Investigation of Different Types of Reflective Multilayer Insulators (MLI) in Cryogenic Tanks

In cryogenic tank insulation, different insulators are used, of which multilayer insulation is one of them. Multi-layer insulations have high performance, compared to other cryogenic insulations. These insulations include radiation shields and spacers. Integrated multilayer insulation is a kind of insulation in which the spacer networks are replaced by small polymeric pieces having low thermal conductivity. Load response multi-layer is made of small polymeric columns that respond to external loads. Common multilayer insulation do not have ability of responding to external loads. To overcome this problem, load response multilayer insulations are used. These insulations do not have spacer network, but they are made of polymeric spacers that can withstand external loads and weighst. Composite layered insulation system includes radiation shield layer, powdery layers (aerogel or silica fume), and carrier layers (non-woven or fiberglass paper). The difference between composite layered insulation and conventional multilayer insulations is that the composite insulation has an additional layer of powder in its structure.