Multi Layer Vacuum Insulated Cryogenic Pipe for LNG Plant

Vacuum Insulated Cryogenic Pipe Specifications

Because liquid hydrogen must be transported at the extremely low temperature of -252.9 ℃, the use of transfer lines with optimal insulation is essential. The technology that precisely provides the insulation value, quality, and safety required to transport liquid hydrogen is vacuum technology.

Vacuum insulated transfer lines (Vacuum Insulated Pipelines LH2 VIP) have a double wall; the air between the walls is sucked out. The two walls never touch because spacers keep them apart. This creates a vacuum space and a pressure difference between the vacuum and outside air.

The use of vacuum technology keeps much of the surrounding heat out of a pipe or application, minimizing thermal heat losses and preventing ice build-up.

A vacuum insulated liquid hydrogen transfer line is a rigid pipe with a slim design. All coils are prefabricated for fast and efficient installation. In addition, the pipes are made of stainless steel so that the structures will last for years without any problems.

Multi Layer Cryogenic Pipe  Application

Vacuum insulated transfer lines (LH2 VIP) are used in almost every liquid hydrogen project in the energy sector, the mobility industry, and all other industries in which liquid hydrogen is used. The transfer lines form the connection between storage vessels and applications or between production sites and transportation vehicles.

Moreover, vacuum insulated transfer lines (LH2 VIP) are suitable for hydrogen and LNG. Producers who want to switch from LNG to liquid hydrogen in the future can therefore continue to use the same infrastructure. Of course, in this case, all the standards and requirements for liquid hydrogen must be met.

Related products

Installation of vacuum insulated transfer lines (LH2 VIP) requires some (possibly) additional products:

couplings (plug-in) which are easy to install using a male and a female connector. Welding is not required for this type of coupling.

Welding couplings with vacuum insulation. Welding couplings are extremely sturdy and 100% leakproof. However, they are not as easy to install and reposition as Johnston couplings; on-site welding is required.

A universal pipe end allows welding to any fitting, flange, or application.

Design

All vacuum insulated transfer lines (LH2 VIP) are made of stainless steel. They are equipped with high-vacuum insulation, and all welding is done to the highest standard.

Because the inner pipe becomes significantly colder than the outer pipe, it shrinks several millimeters per meter when it is in use. All pipes are equipped with a so-called compensator to prevent tension resulting from this. This flexible section safely absorbs the shrinkage of the inner pipe.

Vacuum insulated liquid hydrogen transfer lines have a diameter (of the process line) of up to 8″ and are suitable for standard design pressures up to PN25.

Vacuum Insulated Cryogenic Pipe  Features

Double Walled Construction for lowest heat inleak

Factory Sealed Vacuum Sections for vacuum integrity to 20 years

Prefabricated for easy shipping and installation

Minimal Cryogenic Liquid Loss for maximum liquid preservation

Series 304 Stainless Steel Fabrication for maximum service life

Bayonet Design Options for easy installation

Standard Pipe Hangers for low install/maintenance cost

Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak-Testing for vacuum integrity

Modular Construction for ease of expansion/modification

Internal Liquid Traps prevents boil-off

Vacuum Jacketed Valves for branch and equipment isolation

Flexible piping options for thermal contractions/simple installation

What is Vacuum Jacketed Piping?

A vacuum jacketed piping system consists of an inner process pipe surrounded by an outer jacket, with the annular space

evacuated to create a high level of thermal insulation. In many designs, additional insulation materials are installed within the vacuum space to further reduce heat transfer.

By eliminating convection and significantly reducing conductive and radiative heat transfer, vacuum jacketed piping provides superior thermal performance compared to conventional insulation methods in cryogenic service.

Vacuum jacketed piping is used to thermally isolate cryogenic and low-temperature fluids by minimizing heat transfer from

the surrounding environment. Unlike heated jacketed piping systems, vacuum jacketed piping relies on insulation under

vacuum rather than active heat input. These systems are commonly applied in cryogenic service where maintaining low

temperatures and minimizing boil-off are critical to process performance and safety.

Precise Thermal works with specialized fabrication partners capable of delivering vacuum jacketed piping systems and

components for a wide range of cryogenic fluids and service conditions, with designs tailored to application-specific thermal and mechanical requirements.

Heated Jacketed Piping Systems

In addition to vacuum jacketed piping for cryogenic service, Precise Thermal also supports jacketed piping systems used for

process heating, viscosity control, and freeze protection. These systems circulate a heating medium—such as steam, thermal

fluid, or glycol—around the process pipe to maintain required operating temperatures.

Cryogenic Fluid Applications

Durable, reliable construction

Easy to clean and sterilize

Improve thermal energy efficiency

Low profile, space-saving designs

Reduce boil-off and conserve materials

Reduce condensation and risk of mold

Reduce risk of corrosion-under-insulation (CUI)