Cryogenic Insulation Cryogenic vessels employ insulated vacuum jackets. Inside the vacuum jacket space, vessel manufacturers wrap aluminum foil and non-woven insulation against the inner wall. Liquified gases, at cryogenic temperatures, are transported in these vacuum-jacketed insulated vessels. Because the temperature is kept very low, the pressure in the vessels remains relatively low. If the temperature rises, the pressure rises and gas escapes through the pressure relief (safety) valve. It is much less efficient to transport gases at high temperatures and pressures so good insultation is critical. Standards for flammable gas vessels, like tanks for oxygen and hydrogen, require the use of inorganic vessels and insulation because of the fire hazard organic materials would represent.

The photo shows an layered insulating product that is used in cryogenic vessels. This "super insulation" consists of a non-woven insulating fabric and a layer of cryogenic aluminum foil from Republic Foil . The super insulation product is wrapped around the inner wall of the vacuum jacket. It provides convective heat insulation, a vapor barrier and a reflective surface for external IR radiation. Of course, in this cryogenic application, the aluminum foil must be oil-free.