Evaluation of Cryogenic Compressive Strength of Divinycell of NO 96-type LNG Insulation System

Divinycell, which functions as both insulation and a supporting structure, is generally applied in the NO96-type liquefied natural gas (LNG) insulation system. Polymer-material-based Divinycell, which has a high strength and low weight, has been widely used in the offshore, transportation, wind power generation, and civil engineering fields. In particular, this type of material receives attention as an insulation material because its thermal conductivity can be lowered depending on the ambient temperature. However, it is difficult to obtain research results for Divinycell, even though the component materials of the NO96-type LNG cargo containment system, such as 36% nickel steel (invar steel), plywood, perlite, and glass wool, have been extensively studied and reported. In the present study, temperature and strain-rate dependent compressive tests on Divinycell were performed. Both the quantitative experimental data and elastic recovery are discussed. Finally, the mechanical characteristics of Divinycell were compared to the results of polyurethane foam insulation material.