Cryogenics

Insulation technology opens the way to more dependable, cost-effective cryogenic systems

3M™ Glass Bubbles for Cryogenic Insulation
3M™ Glass Bubbles are strong, lightweight, hollow glass spheres used to enhance material properties and improve processability in a wide variety of industrial applications. For example, they have been successfully used for many years as additives in syntactic foams to reduce weight, add buoyancy and improve thermal insulation. Now, in a series of tests sponsored by the NASA Kennedy Space Center, 3M glass bubbles have demonstrated their effectiveness under a wide range of conditions as alternatives for conventional insulating materials in cryogenic vessels.

3M glass bubbles remain in a fluid-like state, so they don't become continually compacted at the bottom of the tank. This not only results in consistent high thermal performance, but also eliminates the need for "top off" insulation maintenance. The use of 3M glass bubbles can also improve system dependability, because there is less stress on vessels and fittings. 3M glass bubbles are easy to install. They can be used either as a "loose-fill" material, or fabricated into a wide variety of custom semi-rigid shapes. 3M glass bubbles offer improved thermal performance and will not degrade, helping to reduce maintenance costs.

For more information, read the on-line article "Cryogen boil-off reduced with new bulk-fill insulation" or download product information on 3M™ Glass Bubbles K1 for Cryogenic Insulation Applications (PDF, 76 Kb).