Elastomeric Cryogenic Insulation via Crosslinking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulation materials for cryogenic applications are inadequate due to issues with water vapor transmission, brittleness, mechanical sensitivity, and the need for multiple layers and vapour barriers, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer insulation system using expanded and crosslinkable elastomeric materials, specifically poly(ethylene-propylene-diene) based elastomers, with high closed cell content and sulphur-based crosslinking, providing intrinsic vapour barrier properties and flexibility, which can absorb mechanical loads and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic materials (mineral wool, glass fibre, foamed glass) are used for cryogenic insulation, then fire safety is improved, but water vapor transmission resistance deteriorates requiring complex sealing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fire safety and vapor barrier properties into a single elastomeric material layer. The elastomer inherently provides both flexibility/fire resistance and low water vapor transmission without requiring separate sealing components, thus merging multiple functions into one material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric insulation material serves multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, vapor barrier, and flexible sealing. This universal material replaces the need for separate inorganic insulation layers and complex sealing systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fire safety through the elastomer's inherent properties.
2Ease of operation
If polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam is used for cryogenic insulation, then flexibility is improved compared to inorganic materials, but brittleness at very low temperatures worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the foam material by using elastomeric polymers with specific glass transition temperatures suitable for cryogenic applications. This parameter change allows the material to maintain flexibility and elastic properties at very low temperatures where conventional PUR/PIR foams become brittle.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric insulation represents a composite material system combining polymer matrices with dispersed phases that provide both flexibility and low-temperature toughness. This composite structure allows the material to exhibit superior mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures compared to homogeneous conventional foams.
3Reliability
If multiple layers of insulation material are used for cryogenic applications, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but installation complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple insulation layers into a single monolithic elastomeric insulation layer that provides equivalent or superior thermal performance. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate insulation layers, vapor barriers, and sealing components, significantly simplifying installation while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric insulation material provides universal performance across multiple functions (thermal insulation, vapor barrier, mechanical protection) in a single layer, replacing complex multilayer systems. This reduces installation steps, labor costs, and potential failure points associated with multiple interfaces between different materials.
4Ease of operation
If conventional elastomeric materials are used for low temperature insulation, then flexibility is improved, but low temperature resistance deteriorates due to material freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental thermal and mechanical parameters of the elastomeric material through specialized polymer selection and formulation. The elastomer is designed with a glass transition temperature well below the intended service temperature, ensuring it remains flexible and resilient at cryogenic conditions where conventional elastomers would freeze and become brittle.
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
The solution offers improved low-temperature resistance, reduced need for additional vapour barriers, enhanced mechanical and thermal insulation, and ease of handling, while being chemically neutral and environmentally friendly, thus addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
improved low temperature resistance and flexibility, a process for manufacturing of such material and system, and the use of such material and system
Implementation Method 2
expandable and crosslinkable elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multilayer insulation based on expandable and crosslinkable elastomeric material with improved low temperature resistance and flexibility, the process for manufacturing of such material and system, and the use of such material and system.