Cryogenic Insulation Technology

• Cryogenic Insulation Technology Presentation

Presentations will be given on Materials, Testing, and Applications including examples of new products and new capabilities.

In today’s world, the use of cryogenics and low-temperature refrigeration is taking a more and more significant role. From the food industry, transportation, energy, and medical applications to the Space Shuttle, cryogenic liquids must be stored, handled, and transferred from one point to another. To minimize heat leaks into storage tanks and transfer lines, high-performance materials are needed to provide high levels of thermal isolation. Complete knowledge of thermal insulation is a key part of enabling the development of efficient, low-maintenance cryogenic systems. What is important is to save money on the energy bill or to be able to effectively control a system.

Space launch and space exploration are both energy intensive endeavors. Cryogenics is called upon to meet this demand. Insulation is then needed to make the cryogenics effective. Thermal insulation systems for the next generation of space launch activities represent a critical area of new technology needs. Design a fantastic rocket ship and then put some foam insulation on the cryo tanks: What’s the big deal? Who cares about insulation? What seems like a simple system obtained from a relatively simple development process turns out to be a very complicated system indeed. We currently rely on 1960’s derivative technologies and a bolt-on approach to insulation problems. A long-term approach is suggested in order to address the energy efficiency hurdles that we face for both future exploration and industry.