Insulation for a spherical tank

摘要

This novel thermal insulation is for spherical tanks holding cryogenic fluids, i.e. liquified gases. Its insulating covering (13) comprises panels (14) fastened to the tank surface. Around the tank equator, there is an annular skirt (11), inside which mouldings (15) are fastened. The new feature is a gap (21) located between the insulating covering of the lower hemisphere and the mouldings. Radially, this gap climbs towards the exterior. Preferably, a seal (24) used in the construction comprises a cryogenic material, e.g. polyimide foam or mineral wool. Also used is an aluminium composite foil. The main insulation is a polystyrene.