Analysis of self-pressurization phenomenon of cryogenic fluid storage tank with thermal diffusion model

Abstract

Self-pressurization phenomenon is one of the most important problems in the storage of cryogenic liquid. Until now, it has been difficult to predict exact pressurization process due to its complex non-equilibrium thermal behavior. This paper analyzes the self-pressurization with the trend of pressurization curves from experiment using liquid nitrogen with various heat leaks and liquid fractions. The trend of pressurization curves are classified on the basis of shape of pressurization curve. The qualitative relation between transient period, heat leak and liquid fractions is suggested. Thermal diffusion model (TDM) considering thermal stratification and thermal equilibrium model (TEM) can properly predict the respective pressurization curves with suitable condition for each model. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.