Insulation for storage or transport of cryogenic fluids

A vessel for storing or transporting a low temperature fluid, the vessel comprising a volumetrically compressed insulation in an annular space between an inner tank and an outer shell, the volumetrically compressed insulation including a nanoporous material and providing distributed support for at least some of the weight of the inner tank.

A vessel for storing or transporting a low temperature fluid, the vessel comprising an insulator in an annular space between an inner tank and an outer shell, wherein the inner tank is cylindrical and the outer shell is non-cylindrical.

A vessel for storing or transporting a low temperature fluid, the vessel comprising a volumetrically compressed insulator in an annular space between an inner tank and an outer shell, said outer shell having at least one flexible zone.

A method for transporting a low temperature fluid, the method comprising moving a vessel containing said fluid, wherein the low temperature fluid is surrounded by a volumetrically compressed insulator that includes a nanoporous material.

A method for storing a cryogenic fluid, the method comprising holding cryogenic fluid in a tank surrounded by a volumetrically compressed insulator that includes a nanoporous material.

A process for manufacturing a vessel for storing or transporting a cryogenic fluid, the process comprising surrounding an inner tank with a volumetrically compressed insulator that includes a nanoporous material.

A process for manufacturing a vessel for storing or transporting a cryogenic fluid, the process comprising arranging an inner tank within an outer shell, and volumetrically compressing an insulator in a space between the inner tank and the outer shell, wherein the insulator includes a nanoporous material.

A vessel for storing or transporting a cryogenic fluid the vessel comprising a volumetrically compressed insulation disposed between an inner tank and an outer shell and exerting a distributed force, the insulation including a material selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, aerogel or any combination thereof.