LCO2 Storage Tanks PIR / PUR Insulated
KAF Cryogenics supplies LCO2 storage tanks with PIR / PUR foam insulation for liquid carbon dioxide service. The stationary equipment configuration is selected for the storage duty, ambient conditions, withdrawal requirements and site arrangement.
Insulation and Vessel Construction
PIR and PUR refer to polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foam insulation respectively. The insulating layer and protective cladding are specified for the equipment and environment. Cladding material, moisture protection and accessible connection details are reviewed for the proposed arrangement. Vessel materials, design temperature, capacity and pressure rating are confirmed for the model. The insulation name alone does not define the approved service conditions.
Pressure Management and Storage Operation
Heat ingress, ambient temperature, operating frequency and withdrawal demand affect pressure management. Refrigeration, pressure-building equipment, pumps, meters and instrumentation are selected only where the duty requires them. Provide delivery intervals, liquid consumption, usable storage requirements and site constraints. Vertical or horizontal orientation and filling and withdrawal connections are selected for the installation.
Model Selection and Documentation
Technical data, materials, inspections and the applicable equipment requirements are established for the selected model. The stationary LCO2 family includes the ranges described on the main storage page, but individual insulation configurations have their own model capacities and pressure ratings. New equipment and selected used units can be considered, with availability and condition reviewed individually.
Equipment Specification Overview
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Medium | Liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) |
| Insulation | PIR / PUR foam insulation with protective cladding |
| Nominal capacity | 5–400 m³; selected model and insulation configuration |
| Range MAWP | 22–24 bar; model-specific |
| Vessel material | Carbon steel or stainless steel, including duplex options where specified |
| Minimum design temperature | Carbon steel configurations: −40°C; stainless steel configurations can be specified down to −196°C |
| Temperature selection | Approved vessel design governs temperature limits; PIR / PUR and vacuum insulation do not determine material temperature ratings |
| Orientation | Vertical or horizontal |
| Pressure control | Pressure-building unit, cooling unit and heaters as specified for the duty |
| Connections and instruments | Liquid withdrawal, filling and vapor balance connections; pressure, temperature and level measurement |
| Design references | AD 2000, EN 13458 or ASME as specified for the equipment |
| Documentation | Certification, CE marking and ASME U stamping are provided only where specified and applicable to the selected equipment and manufacturer. |
The stated ranges describe the equipment portfolio. Capacity, pressure, materials and documentation are confirmed together for the selected model and project.
Vessel Material and Design Temperature
The minimum design temperature depends on the vessel material and approved construction. Carbon steel configurations are specified for a minimum design temperature of −40°C; stainless steel configurations can be specified down to −196°C. Both material options may be considered with PIR / PUR insulation or vacuum insulation. A −196°C vessel rating is a material and design limit, not the operating temperature of stored LCO2. The complete temperature range is confirmed in the model documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this insulation name mean?
Cryogenic Insulated denotes the vacuum-insulated option; PIR / PUR Insulated denotes foam insulation. The vessel design and approved gas service are reviewed separately.
Does the insulation determine capacity or MAWP?
No. Capacity, pressure and temperature ratings are defined by the selected model and its technical documentation.
Is refrigeration included as standard?
Refrigeration is specified only where required by the thermal and operating duty and included in the agreed scope.
Which details should be provided for an inquiry?
Specify the liquid CO2 duty, insulation preference, capacity, pressure, location and filling or discharge requirements.
Related Equipment and Services
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 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.
- 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.
- Holding Time and NER: How Long Cryogenic Liquid LastsWhat NER and holding time mean, what affects them, and typical static evaporation of roughly 0.2 to 0.6 percent per day for modern stationary cryogenic tanks.
- 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.