Cryogenic Storage Tanks for LIN / LOX / LAR
KAF Cryogenics supplies cryogenic storage tanks for liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen and liquid argon. Double-walled, vacuum-insulated construction, vertical or horizontal configurations and project-specific connections support bulk storage and downstream gas supply.
Storage Capacity and Pressure
The stationary equipment range includes capacities up to 1,000 m³ and MAWP options from 3 to 37 bar. Capacity and pressure are selected together for the medium, delivery schedule, consumption and required operating reserve. The available combination is confirmed for the tank model.
Vacuum-Insulated Construction
Tanks use an austenitic stainless steel inner vessel and a carbon steel outer jacket with perlite insulation in the vacuum space. Inner vessel material, typically 304L in the stated range, is specified for the service. Cold-stretched construction is used on appropriate medium- and high-pressure models.
Vertical tanks use leg supports; horizontal tanks use saddle supports. The arrangement is reviewed against the foundation, available height, access, filling and withdrawal connections and instrumentation requirements. Level and pressure transmitters and remote telemetry can be included where specified.
Oxygen Service and Pressure Protection
Equipment for LOX service requires oxygen-compatible materials and cleaning, with EN 12300 referenced for cleaning requirements. Flow-diverter and dual pressure relief arrangements are part of the stated tank configuration. The valve arrangement and relief specification are confirmed for the selected unit.
Stationary tanks are specified with EN 13458 and applicable pressure equipment requirements. ASME Section VIII and AD 2000 can be addressed where required by the project or destination. Design records, material certificates and inspection or test documentation are defined in the supply scope.
Storage and Road Transport
Stationary storage and road distribution have different design and approval requirements. For transport duties, use the dedicated cryogenic semi-trailer page and provide the required capacity, payload and unloading conditions.
Equipment Specification Overview
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Medium | Liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid argon (LAR) |
| Nominal capacity | Up to 1,000 m³; model-specific capacity and pressure combination |
| MAWP | 3–37 bar across the range; standard 18 bar and 37 bar series where specified |
| Design temperature | −196°C |
| Orientation | Vertical or horizontal |
| Insulation | Perlite and vacuum |
| Inner vessel | Austenitic stainless steel to the approved specification |
| Design references | EN 13458; ASME where specified |
| Documentation | Certification, CE marking and ASME U stamping are provided only where specified and applicable to the selected equipment and manufacturer. |
| Options | Level and pressure instruments, telemetry and project-specific connections |
The stated ranges describe the equipment portfolio. Capacity, pressure, materials and documentation are confirmed together for the selected model and project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which configurations are available for LIN, LOX, LAR tanks?
The range includes vertical and horizontal stationary tanks as well as transportable equipment. The final configuration is selected according to the medium, required capacity, pressure, site arrangement and transport requirements. Each tank is a double-walled, vacuum-insulated pressure vessel with an austenitic stainless steel inner vessel and a carbon steel outer jacket, insulated with perlite or super insulation in the vacuum space. Cold-stretched inner vessels are used on medium- and high-pressure models.
Which design codes and standards apply?
Stationary tanks are designed to EN 13458 and, where required ASME Section VIII Division 1, in compliance with the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (2014/68/EU). Transportable equipment is designed to EN 13530, with ADR/TPED compliance applied for road transport.
How is the equipment prepared for oxygen service?
Inner vessels intended for LOX service are cleaned and prepared in accordance with EN 12300 to remove hydrocarbon residues prior to commissioning.
What valves and instrumentation are fitted as standard?
Each tank is fitted with a flow-diverter valve and dual pressure relief valves as standard, with provisions for level and pressure transmitters and remote telemetry where specified.
What capacities and pressure ratings are available?
Stationary LIN, LOX and LAR storage capacities extend up to 1,000 m³, with MAWP options from 3 to 37 bar across the range. Transportable nominal capacities are 5–35 m³ for LIN, 5–25 m³ for LOX and 5–20 m³ for LAR. Capacity and pressure are confirmed together for the selected model.
How is the equipment optimized for the stored or transported medium?
The medium is defined at the specification stage and the tank configuration, pressure rating, insulation arrangement and connections are selected accordingly.
Are transport and ISO container options available?
Yes. Model-specific ISO container configurations can be provided for road, rail or sea transport, with vacuum-jacketed piping and cryogenic valves fitted to minimize in-transit boil-off. ADR/TPED compliance is applied to transport configurations where required.
What information should be provided for a quotation?
The main starting points are the medium, required capacity, MAWP or operating pressure, stationary or transportable requirement, preferred orientation, oxygen-service requirement where applicable, and destination or applicable project standard.
Related Equipment and Services
Related Guides
Technical guides from our blog on this equipment group.
- How to Size a Cryogenic Storage Tank for Your PlantCryogenic tank sizing by daily consumption, delivery frequency, autonomy days, peak demand and pressure. A clear buyer's method plus expert KAF help.
- Vertical vs Horizontal Cryogenic Tank: Which to ChooseVertical vs horizontal cryogenic tank compared on footprint, capacity, installation, cost and use cases. A practical guide to choosing the right orientation.
- Cryogenic Tank Insulation: Perlite vs Multilayer InsulationCompare vacuum perlite and multilayer insulation on cryogenic tanks: heat leak, boil off, weight, repairability and what to check when buying a used tank.
- Understanding MAWP and Pressure Class SelectionWhat cryogenic tank MAWP means, how pressure class sets delivery pressure and boil-off management, and how to choose the right class for your process.
- Customer Station Tanks: Sizing for Your Gas DemandHow gas distributors size a customer station tank by consumption and delivery route, plus telemetry and MicroBulk versus bulk.