Cryogenic distillation comprising vacuum insulation panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic equipment insulation technologies, such as cold boxes, are bulky and expensive due to the need for a large external structure and thick insulation, which restricts accessibility and increases investment costs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a secondary insulation with lower thermal conductivity, in the form of vacuum insulation panels, is used in conjunction with the main insulation to reduce the required space, thickness, and size of the insulation structure, while maintaining effective heat loss control and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a cold box with thick main insulation is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the volume and cost of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into two distinct segments: a main insulation layer (powder or granular material) and a secondary vacuum insulation panel. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its function optimally - the main insulation provides bulk thermal resistance while the VIP panel provides high-performance insulation with minimal thickness, reducing overall structure volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines two different insulation materials with complementary properties: a conventional powder/granular insulation and a vacuum insulation panel. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials - the cost-effectiveness and ease of installation of powder insulation combined with the superior thermal performance and space efficiency of VIP technology.
2Loss of energy
If a cold box with thick main insulation is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the insulation system, the expensive VIP panel is used only where most needed (on equipment surfaces with high heat loss potential), while the cheaper powder insulation handles the remaining volume, optimizing the cost-performance ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The VIP panel is strategically placed in locations where thermal insulation is most critical - typically on equipment surfaces with high heat loss potential or where space is limited. This local application of high-performance insulation maximizes thermal performance while minimizing overall investment cost.
3Loss of energy
If a cold box with thick main insulation is used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but accessibility to equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into a permanent main insulation layer and a removable secondary VIP panel. This allows maintenance personnel to access equipment by removing only the VIP panel, rather than draining and removing extensive powder insulation, significantly improving accessibility while maintaining thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary insulation panel is designed to be removable and repositionable, allowing dynamic adjustment of accessibility. During normal operation, the VIP panel provides insulation; during maintenance, it can be temporarily removed or shifted to provide access to equipment, then restored afterward.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the volume and cost of the insulation structure by up to 20-30% and allows for easier maintenance access by minimizing the need to remove extensive insulation, while maintaining efficient thermal insulation performance.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary insulation of lower thermal conductivity than the main insulation, and wherein the second insulation is in the form of at least one vacuum insulation panel
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic installation unit comprises at least one item of equipment to be thermally insulated, a structure for containing the at least one item of equipment, a main insulation contained in the structure and, associated with this main insulation, a secondary insulation of lower thermal conductivity than the main insulation, said secondary insulation consisting of a vacuum insulation panel.