Perlite Cryogenic Insulation

Perlite Cryogenic Insulation

Cryogenic Grade Perlite for Non-Evacuated Cryogenic and Low Temperature Storage Applications:

Perlite insulation suitable for non-evacuated cryogenic or low temperature use, exhibits low thermal conductivity throughout a range of densities; the normal recommended density range is 48 to 72kg/m³ . In addition to its excellent thermal properties, Perlite insulation is cost efficient, easy to handle and install, non-combustible and meets fire regulations, lowers insurance rates, does not shrink, swell, warp or slump. There are many different design concepts for low temperature and cryogenic storage vessels. However, most are of double wall construction with the annulus filled with expanded perlite. Packaged or bulk perlite may be used to insulate smaller vessels by pouring or through pneumatic pumping by our installation crew.


Technical Properties

The typical physical characteristics for Cryogenic Grade Perlite
Colour Snow White to Grayish White
Organic Materials 0.1% Maximum
Moisture Content 0.5% Maximum
Loose Density 48 – 55 Kg /m³
In placed density 55 – 65 Kg /m³
Thermal Conductivity at – 126°C 0.025 – 0.029 W/m°K
Softening Point 870 – 1,100°C
Fusion Point 1,280 – 1,350°C
Particle Size Distribution
Mesh # (mm) % Passing
# 16, 1.18 mm 90 – 100%
# 100, 0.15 mm 0 – 10%

Gulf Perlite boasts a specialized team of Engineers and Technicians with over 1M m³ installed “under their belt” in cryogenic Perlite installation in Europe and worldwide. We offer to our clients in the Gulf region turn-key solutions in Cryogenic Perlite insulation, combining expertise and fast deliveries from our brand new state-of-the-art Perlite factory in Jebel Ali, Dubai, in applications such as:


Cryogenic Storage Tanks

These tanks are designed with an inner and outer tank, with the insulation annulus in between the tanks filled with a Cryogenic Grade Perlite insulation. During construction the Perlite is installed before any liquefied gas enters the inner tank. Cryogenic Grade Perlite is transferred into the void by a pneumatic pump combined with conveying pipes. Vibrating equipment is used to ensure correct settlement within the annulus and nozzle spacing.


Air Separation Units, (Cold-Box Cryogenic Insulation)

A brand new Air Separation Unit (ASU-Cold Box), cannot operate without the aid of Cryogenic Grade Perlite. ASU-Cold Box separates gasses by setting different temperatures within the coldbox to liquefy each of the gasses nearest to its individual boiling point. Gasses such us Oxygen (-183 °C), Nitrogen (-195.8 °C) and Argon (-185.8 °C) are the mean products. Due to the different boiling points of gasses, and the closeness of boiling point of Argon and Oxygen, cryogenic perlite maintains the required temperatures and is highly efficient resulting in higher productivity and better quality. Cryogenic perlite is poured into the ASU-Cold Box utilizing a stream of air through the conveying pipes and drops into the feed point. Pre-expanded perlite or on-site expanded perlite can be utilized.

Please contact us for any clarification.

Ask an Expert

Thanasis Pitsas

Senior Cryogenic Engineer +971 52 892 8645 Email Now

Emir Ergec

Sr. Project Manager +971 55 153 9640 +1 832 880 7001 Email Now