Inflection Point Engineering Refractory and Insulation Curriculum

Cold Apply

Module from the Refractory and Insulation Curriculum curriculum.

Module 8 - Cold Insulation Installation · Learning Objectives · 1. Select closed-cell foam (cellular glass, polyurethane) for cryogenic · 2. Apply vapor barrier: polymer wrap on warm (ambient) side · 3. Minimize penetrations in vapor barrier (condensation = ice buildup) · 4. Apply expansion joints for large thermal contraction · 5. Seal flange pads and penetrations with butyl sealant · Cold Insulation Material Selection

Service T Material Vapor Barrier Thickness (typical in) Jacketing Notes
-320F LNG Cellular glass (Foamglas) Butyl laminate 5-8 Aluminum jacket Best cryo
-260F LIN/LAR/LOX Cellular glass or polyiso Butyl 4-6 Aluminum Insulate + vapor barrier
-200F propane/ethylene Polyiso or polyurethane Polyamide film 3-4 Aluminum Common refrigerants
-80F chillwater Polyurethane Vapor barrier wrap 2-3 Painted steel HVAC-like
+32F chilled water Rubber foam (Armaflex) Integral 1-2 Paint Condensate control

Source: Refractory_Insulation_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Cold Apply