All about vacuum insulated piping (VIP) and vacuum technology
It’s all about Cryogenius.
Vacuum Technology in Cryogenics
In cryogenic engineering, insulation is essential. Although many insulation methods exist, Demaco specializes in high vacuum technology—the most effective solution for maintaining the extremely low temperatures required for liquid gases.
Why vacuum technology?
Liquid gases are used across numerous industries as coolants, fuels, and in scientific applications. To remain in liquid form, each gas must be kept at a specific cryogenic temperature. These temperatures vary significantly:
- Oxygen liquefies at –183 °C
- Helium liquefies at –267.9 °C
If a cryogenic liquid absorbs too much heat, it evaporates and forms boil off gas (BOG). Preventing this heat intrusion is one of the greatest challenges in cryogenics.
Complete vacuum pumpset for cryogenic systems and transfer lines.
Before a gas is used, it must be produced, stored, and transported—often through terminals, transfer lines, and specialized vehicles. Every step of this logistical chain must minimize heat transfer.
One insulation method has proven exceptionally effective: vacuum technology. Vacuum insulation performs up to 15 times better than conventional materials such as PIR/PUR, Foamglas, Armaflex, Perlite, or Misselon. Demaco applies this technology to piping systems, terminals, and stand alone cryogenic components.
What is vacuumÂ
Vacuum technology relies on the creation of a vacuum—but what does that mean? A vacuum is a space in which the amount of matter, and therefore the pressure, is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure at sea level. A perfect vacuum (completely free of matter) is practically impossible, but environments with extremely low pressure can be achieved. These are known as high vacuum.
A vacuum is created by removing air, gases, and particles from an enclosed space using specialized pumps, such as turbomolecular pumps, which remove molecules until the desired pressure is reached.
How Vacuum Technology Works
Vacuum technology uses a vacuum or high vacuum environment to provide optimal insulation for cryogenic transfer lines and systems. Components are built with a double wall construction, after which all air between the walls is extracted. This creates a pressure difference between the vacuum space and the surrounding atmosphere, drastically reducing heat transfer.
Why is vacuum such an effective insulator? Because it eliminates two of the three mechanisms by which heat travels.
Heat Transfer Mechanisms
- Conduction: Heat transfer through direct contact. When two materials touch, heat flows from the warmer to the colder surface.
- Convection: Heat transfer through the movement of molecules. The more active the molecules, the more heat is carried.
- Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight or thermal radiation from warm objects.
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Expert in vacuum technologies
Demaco has specialized in vacuum technology since 1989. At that time, cryogenic engineering was still emerging, allowing us to grow alongside the industry and contribute to its development. Through long term collaboration with leading technical universities, we have built extensive knowledge and experience. Today, Demaco is recognized as a true expert in vacuum insulated cryogenic systems.
Want to learn more about our high quality vacuum products? Visit our special webshop for detailed information.
A vacuum removes nearly all matter, eliminating conduction and convection. Only radiation remains—and Demaco further reduces this through reflective materials and multilayer insulation inside the vacuum space.
