Investigating the use and maintenance methods of pressure tanks or cryogenic tanks

Pressure tanks and cryogenic tanks are two types of industrial tanks that are used to store materials under high pressure. Due to the ability to store at low temperatures and high pressure, as well as the ability to store materials in special conditions, these two types of tanks are used in various industries such as space, oil and gas, chemical, etc. By using proper storage methods, it is possible to increase the safety and quality of the products stored in these tanks.

In this article, the maintenance methods and applications of these two types of tanks are discussed.

Cryogenic tanks

Cryogenic tanks are used in various industries as a method of keeping materials at very low temperatures. These tanks are used to store materials such as heat gases, oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Also, cryogenic tanks are used to transport materials that cannot be transported at low temperatures. For example, in the transport of heat gases, nitrogen and argon. Cryogenic tanks are widely used due to the possibility of storage at negative temperatures and ambient pressure.

Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels are used to store and transport materials under high pressure. These tanks are used to store materials such as natural gas, hydrocarbons and water. Due to the ability to store at high pressure, pressure flat tanks are very widely used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical and aerospace because the pressure is used to maintain the required materials.

The difference between cryogenic tanks and pressure tanks

The main difference between these two types of tanks is in the storage method. Pressure vessels are used to store materials at high pressure (for example, storage and transportation of natural gas) and cryogenic tanks are used for storage of materials at low temperatures (for example, storage and transportation of thermal gases). And also, in cryogenic tanks, materials are kept at low temperature, while in pressurized tanks, materials are kept at higher pressure.

Pressure tanks, cryogenic tanks

Application of pressure vessels in space industry

Pressure tanks and cryogenic tanks are used in the space industry as a fuel storage method. This type of fuel includes liquid hydrogen at a very low temperature (-250 degrees Celsius), which is known as a very suitable fuel source in space due to its light weight.

Cryogenic fuel is very suitable for space flight due to its high energy per unit volume. Also, this type of fuel can be transported with necessary precautions. In fact, the use of cryogenic fuel in space vehicles is one of its advantages compared to other types of fuel due to its lower weight and easier storage capability.

For example, cryogenic fuel will be used as one of the fuel sources in the Lunar Gateway. And also for long-distance space flight, such as flying to other planets, using cryogenic fuel is very ideal.

Pressure vessel maintenance methods

Pressure tanks or cryogenic tanks require special conditions for storage due to the very low temperature. Oxygen and contact with flammable materials should also be avoided.

One of the methods of maintaining cryogenic tanks is the use of special structures with thermal insulation, which prevents the effects of the external environment and keeps the temperature inside the tank in a suitable range. Also, to avoid direct contact with flammable materials, cryogenic tanks should be kept in a space away from flammable materials and under close supervision.

In addition, these tanks must be filled periodically to prevent fuel from evaporating from inside the pressurized tanks.

If the fuel is kept at a very low temperature, its volume may increase due to phase change and cause the tank to break. Therefore, to avoid this problem, it is necessary to use tanks with a large capacity and suitable steam release and phase change systems.

Also, in addition to physical factors, chemical factors can also cause fuel failure. In some cases, cryogenic fuels may degrade and deteriorate due to contact with chemicals or moisture. To avoid these problems, chemicals and moisture should be kept away from pressurized tanks or cryogenic tanks and proper purification systems should be used.

It should be noted that the correct maintenance of pressure tanks and cryogenic tanks is very important, because any error in this process can have irreparable consequences.