CO2 Tanks
Stationary And Transportable LCO2 Tanks
KAF Cryogenics provides complete LCO2 storage and transportation solutions for industrial gas distribution, beverage production, food processing, dry ice manufacturing and other liquid CO2 applications. The range includes stationary storage tanks, semi-trailers, truck-mounted tankers and ISO container configurations, with storage tanks are available with vacuum insulation or PUR/PIR insulation, with standard and custom storage capacities up to 400 m³ and MAWP up to 24 bar. Because LCO2 is held close to its saturation pressure rather than behaving as a simple boil-off cryogen, both vacuum-insulated and PUR/PIR-insulated tanks may be fitted with a refrigeration unit that condenses the vapor generated by heat ingress and keeps the tank at its design pressure and temperature; a pressure-building vaporizer is used where withdrawal pressure needs to be maintained. Depending on the project, inner vessel material can be carbon steel or stainless steel, and the equipment can be arranged in vertical or horizontal configuration with the required filling, withdrawal, pressure-control and instrumentation connections. On PUR/PIR-insulated tanks, the insulation is protected by a stainless steel or aluminum weatherproof cladding against mechanical damage and moisture ingress.
Transportable equipment includes vacuum-insulated and PUR/PIR-insulated semi-trailers, truck-mounted models and 20 ft or 40 ft ISO container options. Pump packages, flowmeters, instrumentation and telemetry can be incorporated where required by the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between vacuum-insulated and PUR/PIR-insulated LCO2 tanks?
Both maintain the tank at LCO2's design pressure and temperature, but the construction differs: vacuum-insulated tanks use a perlite-filled vacuum space, while PUR/PIR-insulated tanks use expanded polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam protected by a stainless steel or aluminum weatherproof cladding. Selection depends on storage duty, ambient conditions and project preference.
Why do LCO2 tanks need a refrigeration unit?
LCO2 is held close to its saturation pressure rather than behaving as a simple boil-off cryogen. A refrigeration unit condenses the vapor generated by heat ingress to keep the tank at its design pressure and temperature. This applies to both vacuum-insulated and PUR/PIR-insulated tanks.
What storage capacities and pressure ratings are available?
Standard and custom storage capacities are available up to 400 m³, with MAWP options up to 24 bar. The final capacity and pressure rating are selected for the specific project.
Are both carbon steel and stainless steel inner vessels available?
Yes. Carbon steel and stainless steel inner vessel options are available, subject to the required equipment configuration and project specification.
What transport configurations are available?
The range includes LCO2 semi-trailers, truck-mounted tankers and 20 ft ISO container options. Vacuum-insulated and PUR/PIR-insulated transport configurations can be considered.
Can pumps, flowmeters and telemetry be included?
Yes. Pump packages, flowmeters, instrumentation and telemetry can be incorporated as project options, including a pressure-building vaporizer where withdrawal pressure needs to be maintained.
Related guides
Technical guides from our blog on this equipment group.
- LCO2 Storage Tank Selection for Beverage and Industrial UseHow to select an LCO2 storage tank by capacity, pressure, refrigeration unit and use case for beverage, food, welding and industrial CO2.
- Cryogenic Tank Boil-Off Rate Explained (Normal Values)What is a normal cryogenic tank boil-off rate? Learn typical values, what drives boil-off, and how to tell normal from a problem.
- Why Pressure Rises in a Cryogenic TankCryogenic tank pressure rise is caused by heat ingress and boil-off. Learn normal pressure cycling, the role of coils, and when rising pressure signals.
- Cryogenic Liquid to Gas Conversion: Volumes, Density and RatiosCryogenic liquid to gas conversion ratios for nitrogen, oxygen, argon and LNG, with the arithmetic to size storage against your own gas demand.
- 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.