In the LNG (liquefied natural gas) industry chain, equipment and pipelines operate at extremely low temperatures of around -160°C for extended periods, placing extremely high demands on the stability, flexibility, and thermal insulation performance of insulation materials. LNG elastic felt is one of the widely used cryogenic insulation materials in this context. This article will systematically analyze the actual performance of LNG elastic felt in extremely low-temperature environments from the perspectives of material structure, cryogenic adaptability, and engineering performance.

I. Core Requirements of Insulation Materials in LNG Cryogenic Conditions

In LNG storage, transportation, and processing systems, the extremely low-temperature environment mainly presents the following challenges:

Large temperature differences and concentrated thermal stress

Material embrittlement and cracking

Significant cold shrinkage

High risk of condensation and frosting

Therefore, insulation materials suitable for LNG systems must simultaneously meet multiple requirements, including low thermal conductivity, cryogenic resistance, good flexibility, and structural stability.

II. Material Structure Basis of LNG Elastic Felt

LNG elastic felt is typically a flexible cryogenic insulation material. Its structural characteristics include:

Multi-layered composite fibers or elastic substrate

High-porosity internal structure

Fibers and matrix form a stable support system

This structure allows the material to maintain its overall continuity at extremely low temperatures, preventing structural damage from sudden temperature drops.

III. Core Performance of LNG Elastic Felt in Extremely Low Temperature Environments

1. Flexibility Retention under Low Temperature Conditions

At operating temperatures around -160℃:

The material is less prone to brittle fracture

It can deform synchronously with the equipment's contraction and expansion

It avoids stress concentration caused by rigid materials

This is one of the key advantages that distinguishes LNG elastic felt from ordinary rigid insulation materials.

2. Stability of Thermal Conductivity at Extremely Low Temperatures

LNG elastic felt exhibits the following characteristics in low-temperature environments:

Small variation in thermal conductivity with temperature

Long-term stable insulation performance

Reliable and continuous heat loss control

Its porous structure effectively restricts gas molecule movement, thereby reducing heat transfer efficiency.

3. Resistance to Cold Shrinkage and Structural Integrity

During repeated cooling and heating processes:

The material is less prone to delamination

The fiber structure is less prone to breakage

Thickness variation is controllable

These characteristics help reduce cold bridge formation and ensure the overall insulation continuity of the system.

IV. Performance of LNG Elastic Felt in Preventing Condensation and Frosting at Extremely Low Temperatures

In LNG systems, insulation failure can easily lead to:

Surface frosting

Condensation penetration

Structural corrosion risk

LNG elastic felt is typically used in conjunction with moisture-proof coverings to:

Reduce water vapor permeability

Stabilize surface temperature gradients

Reduce condensation and frosting in low-temperature environments

V. Application Performance of LNG Elastic Felt in Practical Engineering

1. LNG Pipeline Systems

Accommodates thermal expansion and contraction of pipelines

Fits to complex pipe diameter structures

Reduces stress damage caused by low temperatures

2. LNG Storage Tanks and Auxiliary Equipment

Suitable for irregular structures

Facilitates multi-layer covering construction

Good insulation continuity

3. LNG Cryogenic Valves and Connections

Flexible structure allows for better detail handling

Reduces localized heat loss

Improves overall insulation reliability

VI. Key Factors Affecting the Extremely Low Temperature Performance of LNG Elastic Felt

1. Material Density and Pore Structure

Low density may affect strength.

High density increases the heat conduction path.

A reasonable structural design is key to stable performance.

2. Installation Process and Fixing Method

Is the wrapping tight?

Are the joints properly treated?

Is the moisture barrier continuous?

Construction quality directly affects actual performance under low-temperature conditions.

3. Long-Term Stability of the Operating Environment

Are there frequent temperature fluctuations?

Is it in a complex outdoor environment?

These factors all affect the service life of the material at extremely low temperatures.

VII. Summary of the Advantages of LNG Elastic Felt in Extremely Low-Temperature Environments

In summary, the main advantages of LNG elastic felt in extremely low-temperature environments are:

Good low-temperature flexibility

Stable thermal conductivity

Strong adaptability to thermal stress

Facilitates continuous insulation of complex structures

These characteristics make it one of the commonly used low-temperature insulation materials in LNG cryogenic systems.

The performance of LNG elastic felt in extremely low-temperature environments stems from the combined effect of its flexible structure and stable insulation mechanism.

In cryogenic conditions of around -160℃, it can balance thermal conductivity control and structural adaptability, providing reliable thermal insulation support for the safe and stable operation of LNG systems.