Liquid Argon Storage Tanks: Advanced Solutions for Diverse Applications
Liquid Argon Storage Tanks: Advanced Solutions for Diverse Applications
Introduction
Liquid argon storage tanks are critical components in a variety of industries, providing a reliable and efficient means of storing and supplying this essential inert gas. These tanks are engineered with a focus on safety, performance, and longevity. They are designed to maintain liquid argon at cryogenic temperatures, ensuring minimal loss through evaporation and offering dependable gas delivery when needed.
Tank Construction and Design
Our liquid argon storage tanks feature a robust double-walled, cylindrical design. The inner vessel and associated piping are meticulously crafted from high-grade S30408 stainless steel, selected for its cryogenic compatibility and durability. The outer shell is constructed from Q245R alloy steel, which provides structural strength and protection.
The space between the inner and outer shells is filled with expanded perlite, commonly known as pearl sand. This insulation material is augmented with a specialized adsorbent. The space is then evacuated to create a high vacuum environment, typically ranging from 0.5 to 6 Pascals. This multi-layered insulation strategy minimizes heat transfer, significantly reducing boil-off rates and ensuring optimal storage efficiency.
Tanks come in a variety of sizes, typically with volumes of 200 m³ or less. They are built to withstand high operating pressures, with some models operating at pressures as high as 2.0 MPa in certain industrial settings. An integrated vaporizer is often situated exterior to the tank. This vaporizer allows for easy filling operations and the direct supply of pressurized gas, streamlining the end-user experience.
Tank Types: Stationary and Transportable
Our liquid argon storage solutions are available in two main categories: stationary and transportable.
Stationary Tanks: These tanks are designed for long-term storage of cryogenic liquids. They are installed at production facilities, usage points, or liquid supply stations. This configuration ensures a continuous and readily accessible supply of argon.
Transportable Tanks: These are built for the secure and efficient transport of cryogenic liquids, ranging from production or supply sites to points of use. These tanks typically come in the form of road tankers, trailers, or tank containers, designed for both land and sea transport. They adhere to strict safety and regulatory requirements, making them safe and compliant.
Installation Options:
Tanks can be configured for either vertical (L) or horizontal (W) installation, catering to specific site requirements and space limitations.
Key Features
Insulation Method: Vacuum powder insulation is the core technology, providing superior thermal performance.
Operating Pressure Range: 0.2 to 3.0 MPa, accommodating a broad range of application demands.
Usable Volume: 5 m³ to 200 m³, offering options for various industrial scales.
Design Temperature: Designed for cryogenic temperatures, ranging from -196 °C to -50 °C.
Filling Percentage: Can be filled to 95% of the tank's capacity.
Advantages:
High-efficiency vacuum powder insulation.
Compact and space-saving design.
Low daily evaporation rates.
Centralized control systems.
Enhanced safety and reliability.
Simplified operation and maintenance.
Argon Applications Across Industries
Liquid argon storage is important in numerous industrial applications.
Aluminum Production: Argon creates an inert atmosphere, preventing oxidation during production. It removes unwanted dissolved gases during degassing, refining the molten aluminum. Argon also purifies molten aluminum by removing dissolved hydrogen and other particles.
Steel Manufacturing: Argon is used to prevent oxidation and displace gas or steam in steel production. It helps to mix molten steel, ensuring consistent temperatures and composition. It also supports degassing and acts as a carrier gas for determining sample composition using chromatography. Additionally, in Argon-Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) for stainless steel, it's vital for removing carbon monoxide and minimizing chromium loss.
Metal Processing: Argon is a critical inert gas in welding, protecting welds from oxygen and nitrogen. It also protects metal and alloys during annealing and rolling, and flushes molten metals to eliminate pores in castings.
Electronics: Argon is used in the creation of protective atmospheres and facilitates heat dissipation for germanium and silicon crystals utilized in high-purity semiconductors.
Lighting: Argon is a vital fill gas for incandescent and fluorescent lamps. It also helps produce blue light in xenon lamps.
Manufacturing Process
Our liquid argon storage tanks undergo a meticulous manufacturing process to guarantee high quality:
Volume Calculation and Design: Based on your requirements, we develop the tank volume and draft detailed drawings.
Material Preparation and Cutting: High-quality steel is sourced and precision cut.
Steel Rolling: Steel plates are rolled into cylindrical shapes.
Plate Welding: Components are expertly welded together, ensuring robust structural integrity.
Storage Tank Assembly: The inner and outer vessels are assembled.
Insulation Filling: Expanded perlite is carefully filled into the interstitial space.
Vacuum Creation: A high vacuum is created within the tank to maximize insulation.
Quality Inspection: Tanks are rigorously inspected with RT and MT, and radiographic testing.
Rust Removal: The exterior of the tank is cleaned thoroughly.
Valve Installation: Valves are fitted for safe and effective operation.
Advantages in Detail
Adiabatic Performance: Our choice of perlite insulation, coupled with our precise vacuum and filling process guarantees superior adiabatic performance. Surface protection involves sandblasting, rust removal, purging, and the application of a two-component quick-drying liquid coating, ensuring a robust and long-lasting finish.
Safety Features: Our tanks use a dual safety valve system, which allows for regular maintenance without interrupting operation. One valve can be taken offline for inspection while the other maintains system safety.
Control System: Pressure gauges, differential level indicators, and level comparison charts are installed on the top of the tank. They provide real-time monitoring of fill levels and pressure.
Monitoring System: Vacuum gauges and valves are placed at the base to allow for periodic testing of the vacuum, which is essential for the safety and efficiency of the tank.
Technical Specifications (Sample)
| No. | Model | Medium | Inner Vessel Size (Dia x Thickness, mm) | Outer Vessel Size (Dia x Thickness, mm) | External Size (Dia * H/L, mm) | Net Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JSSM5-L/0.8 | Argon | DN1400x2910x6/6 | DN1900x3550x8 | Φ1916x5262 | 3940 |
| 2 | JSSM10-L/0.8 | Argon | DN1800x3490x6/6 | DN2300x4100x8 | Φ2316x5965 | 6040 |
| 3 | JSSM15-L/0.8 | Argon | DN1800x5560x6/6 | DN2300x6170x8/8/8 | Φ2316x8035 | 8045 |
| 4 | JSSM20-L/0.8 | Argon | DN2200x4730x8/8 | DN2700x5340x8/10/10 | Φ2716x7361 | 9875 |
| 5 | JSSM30-L/0.8 | Argon | DN2400x6100x8/8 | DN2900x6780x10/10/12 | Φ2920x8881 | 14210 |
| 6 | JSSM50-L/0.8 | Argon | DN2700x8220x10/10 | DN3200x8970x10/10/12 | Φ3220x11222 | 21180 |
| 7 | JSSM5-L/1.6 | Argon | DN1400x2910x8/10 | DN1900x3550x8/8/8 | Φ1916x5229 | 4380 |
| 8 | JSSM10-L/1.6 | Argon | DN1800x3490x10/12 | DN2300x4100x8/8/8 | Φ2316x5965 | 6900 |
| 9 | JSSM15-L/1.6 | Argon | DN1800x5560x10/12 | DN2300x6170x8/8/8 | Φ2316x8035 | 9300 |
| 10 | JSSM20-L/1.6 | Argon | DN2100x5300x12/14 | DN2600x5950x8/10/10 | Φ2616x7933 | 11645 |
| 11 | JSSM30-L/1.6 | Argon | DN2400x6100x14/14 | DN2900x6780x10/10/12 | Φ2920x8881 | 16750 |
| 12 | JSSM50-L/1.6 | Argon | DN2700x8220x16/16 | DN3200x8970x10/10/12 | Φ3220x11187 | 25570 |
This is a partial model list. We accept customized orders based on specific client needs.
Brunei Client Feedback: We successfully fulfilled an order for a 5 cubic meter cryogenic liquid oxygen storage tank for a hospital in Brunei. We are well-equipped to meet a variety of customized cryogenic storage requirements.
Conclusion
Our liquid argon storage tanks offer reliable performance, enhanced safety, and custom-designed solutions. They are ideal for a wide array of industrial and medical applications. We are committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional service to our global clientele. Contact us today to discuss your project needs and find the best storage solution for you.
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