Aerogel Australia

Cryogel Z - Flexible Insulation for Cold Work

Designed for moderate to cryogenic temperatures: - 265°C to 125°C
Thicknesses: 0.20in (5mm), 0.40in (10mm)

cryogel comparative cross section

Cryogel® Z is a flexible Aerogel blanket insulation with an integral vapor barrier. It is engineered to deliver maximum thermal protection with minimal weight and thickness and zero water vapor permeability. Cryogel® Z’s unique properties - extremely low thermal conductivity, superior flexibility, compression resistance, hydrophobicity, and ease of use - make it essential for those seeking the ultimate in thermal protection for cryogenic applications. Using patented nanotechnology, Cryogel® Z insulation combines a silica Aerogel with reinforcing fibers to deliver industry-leading thermal performance in an easy-to-handle and environmentally safe product. Cryogel® Z’s extremely low thermal conductivity reduces heat gain and liquid boil-off, its blanket form minimises installation labour and its inherent flexibility makes the product durable and resistant to mechanical abuse.

LNG facilities around the world are turning to Cryogel Z to solve their most difficult insulation problems:

Tight quarters and clashes - Cryogel Z is half the thickness of existing insulation materials
Valves and flanges - Cryogel Z installs quickly on irregualr surfaces
Gimbal joints and associated equipment - Cryogel Z remains flexible at cryogenic temperatures
Cyclic equipment and high-traffic areas - Cryogel Z resists thermal and mechanical shock
Risers and loading arms - Cryogel Z is thin and lightwight, with no need for support rings
Cryogenic maintenance on operating (live) equipment - Cryogel Z resists water vapour and icing

Cryogel Advantages

Hydrophobic

Cryogel is a flexible Aerogel blanket insulation with an intergral vapour barrier, providing high hydrophobicity throughout the total material structure, specifically designed for condensation control, personal protection and passive fire protection. Cryogel's extreamly low thermal conductivity reduces heat gain and liquid boil-off, and its inherant flexibility makes the product durable and resistant to mechanical abuse.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

Lower installation costs, lower shipping costs and consistent thermal performance over the lifecycle translates to early pay-back and less on-going capital costs associated with maintenance.

Lower Installation Costs

Cryogel can be installed in a one-step process, approximately 50% faster than the application of PIR or Cellular Glass resulting in considerable labour savings. Cryogel does not require the use of joint sealants and does not require contraction joints to be installed, which also eliminates the need for specialty clading to be fabricated for contraction joint covers.

Cryogel is supplied in blanket form on rolls, which can be cut to suit to any pipe diameter. Logistically this allows for flexibility when scheduling the release for work fronts, compared with the possible delay awaiting fabrication and delivery of specific diameter and thickness of pre-formed PIR or Cellular Glass.

Environmental Benefits

Primary Benefit is reduction in atmospheric emissions due to lower energy consumption where Cryogel is used.

Aerogel insulation requires 30-60% less material verses conventional alternatives such as PIR and Cellular Glass. Therefore less material produced means less waste generated both during production and for end-of-life disposal. The net environmental impact from the manufacturing and solid waste is conservatively assumed to be less than 2% providing a sound solution for environmentally sensitive areas.

Smaller Logistical Footprint

In various applications, Cryogel offers a significantly higher technical outcome using 30-60% less material volume. As an example, LNG equipment (a vessel) volume for PIR is 250m3, delivered in 5.2 x 40ft containers comparitively, Cryogel Z (volume of 50m3) delivered in 1.75 x 40ft containers.

When considering remote locations and complex procurement schedules, allowing on-site installation of the material where previously, due to evironmental contraints, this could not be considered.

Energy Benefits

Heating and cooling of commercial assests is directly responsible for 11% of Australia's national greenhouse emissions. Furthermore, air-conditioning systems are one of the principle causes of peak power demand requiring significant capital expenditure in electrical infrastructure, and a primary driver on increased electricity prices.

P3030087