Achieving optimized performance in frost heave protection systems for cryogenic storage vessels

The need to prevent frost heave and the resultant cracking in foundations of vessels containing natural gas and other cryogenically stored liquids is well known in industry. Most methods of preventing the underneath structure of the vessel from heaving due to freezing require the use of insulation and electric heating. This paper presents today's best practices regarding electric heating system design and operation. Application data as well as numerical modeling through the implementation of three dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) techniques are utilized extensively to provide a more in depth understanding of how today's systems can achieve enhanced operability in "real life". Implementation of the optimization techniques presented here can result in improved operational performance, reduced energy cost, and enhanced system reliability.