re-evacuation.
Q: What foundation is required?
A: Liquid CO₂ weighs approximately 1.0–1.1 tons/m³. The tank should be installed on a reinforced-concrete foundation designed for its full operating weight, including wind and seismic loads.
Q: Why does liquid CO₂ require pressurized storage?
A: At atmospheric pressure, CO₂ cannot remain liquid and forms dry ice. Storage pressure must remain above 0.52 MPa; typical operating pressures of 1.6–2.5 MPa provide practical saturation temperatures of approximately −22°C to −10°C.
Hot Tags: vacuum insulated lco₂ storage tank, China vacuum insulated lco₂ storage tank manufacturers, suppliers, factory, bulk liquid gas storage, CO2 recovery compressor, cryogenic vessel, gas liquefaction storage system, industrial cryogenic storage, liquefied argon storage equipment
You Might Also Like
Send Inquiry