22,300M3 LIQUID NITROGEN TANK

With our nations’ increased interest in state-of-the-art electronics, including the semi-conductor industry, there has been a recent spike in the demand for storage vessels that can handle cryogenic liquids such as Liquefied Nitrogen (LIN). This particular customer’s volume needs exceeded any LIN tank that has ever been built in the United States (and likely the world), making it a one-of-a-kind double-walled tank. With a 109′-0 diameter inner product-containing vessel made up of 201LN Stainless Steel, an even larger outer carbon steel vessel is needed to contain the four feet of perlite insulation in the annulus that keeps the inner “thermos bottle” from overheating.

Unique to the size of this particular LIN tank, the tank roofs were more economically air raised into place – using industrial fans to float the roof on a slight pressure of air – rather than lifting with a large crane. Also distinctive to this particular project, both roofs were lifted together piggy-backing the outer roof on top of the inner tank roof in a single air raise. This quite unique API 620 low temperature tank project was successfully completed without an incident or recordable and is a testament to the flexibility of steel design and construction.

The total tonnage of stainless steel and carbon steel plate needed to build this monster of a tank approached 1.5 Million Pounds! The weight of just the welding wire was close to 20,000 lbs alone. Measuring 117′-0 in diameter, with a roof peaking at over 108′-0 above grade, this cryogenic tank is a sight to see, and will be a World Record Holder for many years to come.