The Korean Register (KR) has released a comprehensive guide, titled “Guide to Selection of Thermal Properties of Cryogenic Insulation Materials,” aimed at ensuring the safe storage of cryogenic fuels such as LNG and liquid hydrogen. This initiative comes amidst the backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ‘2023 Greenhouse Gas Strategy,’ which targets carbon neutrality in international shipping by 2050.
Focus on Alternative Fuels
With the maritime industry shifting towards low- and zero-carbon fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, there’s a growing emphasis on advanced insulation technology to ensure the safe storage of these cryogenic fuels.
Challenges and Solutions
The guide addresses the unique challenges posed by cryogenic fuels, particularly the need for advanced insulation systems due to the extreme temperatures involved. It highlights the differences between LNG and liquid hydrogen in terms of their boiling points and volume reduction, necessitating tailored insulation solutions.
Collaborative Efforts
KR collaborated with leading research institutions such as the Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM), Pusan National University (PNU), and Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) to develop this technical guide. It emphasizes the importance of collective expertise in driving innovation and ensuring industry-wide standards.
The report describes the insulation system used in ships for -162°C LNG and -253°C liquefied hydrogen, and analyzes environmental factors influencing the heat transfer mechanisms of the system and other design elements.
By providing a standardized approach to insulation system design and material selection, this guide is poised to become a crucial resource for ship designers, operators, and researchers, facilitating the adoption of cryogenic low- and zero-carbon fuels and contributing to the maritime sector’s decarbonization efforts.
The document can be downloaded on the KR Decarbonization Portal.
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Source: Cryogenic Society
