The application of cold tanks in the preservation of liquid gases

Cold tanks are one of the vital tools in preserving liquefied gases. These tanks, with their special facilities and capabilities, play an important role in the gas industry. In this article, we examine the application of cold tanks in the preservation of liquid gases and examine their importance.

Cold tanks and their applications

What are cold storage tanks?

Cold tanks are equipment used to store liquefied gases. These tanks are often made of steel and have features such as thermal insulation, cooling system and safety valves.

Different parts of cold tanks

Tank body:

The material of the body of cold tanks must be made of materials that can withstand very low temperature and very high pressure. The use of stainless steel or high quality carbon steel are the materials that are suitable for making the body of the cold tank. Also, to prevent gas leakage, the body of the tanks must have proper welding and protection of the surfaces with the help of anti-rust paint.

Insulation :

To prevent heat loss inside the tank and maintain a stable temperature inside the tank, it is necessary to use thermal insulation. This insulation can be of different materials such as polyurethane panels, sandwich panels or types of thermal foams.

Different thermal insulation technologies

Different technologies and materials can be used for thermal insulation of cold tanks. Below I mention some technologies and thermal insulation materials used in this type of tanks:

Polyurethane panels with closed cell structure:

This type of thermal insulation is made of polyurethane panels that have a closed cell structure. This thermal insulation is used in different structures and has good insulating properties.

Chemical foams:

Chemical foams are also used as thermal insulation in cold tanks. These foams are produced by pouring chemicals and foaming them, and they insulate heat well.

Insulation spray:

Using insulating spray is also a common method for thermal insulation of cold tanks. In this method, insulating materials are sprayed on the internal and external surfaces of the cold tank and act as an insulating layer in the tank.

Mika:

Mica is a material that is used for thermal insulation in cold tanks due to its superior thermal and insulating properties. This material has high mechanical strength and thermal insulation properties.

Note that the use of any thermal insulation technology and material should be selected based on the needs and requirements of cold storage tanks as well as relevant standards.

 

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Advantages of using thermal insulation structure

The use of thermal insulation structure in liquid gas cold tanks leads to the following advantages:

Maintaining the required temperature of liquid gases and stability over time.
Reducing energy costs due to not needing to use the cooling system continuously.
Preventing the quality and properties of liquefied gases from decreasing due to temperature changes.
Increasing the useful life and stability of cold tanks.

cooling system

In liquefied gases, a lot of heat is absorbed and it is necessary to use a cooling system to maintain the proper temperature inside the tank. This system can include air coolers, water coolers, or a combination of the two.

In general, the cooling system includes the following:

1. Compressor

The compressor is one of the important components of the cooling system. The function of the compressor is to compress liquid gases in the cold tank. As the pressure of gases increases, their temperature also increases and heat exchange is required for the cooling process.

2. Radiator

Radiators are used in the cooling system to transfer the heat taken from the liquid gases in the cold tank. Radiators are designed in such a way that they increase the contact surface with the air and take advantage of the better transfer of heat to the air.

3. Cooling fan

The cooling fan is also used to accelerate the heat transfer process from the radiator to the air. By producing a strong air flow, these fans increase heat extraction from the radiator and cool the air quickly.

4. Other components

Other components may also be used in the structure of the cooling system of liquid gas cold tanks. For example, a flow control valve to control the circulation of liquid gases in the system, cooling system pipes to move hot and cold grades, and sensors to control temperature and pressure, etc. can be present in the structure of the cooling system.

Cooling system optimization tips

To optimize the structure of the cooling system in liquid gas cold tanks, the following points can be considered:

1. Optimum radiator design

Optimum design of radiators is very important according to the conditions of cold tanks and their thermal needs. The fields and the contact surface of radiators with air should be designed in such a way that they can carry out the best heat transfer.

2. Proper selection of fans

Choosing cooling fans with strong airflow and high efficiency can also help improve the performance of the cooling system. Appropriate fans should be selected according to the system requirements and should be suitable for radiators and air circulation speed.

3. Regular care and maintenance

Regular care and maintenance of the cooling system in cold tanks is also very important. Cleaning radiators and fans, checking and periodic repairs and testing and troubleshooting operations can help maintain and improve system performance.

How to preserve liquefied gases in cold tanks

Cold tanks have the ability to preserve liquid gases due to their special structure and characteristics. By using the body of the cold tank and thermal insulation, the temperature inside the tank is controlled and heat loss is prevented. Also, the cooling system is used to maintain the proper temperature inside the tank.

In general, to preserve liquid gases in cold tanks, it is done as follows:

Containment and storage of liquid gases inside the body of the cold tank using protection systems and safety valves.
Use of proper pressure inside the tank to prevent loss of liquid gases.
Managed thermal regime that guarantees a standard temperature inside the tank.

Cold storage applications

Cold tanks are widely used in various industries. In the following, we examine some of the uses of these tanks:

Use in the oil and gas industry

The use of cold storage tanks in the oil and gas industry is essential for a large number of processes and applications. Below, some of the uses of these tanks in this industry will be discussed:

1. Conservation of crude oil

Cold tanks are used in the transportation of crude oil. Cold tanks are used when oil is extracted from the fields and needs to be kept at a low temperature for transportation to cities or refining centers. By maintaining the right temperature, these tanks maintain the quality of oil and prevent energy wastage.

2. Liquid gases

In part of the oil and gas industry, it is common to use liquid gases. Cold tanks are used to preserve liquefied gases in conditions that require very low temperatures (such as CO2 tanks). These tanks are very convenient due to their easy access and ability to maintain temperature for a long time.

3. Petroleum processes

Cold tanks are also used in oil refining and gas production processes in the oil and gas industry. These tanks are used temporarily or permanently to provide the necessary temperatures for the transfer and processing of oil and gas. Also, it is common to use cold tanks in other complex chemical processes.

Use in the chemical industry

In the chemical industry, cold tanks are used to store gases such as ammonia and cooling gases. Due to their special properties, these gases can be used for various processes in various chemical industries.

Some of the chemical industries that normally use this type of tanks are:

1. Petrochemical industry:

In the petrochemical industry, liquid gases such as ethylene, propylene, butadiene, ethane, etc. are produced and used. Cold tanks are used in this industry to store and preserve these liquid gases.

2. LNG industry:

LNG or liquefied natural gas is one of the most important sources of energy. This gas turns into a liquid at a very low temperature and cold tanks such as LNG tankers are used to preserve and store it.

3. Petroleum products industry:

In the industry of petroleum products such as diesel, gasoline, fuel oil and other products, cold tanks are also used to preserve liquid gases.

These are just some examples of industries using cold storage tanks to store liquefied gases in the chemical industry.

Use in the food industry

Cold tanks are also very important in the food industry. These tanks are used to store frozen food or gases such as nitrogen in food production processes. Some of the food industries in which this type of tanks are used are:

1. Refrigerator and freezer industry:

Cold tanks are used in refrigerators and freezers to store and preserve food at low temperatures. These liquid gases include natural Freon such as ammonia and other neutral substances (coolants).

2. Ice production:

The ice production industry in commerce and catering is another pervasive application. Cold tanks are used in ice machines to convert water into ice and keep it at low temperatures.

3. Frozen food industry:

In industries such as the production of refrigerated products, foods that must be kept at very low temperatures (such as ice cream, chicken, fish, frozen vegetables, etc.), cold tanks are used to maintain the required temperature.

4. Cold drinks production industry:

In the production of cold drinks such as soft drinks, juice and mineral water, cold tanks are used to preserve and maintain soft drinks at low temperatures.

Benefits of using cold tanks

Conservation of liquefied gases

The use of cold tanks to preserve liquefied gases has many advantages. By controlling temperature and pressure, cold tanks keep these gases in ideal conditions and prevent the possibility of explosion and leakage.

Increasing the useful life of gases

The use of cold tanks in preserving liquid gases increases their useful life. Liquefied gases can be preserved at low temperatures and thus have a longer life.

Reducing waste and costs

By using cold tanks, the loss of liquid gases is greatly reduced. By creating an isolated state, these tanks (for example, a liquid nitrogen tank) prevent the transfer of heat and excess pressure, which leads to a reduction in energy consumption and costs related to the storage of liquid gases.

 

As a result, in this article, we investigated the structure of cold tanks and their role in preserving liquid gases. Cold tanks have the ability to preserve liquid gases by using a resistant body, thermal insulation and cooling system. These tanks, with many advantages such as high economic efficiency and increased efficiency in industries, are considered a good choice for storing liquid gases.