US20140158926A1 - Low-density solid-state insulation for cryogenic service - Google Patents

Low-density solid-state insulation for cryogenic service Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140158926A1
US20140158926A1 US13/712,156 US201213712156A US2014158926A1 US 20140158926 A1 US20140158926 A1 US 20140158926A1 US 201213712156 A US201213712156 A US 201213712156A US 2014158926 A1 US2014158926 A1 US 2014158926A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
insulation material
hydrocarbon residue
ppm
low
low density
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/712,156
Inventor
Paul YAMARICK
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Air Liquide Large Industries US LP
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Air Liquide Large Industries US LP
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to US13/712,156 priority Critical patent/US20140158926A1/en
Assigned to AIR LIQUIDE LARGE INDUSTRIES U.S. LP reassignment AIR LIQUIDE LARGE INDUSTRIES U.S. LP ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YAMARICK, PAUL
Publication of US20140158926A1 publication Critical patent/US20140158926A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
    • E04B1/74—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls
    • E04B1/76—Heat, sound or noise insulation, absorption, or reflection; Other building methods affording favourable thermal or acoustical conditions, e.g. accumulating of heat within walls specifically with respect to heat only
    • E04B1/78—Heat insulating elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0257—Construction and layout of liquefaction equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J1/0261—Details of cold box insulation, housing and internal structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J13/00—Colloid chemistry, e.g. the production of colloidal materials or their solutions, not otherwise provided for; Making microcapsules or microballoons
    • B01J13/0091—Preparation of aerogels, e.g. xerogels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0295—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used, e.g. sieve plates, packings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04945—Details of internal structure; insulation and housing of the cold box
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/06—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation
    • F25J3/0695—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/30—Details about heat insulation or cold insulation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a low-density, solid-state insulation for cryogenic service.
  • the existing method to insulate an air separation plant requires that the distillation columns be built within an enclosed structure that includes support columns and extension on valves for manipulation from the outside.
  • the air separation column is enclosed within the structure to allow for an insulation material to be added after the outer structure is built to reduce heat leak that occurs during the cryogenic air separation process.
  • the current insulation material is perlite that is blown in after the outer structure is complete. In order to perform maintenance and work on the column and related piping and instrumentation you will be required to remove the insulation material and work around the space as defined by the outer structure.
  • a releasing agent such as a hydrocarbon or silicon oil
  • the mold is treated with a releasing agent (such as a hydrocarbon or silicon oil) in order to prevent sticking.
  • a releasing agent such as a hydrocarbon or silicon oil
  • traces of the wetting and/or releasing agent will remain in or on the surface of the Aerogel.
  • this trace of material presents no issues.
  • any trace material will form a potentially combustible plating in or on the surface of the cryogenic apparatus. This presents an unacceptable safety concern in the presence of oxygen.
  • a cryogenic insulation system including a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, wherein the low conductivity insulation material is essentially free of hydrocarbon residue.
  • a method for producing a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service comprising: exposing the low density low conductivity insulation material to at least one of an elevated temperature or a reduced pressure, for a length of time sufficient to reduce the hydrocarbon residue to less than 1000 ppm.
  • Aerogel is a low-density solid-state insulating material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas.
  • the result is a solid with extremely low density http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel-cite note-GuinnessRecord-0 and thermal conductivity.
  • Low density low conductivity insulation materials are produced by extracting the liquid component of a gel through supercritical drying. This allows the liquid to be slowly drawn off without causing the solid matrix in the gel to collapse from capillary action, as would happen with conventional evaporation.
  • Low density low conductivity insulation materials are good thermal insulators because they almost nullify the three methods of heat transfer (convection, conduction, and radiation). They are good conductive insulators because they are composed almost entirely from a gas, and gases are very poor heat conductors. Silica low density low conductivity insulation material is especially good because silica is also a poor conductor of heat (a metallic low density low conductivity insulation material, on the other hand, would be less effective). They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate through the lattice. Numerous attempts have been made to adapt the rigid, brittle low density low conductivity insulation material into a more flexible insulation blanket. One example may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,583.
  • cryogenic service requires significant insulation, both for economic and safety reasons. The development of such profoundly cold conditions comes at significant energy cost, and it is therefore lowly desirable to provide the best insulation that remains economically feasible.
  • cryogenic temperatures are considered to be below ⁇ 238 F ( ⁇ 150 C). If a solid surface has a local temperature below about ⁇ 297 F ( ⁇ 183 C), essentially oxygen can condense on this surface if present in the surrounding atmosphere. If any type of ignition source is introduced into such an environment, virtually anything is likely to combust. It is therefore also highly desirable from a safety perspective, to insulate such cold surfaces from atmospheric air, any type of fuel, and/or any type of ignition source.
  • low-density solid-state insulating material to wrap cryogenic condition, such as air separation columns has several additional benefits. It would eliminate the need to build the outer structure to house the air separation column, thereby considerably reducing initial construction and capital cost.
  • the low-density solid-state insulating material provides a far greater degree of insulation to the air separation process, decreasing heat loss and dramatically increasing the plant process efficiency.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to utilize an Aerogel such as CryogelTM which has been produced without the use of a wetting and/or releasing agent.
  • a process may include, but may not be limited to, the use of known non-stick surfaces in the bold (such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) otherwise known by the trade name Teflon).
  • PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Aerogel such as CryogelTM which was produced with the use of a wetting and/or releasing agent, but process the Aerogel in order to eliminate this hydrocarbon based material.
  • the commercially available Aerogel would be placed in an environment which would encourage such volitization and removal of oxygen reactive material.
  • Such an environment may include, but not be limited to, a heated and vented environment, or an environment with a reduced pressure in order to expedite the off-gassing of the material.
  • Such an environment may consist of placing the Aerogel in direct sunlight for a time sufficient to allow volatilization of the releasing agent. A combination of any, or all, of these techniques is also envisioned.

Abstract

A cryogenic insulation system including a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, wherein the low conductivity insulation material is essentially free of hydrocarbon residue. A method for producing a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, comprising: exposing the low density low conductivity insulation material to at least one of an elevated temperature or a reduced pressure, for a length of time sufficient to reduce the hydrocarbon residue to less than 1000 ppm.

Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates to a low-density, solid-state insulation for cryogenic service.
    • BACKGROUND
  • The existing method to insulate an air separation plant requires that the distillation columns be built within an enclosed structure that includes support columns and extension on valves for manipulation from the outside. The air separation column is enclosed within the structure to allow for an insulation material to be added after the outer structure is built to reduce heat leak that occurs during the cryogenic air separation process. The current insulation material is perlite that is blown in after the outer structure is complete. In order to perform maintenance and work on the column and related piping and instrumentation you will be required to remove the insulation material and work around the space as defined by the outer structure.
  • There are several modifications to conventional molding processes which are preferably employed in order to ease the manufacturing process. For example, usually the mold is treated with a releasing agent (such as a hydrocarbon or silicon oil) in order to prevent sticking. During the fabrication step, traces of the wetting and/or releasing agent will remain in or on the surface of the Aerogel. For most subsequent applications, this trace of material presents no issues. However, in a cryogenic insulation service, any trace material will form a potentially combustible plating in or on the surface of the cryogenic apparatus. This presents an unacceptable safety concern in the presence of oxygen.
    • SUMMARY
  • A cryogenic insulation system including a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, wherein the low conductivity insulation material is essentially free of hydrocarbon residue. A method for producing a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, comprising: exposing the low density low conductivity insulation material to at least one of an elevated temperature or a reduced pressure, for a length of time sufficient to reduce the hydrocarbon residue to less than 1000 ppm.
    • DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
  • It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
  • Aerogel is a low-density solid-state insulating material derived from a gel, in which the liquid component of the gel has been replaced with a gas. The result is a solid with extremely low density http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerogel-cite note-GuinnessRecord-0 and thermal conductivity. Low density low conductivity insulation materials are produced by extracting the liquid component of a gel through supercritical drying. This allows the liquid to be slowly drawn off without causing the solid matrix in the gel to collapse from capillary action, as would happen with conventional evaporation.
  • Despite their name, aerogels are rigid, dry materials and do not resemble a gel in their physical properties; the name comes from the fact that they are derived from gels. Low density low conductivity insulation materials are good thermal insulators because they almost nullify the three methods of heat transfer (convection, conduction, and radiation). They are good conductive insulators because they are composed almost entirely from a gas, and gases are very poor heat conductors. Silica low density low conductivity insulation material is especially good because silica is also a poor conductor of heat (a metallic low density low conductivity insulation material, on the other hand, would be less effective). They are good convective inhibitors because air cannot circulate through the lattice. Numerous attempts have been made to adapt the rigid, brittle low density low conductivity insulation material into a more flexible insulation blanket. One example may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,583.
  • Cryogenic service requires significant insulation, both for economic and safety reasons. The development of such profoundly cold conditions comes at significant energy cost, and it is therefore lowly desirable to provide the best insulation that remains economically feasible. In this paper cryogenic temperatures are considered to be below −238 F (−150 C). If a solid surface has a local temperature below about −297 F (−183 C), essentially oxygen can condense on this surface if present in the surrounding atmosphere. If any type of ignition source is introduced into such an environment, virtually anything is likely to combust. It is therefore also highly desirable from a safety perspective, to insulate such cold surfaces from atmospheric air, any type of fuel, and/or any type of ignition source.
  • The use of a low-density solid-state insulating material to wrap cryogenic condition, such as air separation columns has several additional benefits. It would eliminate the need to build the outer structure to house the air separation column, thereby considerably reducing initial construction and capital cost. The low-density solid-state insulating material provides a far greater degree of insulation to the air separation process, decreasing heat loss and dramatically increasing the plant process efficiency.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to utilize an Aerogel such as Cryogel™ which has been produced without the use of a wetting and/or releasing agent. Such a process may include, but may not be limited to, the use of known non-stick surfaces in the bold (such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) otherwise known by the trade name Teflon).
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to utilize an Aerogel such as Cryogel™ which was produced with the use of a wetting and/or releasing agent, but process the Aerogel in order to eliminate this hydrocarbon based material. In one embodiment, the commercially available Aerogel would be placed in an environment which would encourage such volitization and removal of oxygen reactive material. Such an environment may include, but not be limited to, a heated and vented environment, or an environment with a reduced pressure in order to expedite the off-gassing of the material. Such an environment may consist of placing the Aerogel in direct sunlight for a time sufficient to allow volatilization of the releasing agent. A combination of any, or all, of these techniques is also envisioned.

Claims (11)

What is claimed is:
1: A cryogenic insulation system comprising a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, wherein said low conductivity insulation material is essentially free of hydrocarbon residue.
2: The insulation system of claim 1, wherein said low density low conductivity insulation material comprises less than 1000 ppm of hydrocarbon residue.
3: The insulation system of claim 2, wherein said low density low conductivity insulation material comprises less than 500 ppm of hydrocarbon residue.
3: The insulation system of claim 2, wherein said low density low conductivity insulation material comprises less than 250 ppm of hydrocarbon residue.
4: The insulation system of claim 2, wherein said low density low conductivity insulation material comprises less than 100 ppm of hydrocarbon residue.
5: The insulation system of claim 2, wherein said low density low conductivity insulation material comprises less than 50 ppm of hydrocarbon residue.
6. A method for producing a low density low conductivity insulation material for cryogenic service, comprising: exposing said low density low conductivity insulation material to at least one of an elevated temperature or a reduced pressure, for a length of time sufficient to reduce the hydrocarbon residue to less than 1000 ppm.
7: The insulation system of claim 5, wherein said hydrocarbon residue is less than 500 ppm.
8: insulation system of claim 5, wherein said hydrocarbon residue is less than 250 ppm.
9: insulation system of claim 5, wherein said hydrocarbon residue is less than 100 ppm.
10: insulation system of claim 5, wherein said hydrocarbon residue is less than 50 ppm.
US13/712,156 2012-12-12 2012-12-12 Low-density solid-state insulation for cryogenic service Abandoned US20140158926A1 (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3434912A (en) * 1965-11-22 1969-03-25 Standard Oil Co Self-sustaining,thin,crack-free sheet of inorganic aerogel
US5409683A (en) * 1990-08-23 1995-04-25 Regents Of The University Of California Method for producing metal oxide aerogels

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3434912A (en) * 1965-11-22 1969-03-25 Standard Oil Co Self-sustaining,thin,crack-free sheet of inorganic aerogel
US5409683A (en) * 1990-08-23 1995-04-25 Regents Of The University Of California Method for producing metal oxide aerogels

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: AIR LIQUIDE LARGE INDUSTRIES U.S. LP, TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:YAMARICK, PAUL;REEL/FRAME:032007/0615

Effective date: 20140120

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION