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Research and Development History of Glass Bubbles Bulk-Fill Thermal Insulation Systems for Large-Scale Cryogenic Liquid Hydrogen Storage TanksBased on the published literature record, this document provides an overview of the research and development of glass bubbles bulk-fill thermal insulation systems for cryogenic equipment in general and, in particular, for large-scale cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage spheres. Glass bubbles (also known as hollow glass microspheres) are used in place of perlite powder which began use in double-wall cryogenic tanks in the 1930s. Included in this overview is a historical summary, a development timeline, a selected publications list, and the key technical points from those publications.
Document ID
20180006604
Document Type
Other - Technical Report
Authors
James E Fesmire
(Kennedy Space Center Merritt Island, Florida, United States)
Date Acquired
October 18, 2018
Publication Date
September 16, 2017
Subject Category
Propellants And Fuels
Report/Patent Number
KSC-E-DAA-TN57204
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
Single Expert
Keywords
Cryogenic storage tanks
Perlite powder
Liquid hydrogen spheres
Bulk-fill
Low heat leak
Glass bubbles
Vacuum insulation
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