Why Cryogenic Insulation Must Be Seamless — Lessons from LNG Projects
Why Cryogenic Insulation Must Be Seamless — Lessons from LNG Projects
Cryogenic systems — such as those used in LNG (liquefied natural gas), liquid nitrogen, or CO₂ transport — operate at extreme low temperatures, often below -160°C. In these environments, even the smallest insulation gap or improper seal can lead to major energy loss, condensation, and safety hazards.
At Loonglobal Engineering, we’ve handled multiple cryogenic insulation installations in Singapore where precision and continuity were critical. Here’s why seamless insulation systems are non-negotiable.
1. The Temperature Challenge
Cryogenic pipelines face:
Rapid heat gain from ambient tropical climate
Condensation leading to external icing
Mechanical shrinkage of materials under cold
Even a 5mm gap in insulation can allow thermal bridging, creating cold spots and condensation traps. This results in wet insulation, corrosion, and insulation failure.
2. Vapor Barriers are Essential
A seamless system doesn’t just mean tight-fitting insulation — it also means using continuous vapor barriers:
Aluminum foil, composite layers or mastic coating
Applied on joints, elbows, and fittings
Prevents ambient moisture from reaching the cold surface
In LNG terminals, vapor barrier failure is one of the leading causes of insulation deterioration.
3. Insulation Materials We Use
At Loonglobal, our typical cryogenic insulation system includes:
Foamglas® blocks for pipe sections
Polyurethane foam (PUF) for cold tanks
Flexible elastomeric foam (closed-cell) for vibration-prone areas
All materials are cut, bonded, and sealed at our fabrication facility before site installation.
4. Lessons from Singapore LNG Projects
On multiple jobs in Tuas and Banyan, we observed:
Improper wrapping of elbows caused air pockets
Flange covers weren’t properly terminated
Weather jackets (aluminum/stainless steel) were missing edge sealant
These issues required immediate rework and downtime — avoidable with trained crews.
5. How Loonglobal Ensures Seamlessness
Pre-fab insulation shells cut to fit exact pipe specs
Heat-gun bonding of seams and vapor barriers
Final QA/QC visual + infrared checks
Dedicated cryogenic insulation team trained in confined spaces
We deliver insulation that doesn’t just look good — it performs in the coldest, toughest conditions.
