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Cited by 85Spacecraft and Cryogenic TechnologiesThermal properties of materialsAerogels and thermal insulation

Standardization in cryogenic insulation systems testing and performance data

Open access
Fesmire, James E.·2015·Physics Procedia
DOI 10.1016/j.phpro.2015.06.205
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Abstract

The close relationship between industrial energy use and cryogenics drives the need for optimized thermal insulation systems. Emerging cryofuels usage is enabled by adequate isolation of the liquid hydrogen or liquefied natural gas from the ambient environment. Thermal performance data for the total insulation system, as rendered, are essential for both engineering designs and cost-benefit decisions involving comparisons among alternatives. These data are obtained through rigorous testing with suitable apparatus and repeatable methods. Properly defined terminology, analysis, and reporting are also vital. Advances in cryogenic insulation test apparatus and methods have led to the recent addition of two new technical standards of ASTM International: C1774 - Standard Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Cryogenic InsulationSystems and C740 - Standard Guide for Evacuated Reflective Cryogenic Insulation. Among the different techniques described in the new standards is the cylindrical boiloff calorimeter for absolute heat measurement over the full range of vacuum pressure conditions. The details of this apparatus, test method, and data analysis are given. Benchmark thermal performance data, including effective thermal conductivity (ke) and heat flux (q) for the boundary temperatures of 293 K and 77 K, are given for a number of different multilayer insulation (MLI) systems in comparison with data for other commonly-used insulation systems including perlite powder, fiberglass, polyurethane foam, and aerogels.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This paper describes new ASTM consensus standards for cryogenic insulation testing and presents benchmark thermal performance data from the Cryostat-100 cylindrical boiloff calorimeter. It compares multilayer insulation (MLI) and other cryogenic insulation systems over vacuum-pressure conditions at boundary temperatures near 293 K and 77 K.

Key findings

  • Two new ASTM International standards are highlighted: ASTM C1774, *Standard Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Cryogenic Insulation Systems*, and ASTM C740, *Standard Guide for Evacuated Reflective Cryogenic Insulation*.
  • The cylindrical boiloff calorimeter Cryostat-100 provides absolute heat measurement; sources of error are estimated at approximately 3.2%.
  • Benchmark data show MLI systems perform best in high vacuum (HV): e.g., A154 MLI Mylar-Net (4.9 mm, 10 layers, 42 kg/m³) at 0.001 millitorr had \(k_e = 0.023\) mW/m-K and \(q = 0.997\) W/m²; A125 MLI Mylar-Net (15.5 mm, 40 layers) at 0.01 millitorr had \(k_e = 0.028\) mW/m-K and \(q = 0.398\) W/m².
  • Other systems are compared: at 0.003 millitorr, glass bubbles had \(k_e = 0.69\) mW/m-K and \(q = 5.9\) W/m²; perlite powder at 0.002 millitorr had \(k_e = 0.94\) mW/m-K and \(q = 7.9\) W/m²; fiberglass at 0.003 millitorr had \(k_e = 1.90\) mW/m-K and \(q = 8.59\) W/m²; aerogel blanket at 0.01 millitorr had \(k_e = 1.47\) mW/m-K and \(q = 12.4\) W/m².
  • Thermal performance can vary by four orders of magnitude over the vacuum pressure range; effective thermal conductivities can range from 0.010 to 100 mW/m-K. High-vacuum insulation systems are often 0.05 to 2 mW/m-K, while non-vacuum systems are typically 10 to 30 mW/m-K.

Methods

  • The paper reviews ASTM C1774 and C740 testing approaches, including boiloff calorimetry and electrical power methods, for absolute and comparative measurements of cryogenic insulation systems.
  • Benchmark data were obtained using the Cryostat-100 cylindrical absolute boiloff calorimeter with liquid nitrogen, for boundary temperatures of approximately 293 K and 77 K and residual gas nitrogen.
  • Steady-state heat flow rate \(Q\) is calculated from the liquid nitrogen boiloff rate; heat flux \(q\) is \(Q/A_e\), and effective thermal conductivity \(k_e\) is determined from Fourier’s law for a cylindrical wall. Steady state requires stabilized boiloff flow rates, stabilized temperature profile, and test chamber at least 90% full.

Limitations

  • The paper states that MLI benchmark data are for carefully controlled installation techniques and idealized laboratory conditions, and cautions against over-use of \(k_e\) values when \(q\) is often more important for cryogenic system designs.
  • The paper states that sources of error for the apparatus have been estimated at approximately 3.2%.
  • Evident from the text: the benchmark data are a selected set from an extensive database, come from one apparatus/laboratory, use nitrogen as the residual gas, and cover specific materials and boundary temperatures; future standards and round-robin testing are envisioned but not yet reported.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.phpro.2015.06.205

Cites

7 of 7 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 10 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    The Cryostat-100 insulation test apparatus has provided thermal performance data for a wide range of different materials under relevant conditions.

    “The Cryostat-100 insulation test apparatus has provided thermal performance for a wide range of different materials under relevant conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    For benchmark thermal performance data from Cryostat-100 at boundary temperatures of 293 K and 77 K with nitrogen residual gas, MLI systems are clearly the best performers in the high vacuum (HV) range.

    “The MLI systems are clearly the best performers in the HV range but caution is given that these data are for carefully controlled installation techniques and idealized laboratory conditions.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The data show a wide range of thermal performance from HV to SV to NV regions of cold vacuum pressure (CVP).

    “The data shows a wide range of thermal performance from HV to SV to NV regions of CVP.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Aerogels are the top performers in the soft vacuum (SV) to no vacuum (NV) ranges.

    “Aerogels are the top performers in the SV to NV ranges.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationreasoning

    The primary governing factor in thermal performance is the pressure of the test environment.

    “The primary governing factor in thermal performance is the pressure of the test environment.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 14
  • May combine two claims. 6

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Heat flux values approaching 0.1 W/m2 are achievable with MLI systems.

    “Heat flux values approaching 0.1 W/m 2 are also achievable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Effective thermal conductivities can range from 0.010 to 100 mW/m-K.

    “Effective thermal conductivities can range from 0.010 to 100 mW/m-K.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Bulk-fill powder materials are the next best performers in the HV range, followed by the groups of aerogels, foams, and fiberglass blankets.

    “Bulk-fill powder materials are next best in the HV range followed by the groups of aerogels, foams, and fiberglass blankets.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Effective thermal conductivities of less than 1 mW/m-K are typical for MLI systems, and values on the order of 0.01 mW/m-K have been achieved.

    “Effective thermal conductivities of less than 1 mW/m-K are typical and values on the order of 0.01 mW/m-K have been achieved.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Thermal performance can vary by four orders of magnitude over the vacuum pressure range.

    “Thermal performance can vary by four orders of magnitude over the vacuum pressure range.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Calculations of effective thermal conductivity (ke) are highly sensitive to the thickness of the test specimen.

    “Calculations of k e are highly sensitive to the thickness of the test specimen.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    ASTM C1774 and C740 provide terminology, analytical approaches, and reporting requirements for cryogenic insulation testing.

    “Both standards provide the terminology, analytical approaches, and reporting requirements.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites C1774

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites C740

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The cryogen provides a stable cold boundary temperature and serves as the power meter in boiloff calorimetry.

    “Another advantage in using boiloff calorimetry is its ultimate simplicity: the cryogen provides a stable cold boundary temperature and serves as the power meter.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Cryostat-100 is a cylindrical absolute boiloff test apparatus described by Fesmire and Dokos (2014).

    “One such apparatus, Cryostat-100, is described by Fesmire and Dokos (2014) and shown in Fig 1.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Fesmire and Dokos (2014)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The steady-state heat flow rate through the insulation test specimen and into the cold-mass tank is directly proportional to the liquid nitrogen boiloff rate.

    “This heat flow rate through the insulation test specimen and into the cold-mass tank is directly proportional to the liquid nitrogen boiloff rate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Glass bubbles are particularly useful as a calibration reference material due to their ease of handling and consistent performance over the full vacuum pressure range.

    “The glass bubbles are particularly useful as a calibration reference material due to their ease of handling and consistent performance over the full vacuum pressure range.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Interfaces between the test chamber liquid and the guard chamber liquid are designed to preclude any appreciable heat leak between the liquid masses.

    “Interfaces between the test chamber liquid and the guard chamber liquid are designed to preclude any appreciable heat leak between the liquid masses.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The cylindrical boiloff calorimeter is among the techniques described in ASTM C1774 for absolute heat measurement over the full range of vacuum pressure conditions.

    “Among different techniques described in ASTM C1774 is the cylindrical boiloff calorimeter for absolute heat measurement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites ASTM C1774

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    MLI systems often involve warm boundary temperatures in the range of 300 K or higher and cold boundary temperatures ranging from 4 K to 111 K, but any temperature below ambient is applicable.

    “These systems often involve warm boundary temperatures in the range of 300 K or higher and cold boundary temperatures ranging from 4 K to 111 K, but any temperature below ambient is applicable.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites C740

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Benchmark thermal performance data, including ke and q, can ultimately be used to calibrate comparative type instruments and support detailed studies of insulation system designs for specific applications.

    “Benchmark thermal performance data, including k e and q, can ultimately be used to calibrate comparative type instruments and support detailed studies of insulation system designs for specific applications.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The liquid within each chamber of the cold mass assembly is allowed to stabilize in its preferred stratified state, which makes for a much more stable platform for heat flow measurement.

    “The liquid within each chamber of the cold mass assembly is allowed to stabilize in its preferred stratified state which makes for a much more stable platform for heat flow measurement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
16 of 16

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Successful proliferation of cryofuels transportation efforts will be partly enabled by adequate isolation of liquid hydrogen or liquefied natural gas from the ambient environment.

    “the successful proliferation of these efforts will be partly enabled by the adequate isolation of liquid hydrogen or liquefied natural gas from the ambient environment.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Thermal performance data for the total insulation system are essential for engineering designs and cost-benefit decisions involving comparisons among alternatives.

    “Thermal performance data for the total insulation system, as rendered, are essential for both engineering designs and cost-benefit decisions involving comparisons among alternatives.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Standard sets of thermal performance data for insulation materials are beneficial in making proper design trade-offs and coming up with the best solution.

    “Standard sets of thermal performance data for insulation materials are beneficial in making the proper design trade-offs and coming up with the best solution.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The operational environment is the first and foremost discriminator in deciding the best cryogenic insulation for the job.

    “The operational environment is the first and foremost discriminator is deciding the best cryogenic insulation for the job.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The emerging cryofuels enterprises including LNG and LH2 are a particular challenge due to transient operational processes and competitive economic targets.

    “The emerging cryofuels enterprises including LNG and LH 2 are a particular challenge due to the transient type operational processes to be addresses and the competitive economic targets to be met.”
5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The successful development and standardization of multiple cryostat instruments and methodologies has led to libraries of data including thousands of analyses and heat flow measurements under actual-use conditions for materials and systems using liquid nitrogen.

    “The successful development and standardization (ASTM C1774 Standard Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Cryogenic Insulation Systems , and ASTM C740 Standard Guide for Evacuated Reflective Insulation In Cryogenic Service ) of multiple cryostat instruments and methodologies for testing of thermal insulation systems using either a cylindrical configuration of the CS100 [1], see figure 1 or flat”

    From Simulation test platform for the controlled storage and transfer of liquid hydrogen (2024) · cites this paper as [3]

    Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • A112 heat flux does not match its stated area

    Minor

    The 100-millitorr row reports 9.514 W and an effective area of 0.344 m2. Their ratio is 27.7 W/m2, not the reported 24.6 W/m2.

    Reported 24.6 · recomputed 27.656977

  • ASTM C740 is assigned two publication years

    Minor

    The text dates ASTM C740 to 2014, while its reference entry dates it to 2013.

  • A108 heat flux does not match its stated area

    Minor

    The A108 data list 5.100 W, 12.9 W/m2, and an effective area of 0.349 m2. Dividing the heat flow by that area instead gives 14.6 W/m2.

    Reported 12.9 · recomputed 14.613181

  • One benchmark row has a warm boundary far from the stated 293 K

    Minor

    The benchmark data are described as having a 293 K warm boundary temperature, but the A114 row at 760000 millitorr lists a WBT of 242.9 K.

4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. Augustynowicz, 2000, Cryogenic Insulation Systems,” in 20th International Congress of Refrigeration Sydney, no. 2000-1147, International Institute of Refrigeration, Paris
  2. Fesmire, 2008, “Thermal performance testing of cryogenic insulation systems” in Thermal Conductivity 29, DEStech Publications Lancaster P.N., 387
  3. C168, 2013, Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
  4. C1774, 2013, Standard Guide for Thermal Performance Testing of Cryogenic Insulation Systems. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
  5. C740, 2013, Standard Guide for Evacuated Reflective Cryogenic Insulation. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA
  6. Fesmire, J.E. and S.D. Augustynowicz. “Methods of Testing Thermal Insulation and Associated Test Apparatus,” U.S. Patent 6,742,926 (2004).
  7. Fesmire, 2013, “Thermal Performance Data for Multilayer Insulation Systems Tested between 293 K and 77 K,” Space Cryogenics Workshop,, Alyeska, AK, June

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Fesmire, J. E.
Affiliations
Kennedy Space Center (US)
Corresponding author
Fesmire, James E.
Venue
Physics Procedia
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015
Volume
67
Pages
1089-1097
ISSN
1875-3892 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.phpro.2015.06.205
OpenAlex
W1954246238
Semantic Scholar
097a5755d4a40ae6055c875856a1ffeffee54287
Cited by
85
References
7
Citations by year
2026: 17 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 1
FWCI
5.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Physics Procedia (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Materials Chemistry › Thermal properties of materials
  • Physical Sciences › Chemistry › Spectroscopy › Aerogels and thermal insulation
Keywords
cryogenic insulation, thermal performance testing, effective thermal conductivity, heat flux, multilayer insulation, liquid hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, aerogels, glass fiber, polyurethane foam

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