Numerical Analysis of a Super-Insulated Pipe for the Transportation of Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂)

Abstract

In this study, a super-insulated pipe incorporating Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) and vacuum is numerically analyzed to overcome the challenges faced during the transportation of cryogenic fluids like nitrogen. A super-insulated pipe incorporating an inner process pipe of SS 304 L insulated by twenty-four consecutive layers has been used. Each layer consists of aluminized mylar (as a radiation shield) and dacron netting (as a spacer material). High vacuum (10−9 torr) is applied and numerically analyzed at multiple flow rates, i.e., 250 LPH, 500 LPH and 1000 LPH. The results show a gradual increase in temperature along the flow direction from 77 K to 79 K at the most. Moreover, the temperature increases with the increase in the length of the pipe and decreases with the increase in the flow rate of LN2.

Keywords

• Multi-Layer Insulation
• cryogenic transfer line
• super-insulated pipe
• process pipe
• radiation shield