LNG Tank Insulation

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been converted into a liquid state through a process of cooling and condensation. It is odourless, colourless, non-toxic, and non-corrosive.
LNG plays a vital role in the global energy landscape as a clean and versatile fuel source, with applications ranging from power generation to heating, industrial processes, and transportation.
In its liquid state, LNG occupies 600 times less volume than in its gaseous state, which greatly facilitates its transport and storage. It is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, as it generates significantly less CO₂ emissions than other fossil fuels.
Proper LNG tank insulation is essential to maintain these extremely low temperatures during storage and transport, ensuring efficiency, safety, and performance.

Cryogenic Insulation with CRYOLENE for LNG storage tanks

Storage tanks and vessels in various industries come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and media temperatures to suit different processes. However, they share a common need for reliable cryogenic insulation that fulfills all process requirements. This includes maintaining thermal stability, preserving extremely low temperatures, ensuring fire safety, and providing high resiliency. Effective LNG tank insulation plays a crucial role in meeting these challenges.
The construction of cryogenic storage tanks for LNG, liquid oxygen, or nitrogen, used in chemical or combustion processes, requires insulation systems that meet strict industry standards. Not only are these tanks complex to build, but the insulation used must ensure long-term performance, safety, and efficiency.

High resilience and flexibility for cryogenic tank applications

One of the main challenges in LNG tank insulation is the variation in tank volume as the liquid level rises or falls. The insulation material must offer both compressibility and resilience to adapt to these fluctuations.
To meet this requirement, ISOVER has developed the unique CRYOLENE solution, specially designed for the insulation of cryogenic tank walls and roofs. CRYOLENE mineral wool rolls are highly resilient and retain their fiber elasticity over time, even in extreme conditions ranging from -170°C to +120°C. This makes them ideal for technical insulation for LNG tanks.

Thermal performance at cryogenic temperatures

CRYOLENE provides excellent thermal insulation, ensuring the stable temperatures critical for LNG storage. Its performance is optimized to maintain cryogenic conditions while minimizing thermal bridging. This enhances energy efficiency, reduces heat loss, and supports precise temperature control in LNG storage tank insulation systems. CRYOLENE’s thermal conductivity has been independently tested by external laboratories, verifying its performance at cryogenic temperatures typically encountered in LNG applications.

Efficient installation with long rolls and high tensile strength

Different insulation configurations have been developed for tank shells and suspended deck applications. CRYOLENE rolls are available in extended lengths (up to 40 meters) and width (up to 2,4m)allowing for fast installation with fewer joints. This time-saving solution reduces thermal bridges and ensures a more continuous insulation layer.
In addition, CRYOLENE is available with high-strength facings such as reinforced glass tissue or reinforced aluminium foil, delivering outstanding mechanical durability and tensile strength.

Ensure reliable fire protection

CRYOLENE leverages the natural fire-resistant properties of mineral wool to enhance safety. The insulation helps protect the tank and its contents in the event of a nearby fire, preventing temperature spikes that could cause explosions or the release of flammable vapors. It also protects surrounding structures and safeguards critical equipment—both essential for improving safety and meeting strict LNG facility fire regulations.
Depending on the type of covering, CRYOLENE is classified as:

• A1 with glass tissue (V.V.)
• A2-s1, d0 with aluminum foil (A.A.)
   

Proven reliability & durability in extreme conditions

Pioneering LNG tank insulation technology since the 1980s, the properties and performance of CRYOLENE have been extensively tested by independent laboratories and comply with EN 14303 requirements. With more than 100 reference projects worldwide, CRYOLENE has demonstrated long-term reliability in industrial insulation for LNG tanks, chemical plants, and cryogenic facilities.
Discover the CRYOLENE range, insulation solutions for LNG tank walls, suspended decks, and pipe connections that combine technical excellence and field-proven durability.

CRYOLENE, a full range to insulate LNG storage tanks

CRYOLENE insulation can handle high hot and cold temperatures, from -170°C to +120°C. It has a low binder content, which makes it remarkably safe in case of a fire. The reinforced aluminum foil covering is made to be extra strong, so it doesn't get damaged when the annular space is filled with perlite or settles down.
Depending on the type of covering, CRYOLENE has two classifications:

• A1 with glass tissue (V.V.)
• A2-s1, d0 with aluminum foil (A.A.).

The CRYOLENE range is available in different shapes, for wall, pipe, and deck sections.
CRYOLENE 682 is suitable for large wall sections and offers better thermal performance with fewer joints and bridges. It reduces installation time by 75%, improves safety on-site, and makes installation easier.
 

CRYOLENE – A full range to insulate LNG storage tank 

The CRYOLENE range of cryogenic insulation is available in various forms, suitable for wall sections, pipe areas, and deck sections of LNG storage tanks.

CRYOLENE 681 – Fiberglass solution for suspended decks

CRYOLENE 681 is designed for deck sections in cryogenic tanks, where fiberglass-based insulation is preferred. This product offers excellent dimensional stability and thermal resistance, making it ideal for horizontal applications. It fits seamlessly into the overall cryogenic insulation system to ensure continuity and performance.

CRYOLENE 682 – Resilient blanket for tank walls

CRYOLENE 682 is a resilient blanket insulation solution specifically tailored for large wall sections in LNG storage tanks. As the largest roll available on the market—up to 40 m in length and 2.4 m in width, it minimizes the number of joints and optimizes installation efficiency. Thanks to its extended roll length and flexible structure, it provides:

• Enhanced thermal performance
• Fewer joints and thermal bridges
• Improved on-site safety and logistics

Its resilient mineral wool composition ensures long-term elasticity and excellent adaptability to changing tank volumes, supporting safe and efficient LNG storage insulation.

CRYOLENE 684 – For complex or small pipe areas

CRYOLENE 684 is designed for pipe connections and complex geometries, where flexibility and precise fitting are key. It complements the rest of the CRYOLENE range to offer a complete and adaptable solution for every part of an LNG storage tank.
 

CRYOLENE – At the service of our customers

ISOVER has acquired extensive expertise in LNG tank insulation by taking part in more than 100 reference projects across the globe. Through this international experience, the company has continuously improved its insulation solutions to combine high thermal performance, installation efficiency, and long-term reliability for cryogenic storage tanks.
ISOVER places great importance on meeting its commitments to customers. It guarantees the supply of high-quality LNG insulation materials through rigorous internal and external quality control procedures and product certifications. ISOVER also prioritises on-time delivery, ensuring product availability to meet the needs of large-scale industrial and LNG infrastructure projects in Europe and worldwide.