Method for insulating a cryogenic container

Abstract

A method of insulating a member, such as a cryogenic tank, pipe, or other cryogenic or extreme temperature element with multilayer insulation, and a packaged multilayer insulation blanket for use in the method. The packaged blanket includes (1) a multilayer insulation blanket including a plurality of alternating layers of aluminum or other heat-reflective foil and microfiberglass insulation spacer material, and (2) two layers of plastic sheeting sandwiching the multilayer insulation blanket therebetween. Each layer of plastic sheeting has at least one edge which is sealed to thus define an evacuated inside space containing the multilayer insulation. In the method, the edge of the packaged insulation is opened and an edge of the multilayer insulation blanket therein is attached to the cryogenic tank, container or other member to be insulated. The multilayer insulation is then guided onto or around the member, and out from between the plastic sheeting until edges of the multilayer insulation abut. Lastly, the abutting edges of the multilayer insulation blanket are attached with an appropriate means such as heat reflective tape in a manner to avoid “heat shorts”.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.