LNG Tank Cool-Down Time
Approximate time to cool tank structure from ambient to −162 °C using LNG spray injection.
Energy to absorb
108,000,000kJ
Estimated cool-down
12.8h
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Simplified - real cool-down is staged (pre-cool to −120 °C with slow rate to avoid thermal stress, then full rate to −162 °C). Typical 14–18 h on modern 174k m³ MK-III tanks. ΔT limited to ≤ 15 K/h by insulation thermal-stress rating.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank mass to cool | t | structure + piping | |
| Specific heat of steel | kJ/(kg·K) | material property | |
| Temperature drop | K | ambient − LNG | |
| Spray flow | t/h | pump rating | |
| Spray efficiency (not all heats metal) | - | empirical |