Evaluation of PVC-Type Insulation Foam Material for Cryogenic Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Naval Architecture
• Cryogenic Engineering

Background:

• Increasing demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers due to stricter maritime environmental regulations.
• Observed damage to lower cargo containment system (CCS) panels necessitates stronger, more thermally efficient materials.
• Conventional materials for CCS insulation and support structures require enhancement to meet new performance demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-type foam as a superior alternative to polyurethane foam (PUF) for LNG carrier CCS.
• To assess the mechanical strength and thermal performance of PVC-type foam under cryogenic conditions.
• To determine the suitability of PVC-type foam as both an insulation and structural material for low-temperature liquefied gas storage.

Main Methods:

• Cryogenic testing of PVC-type foam, including tensile, compressive, and impact tests.
• Measurement of thermal conductivity for PVC-type foam at low temperatures.
• Comparison of PVC-type foam's performance against commercial polyurethane foam (PUF) and CCS requirements.

Main Results:

• PVC-type foam demonstrated enhanced compressive and impact strength compared to PUF across all tested temperatures.
• While tensile strength decreased, PVC-type foam still met the stringent requirements for CCS applications.
• The material exhibited suitable thermal conductivity for cryogenic insulation purposes.

Conclusions:

• PVC-type foam is a viable alternative material for LNG carrier CCS, offering improved mechanical strength and insulation.
• The material can effectively serve as both insulation and a support structure, enhancing CCS resilience under cryogenic loads.
• PVC-type foam presents potential for broader applications in various cryogenic systems.