In liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and transportation and related supporting projects, the safety and reliability of the insulation system are crucial. LNG temperatures typically drop to around -160°C, placing high demands on the low-temperature performance, flexibility, and long-term stability of insulation materials. LNG elastic felt, as a commonly used cryogenic insulation material, is widely used in the insulation of storage tanks, pipelines, and equipment. This article analyzes the key technical points for selecting LNG elastic felt from an engineering application perspective.

First, it is necessary to clarify the engineering operating conditions. LNG elastic felt is mainly used in cryogenic environments, and its selection must fully consider the minimum design temperature, operating temperature difference, and frequency of thermal cycling. Under low-temperature conditions, if the material becomes embrittled or shrinks and cracks, it will directly affect the integrity of the insulation system. Therefore, when selecting a material, the focus should be on its ability to maintain flexibility and resist cold shrinkage in ultra-low temperature environments, and a targeted selection should be made in conjunction with the project's design temperature.

Secondly, the matching relationship between thermal conductivity and insulation thickness is important. Thermal conductivity is a core indicator for evaluating the insulation performance of LNG elastic felt, but in engineering design, it's more important to consider whether it can meet the system's cold loss control requirements under limited thickness conditions. A reasonable selection approach should be based on thermal calculations, comprehensively considering the material's thermal conductivity changes with temperature, avoiding reliance solely on room temperature data.

The third key factor is the material's elasticity and resilience. LNG pipelines and equipment are subject to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as structural displacement during operation. Insulation materials need good elasticity to adapt to structural deformation and maintain a tight fit with the substrate. Insufficient elasticity can easily lead to voids during long-term operation, forming cold bridges, increasing cold loss, and even causing frost problems. Therefore, the compression rebound rate and long-term deformation performance of the elastic felt should be emphasized in engineering selection.

The fourth is moisture and condensation prevention performance. LNG projects are typically located in high-humidity environments, and moisture intrusion is a significant factor affecting the lifespan of the insulation system. LNG elastic felt should have a low water absorption rate and a stable closed-cell structure, and be integrated with a reliable moisture barrier in the system design to reduce the risk of moisture penetration. The moisture-proof performance of materials not only affects the insulation effect but also directly impacts structural safety under cryogenic conditions.

Fifth, the material's construction adaptability and system compatibility need to be considered. LNG elastic felt is often used in complex pipelines and irregularly shaped equipment; its flexibility, cutability, and ease of construction have a practical impact on project progress and quality. Simultaneously, it is essential to ensure good compatibility between the selected material and the matching adhesives, moisture-proof layers, and outer protective systems to avoid system failure due to material incompatibility.

Finally, the supplier's technical capabilities and engineering experience are also crucial factors in the selection process. LNG projects have high requirements for material consistency, quality stability, and technical support. Suppliers with mature engineering cases and a sound quality system are more likely to reduce project implementation risks and ensure long-term stable system operation.

Overall, the selection of LNG elastic felt for engineering projects is a comprehensive technical task that requires a balance between cryogenic performance, thermal performance indicators, structural adaptability, and system safety. Only through scientific selection analysis and standardized engineering application can the technical advantages of LNG elastic felt in cryogenic insulation systems be fully utilized, providing reliable guarantees for the safe and efficient operation of LNG projects.