Cryogenic Tank Annular PU Insulation Project in Brazil Banner background

Cryogenic Tank Annular PU Insulation Project in Brazil

Haifeng delivered an annular PU injection system in Brazil, reducing LNG tanker BOG loss by 38% with crack-free -160°C cryogenic durability in 3.8-hour cycles.

Project Overview

Illustration notice. Process illustrations are not verified photographs of this installation.

Project reference basis. Figures and configuration details are reported in the supplied project brief. They are reference values for the stated application, rather than verified acceptance results or a guarantee for another installation. Confirm the source records, material, tooling, operating schedule and test method when assessing a comparable project.

Haifeng successfully engineered and commissioned a high-capacity annular polyurethane injection workcell for a premier cryogenic transport tank builder in Brazil, reducing boil-off gas (BOG) losses by 38% across 52 m³ liquefied natural gas (LNG) road tankers operating down to -160°C. The turnkey project delivered a high-output dual-component dosing machine, dynamic multi-port injection manifolds, heated fluid transfer lines, and annular cavity pressure telemetry monitoring systems.

Prior to commissioning, the manufacturer assembled LNG tankers using layered perlite and fiberglass wraps. Heavy road vibrations across South American highways caused fibrous blankets to compact and pulverize, breaking the vacuum seal and generating cold spots that vented expensive boil-off gas through relief valves. The client required an advanced chemical molding solution capable of injecting cryogenic-grade polyisocyanurate formulations directly into the 150mm annular space between inner stainless steel and outer carbon steel shells, delivering a monolithic cellular matrix that withstands severe thermal contraction without cracking.

Operating within a dedicated manufacturing bay, the system fills a complete 52 m³ tanker in under 4 hours. By deploying Haifeng's closed-loop Ratio Lock flow algorithms and controlled backpressure injection, the client manufactures rugged, road-proven LNG tankers complying with strict international cryogenic vessel safety standards.

Project Technical Specification Matrix:

Solution ModuleTarget AreaCore MaterialMain ProcessTypical Operation Mode
Tanks & VesselsRefrigerated LNG Tanks (52 m³)Cryogenic Modified PIR (50 kg/m³)High-Pressure Annular InjectionClean Assembly Plant Workcell

Solutions Delivery

Haifeng deployed a high-capacity reaction injection platform engineered for closed cryogenic annular vessels:

1. High-Output Stoichiometric Metering: Heavy-duty axial displacement pumps meter cryogenic precursors at up to 45 kg/min with ±0.5% precision, delivering timed liquid shots without chemical surging.
2. Multi-Port Balanced Injection Manifolds: Customized injection lances dock into circumferential tank ports, distributing slow-cream formulations evenly along 13-meter tank shells.
3. Internal Expansion Pressure Telemetry: Digital pressure transducers monitor annular expansion backpressure, holding foam packing forces below 0.2 MPa to prevent thin inner vessel deflection.
4. Thermal Fluid Conditioning Skids: Closed-loop TCU units maintain precursor temperatures within ±0.5°C, ensuring predictable gel and expansion kinetics throughout the 4-hour pour sequence.

Installation and commissioning: 18 days. Operator training: 4 days. Machine warranty: 1 year. Long-term spare parts and remote equipment support are available.

EquipmentModelQtyFunction
High-Output Annular Dosing MachineHF-INJ-HP801 UnitStoichiometric ratio metering, timed shot dosing & high-pressure delivery
Multi-Port Injection Lance ManifoldHF-LANCE-ANN2 SetsPrecision docking into annular tank ports with mechanical clean shut-off
Dual-Circuit Dynamic TCU SystemHF-TCU-482 UnitsPrecision dynamic fluid and tank jacket thermal balancing
Annular Cavity Pressure Telemetry UnitHF-SENS-PRESS1 SetReal-time multi-point cavity pressure monitoring during foam rise
Master Automation PLC Control CabinetHF-PLC-COMPACT1 SetComplete recipe storage, injection timing, and pressure safety interlocking

Project Results

38%
BOG Boil-Off Loss Reduction
Daily cryogenic liquid gas boil-off venting reduction achieved during highway haulage. Baseline: Perlite and fibrous wrap tanker baseline. Measurement conditions: 30-day continuous road transport trial.
0
Cryogenic Cracking Defects
Zero foam cracking or interfacial delamination observed following -160°C cold test. Baseline: Frequent cracking on standard rigid PU foams. Measurement conditions: Liquid nitrogen full-scale cryogenic audit.
3.8 Hours
Tanker Cavity Fill Time
Total chemical injection, expansion, and curing time achieved per 52 m³ semi-trailer. Baseline: 16+ hours on manual fiberglass packing. Measurement conditions: Timed manufacturing verification runs.

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