Experiment No.

4
Date: 27-09-2023

1) Name of Experiment: Different types of insulation used in cryogenic storage vessel and their effect on the liquid
nitrogen boi-loff rate

2) Objective:To study insulating effect of perlite powder insulation and vacuum insulation by measuring the boil-off rate
of liquid nitrogen
3) Theory:
If there is a large temperature differential between the media being stored and its environment , heat ingress can occur
through the floor, wall or roof of storage tanks by conduction , convection and radiation.When boil-off occurs it can lead
to a great deal of product wastage and once started , it can be continuous throughout the tank. Different techniques and
types of insulation are used to avoid the boil-off rate of cryogenic liquids . The amount of vapour disharged per unit
time gives an estimate of the boil-off . Different techniques and types of insulation are used

There are several types of insulation that can be used to avoid the boil-off rate of cryogenic liquids. These includes:
(1) expanded foamd (2) gas filled powders and fibrous materials (3) vacuum alone (4) evacuated powders and fibrous
materials (5) opacified powders and, (6) multilayer insulation . The special insulation used for particular application is
determined through a compromise between cost, ease of application, weight , and ruggedness and so on, in addition to
effectiveness of insulation. In this experiment, the performance of the following types of insulation have been tested.
(1) vacuum alone and
(2) evacuated perlite powder
4) Experimental setup: The schematic of the experimental setup is shown in the adjoining Figure 1

Fig. 1. Schematic of the experimental test setup

Rotary vane pump is connected to the annular part of double walled vessel to evacuate it and maintain constant vacuum
level. Inner space of vessel is connected to water displacement column to measure the flow rate of gaseous nitrogen
coming out of vessel as a result of boil-off.
a) Rotary vane pump:: A rotary vane pump, also known as a vacuum pump, is a self-priming positive displacement
pump that moves fluids and gasses with vanes mounted to a rotor inside a cylindrical housing. It is used to create
vacuum inside the double walled glass vessel.
 b) Double walled glass vessel::A double-walled glass vessel, also commonly known as a double-walled glass container
or double-walled glass jar, is a type of glassware designed with two layers or walls of glass separated by a small
gap or vacuum.
c) Valve::The valve in a rotary vane pump is responsible for controlling the flow of fluid or gas through the pump,
regulating the direction and timing of the fluid movement.It prevents the backflow of the pumped medium into the
pump chamber when the pump is not actively working, ensuring the integrity of the pumping process.
d) Perlite insulation: : Perlite is an effective thermal insulator, offering good resistance to the flow of heat. It is
often used to reduce heat transfer in walls, roofs, and floors, helping to maintain indoor comfort and energy
efficiency.While perlite itself does not absorb moisture, it is typically combined with binders or coatings that
enhance its moisture resistance and prevent water absorption. This helps maintain its insulating properties in humid
conditions.
e) Water displacement column::A water displacement column, often used in laboratory settings, is a device used for
measuring the volume of a gas by displacing water from a graduated column. It’s typically used for collecting and
measuring the volume of gases evolved in chemical reactions.
5) Experimental procedure:
The following steps have been followed:
1. Vacuum pump was switched on first so that heat being tranferred from surrounding is reduced.
2. LN2 was poured into container with evacuated perlite powder.
3. Top cover was sealed using bolts. Two bolts at opposite ends are tightened together at a time so that vessel is properly
sealed
4. Boil-off vapour was coming out continuously.
5. Boil-off was measured by downward displacement of water column.
6. we repeated the above steps at different time intervals to observe the change in boil-off rate.
7. The test was carried out in a similar double walled glass vessel with the evacuated annular space.

6) Results and Discussion :

We measured the time required to displace the water filled in water displacement column of one litre at regular interval

Displacement rate is calculated by:

V olume of water displaced by N itrogen vapour

Displacement rate =
T ime taken to f ully displace the water column
Flow rate is calculated by:
F low rate = Displacement rate × Density of N itrogen vapour
where,
density of N itrogen gas, ρ = 4.6Kg/m3

Time taken Displacement rate

Flow rate (Kg/)
(in seconds) of Water(in L/s)
5.23 0.191 8.786 ×10−4
5.28 0.189 8.694 ×10−4
5.40 0.185 8.51 ×10−4
5.52 0.181 8.326 ×10−4
6.04 0.1655 7.613 ×10−4
5.9 0.164 7.544 ×10−4
6.06 0.169 7.774 ×10−4
5.68 0.165 7.59 ×10−4
6.19 0.161 7.406 ×10−4
 10
9
8

Flow rate (x 10-4 kg/s)

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fig. 2. Variation of Flow rate

It is evident from the Fig.2 that flow rate of gaseous Nitrogen is reducing which means that boil-off rate is going to
reduce over time .