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Vacuum Jacketed Piping

Vacuum jacketed piping is used to thermally isolate cryogenic and low-temperature fluids by minimizing heat transfer from the surrounding environment. Unlike heated jacketed piping systems, vacuum jacketed piping relies on insulation under vacuum rather than active heat input. These systems are commonly applied in cryogenic service where maintaining low temperatures and minimizing boil-off are critical to process performance and safety.
 

Precise Thermal works with specialized fabrication partners capable of delivering vacuum jacketed piping systems and components for a wide range of cryogenic fluids and service conditions, with designs tailored to application-specific thermal and mechanical requirements.

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Heated Jacketed Piping Systems

In addition to vacuum jacketed piping for cryogenic service, Precise Thermal also supports jacketed piping systems used for process heating, viscosity control, and freeze protection. These systems circulate a heating medium—such as steam, thermal fluid, or glycol—around the process pipe to maintain required operating temperatures.

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What is Vacuum Jacketed Piping?

A vacuum jacketed piping system consists of an inner process pipe surrounded by an outer jacket, with the annular space evacuated to create a high level of thermal insulation. In many designs, additional insulation materials are installed within the vacuum space to further reduce heat transfer.

 

By eliminating convection and significantly reducing conductive and radiative heat transfer, vacuum jacketed piping provides superior thermal performance compared to conventional insulation methods in cryogenic service.

Thermal Performance

The thermal performance of a vacuum jacketed piping system depends on several factors, including vacuum quality, insulation effectiveness, and system geometry. Maintaining vacuum integrity is critical, as degradation of the vacuum can significantly reduce insulating performance.

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Compared to conventionally insulated piping, vacuum jacketed systems offer lower heat leak, reduced frost formation, and improved temperature stability for cryogenic fluids.

Vacuum Jacketed Piping vs Conventional Insulation

While conventional insulation may be sufficient for moderate temperature applications, it is generally not effective for cryogenic service. Vacuum jacketed piping provides superior thermal isolation, reduced ice formation, and improved operational efficiency compared to traditional insulation approaches in low-temperature environments.

Features

  • Double Walled Construction for lowest heat inleak

  • Factory Sealed Vacuum Sections for vacuum integrity to 20 years

  • Prefabricated for easy shipping and installation

  • Minimal Cryogenic Liquid Loss for maximum liquid preservation

  • Series 304 Stainless Steel Fabrication for maximum service life

  • Bayonet Design Options for easy installation

  • Standard Pipe Hangers for low install/maintenance cost

  • Helium Mass Spectrometer Leak-Testing for vacuum integrity

  • Modular Construction for ease of expansion/modification

  • Internal Liquid Traps prevents boil-off

  • Vacuum Jacketed Valves for branch and equipment isolation

  • Flexible piping options for thermal contractions/simple installation

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