In LNG storage, transportation, and cryogenic engineering systems, cold bridging is a significant factor affecting insulation performance and operational safety. Cold bridging not only leads to rapid localized heat transfer but can also cause frost formation, condensation, and even deterioration of structural material performance. LNG elastic felt, a commonly used material in cryogenic insulation systems, directly impacts the overall stability and energy efficiency of the system due to its ability to prevent cold bridging. This paper systematically analyzes the cold bridging performance of LNG elastic felt, considering the characteristics of engineering applications.

From a material structure perspective, LNG elastic felt typically employs a closed-cell elastic structure with uniform and independent internal pores. This structure effectively blocks heat conduction through continuous solid paths, reducing localized heat flux density, which is the fundamental condition for its cold bridging performance. Compared to open-cell or rigid materials, elastic felt is less prone to forming continuous heat conduction channels under cryogenic conditions, thus reducing the risk of cold bridging.

At the engineering installation level, the flexibility of LNG elastic felt is practically significant for preventing cold bridging. Cryogenic pipelines, valves, flanges, and other components have complex structures; insufficient adhesion of the insulation material can easily lead to gaps and weak points. Elastic felt can achieve a tight fit with equipment surfaces through cutting, wrapping, and pressing, reducing the risk of cold bridging caused by discontinuous construction and thus improving the overall insulation continuity of the system.

Thickness continuity is also a crucial factor affecting cold bridging performance. In LNG systems, insufficient local thickness often becomes a major source of cold bridging. During design and construction, elastic felt is typically laid in a layered, staggered pattern, ensuring continuous coverage at the interfaces and reducing concentrated heat transfer at joints. This structural design helps weaken the cold bridging effect and improves the overall thermal performance of the cryogenic system.

Furthermore, the low-temperature adaptability of LNG elastic felt also plays a supporting role in preventing cold bridging. In extremely low-temperature environments, some insulation materials may shrink, harden, or crack, compromising the integrity of the insulation layer and inducing cold bridging. Elastic felt maintains a certain degree of elasticity and dimensional stability within the low-temperature range, helping to maintain the integrity of the insulation structure over the long term and reducing cold bridging problems caused by material performance degradation.

In system design, preventing cold bridges cannot be completely solved by a single material; it requires comprehensive consideration of the sealing structure, moisture barrier, and fixing method. LNG elastic felt is usually used in conjunction with a moisture barrier to reduce moisture intrusion and prevent ice crystal formation from damaging the insulation structure, thereby indirectly improving the cold bridge prevention effect. This systematic design approach helps ensure the stability of LNG projects during long-term operation.

In summary, the cold bridge prevention performance of LNG elastic felt mainly relies on its closed-cell structure, good flexibility, thickness continuity, and low-temperature stability. Under the premise of reasonable design and standardized construction, elastic felt can effectively reduce the risk of cold bridges and improve the overall safety and energy efficiency of LNG cryogenic insulation systems. For LNG projects that pursue long-term stable operation, its cold bridge prevention performance has clear engineering application value.