​Purpose-Built for Membrane LNG Storage Tanks—Super Tech VPU Composite Cryogenic Insulation Module Solution

Before You Read

Membrane tanks are emerging as a new trend in LNG storage. Do you know how they differ from conventional full-containment tanks?

Tell us in the comments: does your project use a full-containment tank or a membrane tank?

By the end of this article, you may find that the membrane tank + VPU combination offers more value than expected.

Membrane Tanks Are Emerging as a New Trend in Onshore LNG Storage

Historically, China’s onshore LNG terminals have mainly used full-containment tanks made with 9% nickel steel. This mature, widely adopted technology remains the mainstream solution for large LNG storage tanks.

In recent years, however, onshore membrane LNG tanks have entered the deployment stage in China. They use an approximately 1.2 mm corrugated stainless-steel membrane as the sealing layer, while the external prestressed-concrete structure carries the main load. Key advantages include:

• Approximately 90% less steel;

• Approximately 10% more usable volume;

• Better seismic performance.

As membrane tank projects in Tianjin Nangang, eastern Guangdong, and other locations come online, matching high-performance cryogenic insulation modules are creating a new market opportunity.

Membrane Tanks Need a More Efficient, More Modular Cryogenic Insulation System

Unlike traditional 9% Ni steel full-containment tanks, membrane tanks typically use PU or PIR cryogenic insulation modules. These modular systems are factory-made, easy to install on site, and highly consistent in size.

VPU—the metal-barrier VIP/PU composite module developed by Super Tech’s VacuEco team—is naturally suited for integration into membrane tank insulation modules.

What Is VPU?

VPU (Metal-Barrier VIP + PU Composite Module), also described as a “VIP + PIR/PU Composite Insulation Panel,” is a new cryogenic insulation material in which a high-barrier 304 stainless-steel vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is embedded in a polyurethane (PU) foam module. It combines the ultra-low thermal conductivity of vacuum insulation with the engineering advantages of a PU module.

During PU or PIR module production, the metal VIP can be foamed into the center of the module, effectively embedding a vacuum insulation layer inside the cryogenic insulation module.

This upgrades the module from conventional insulation to high-efficiency composite cryogenic insulation, improving thermal performance and reducing daily boil-off.

Which cryogenic insulation module is your membrane tank project currently using? Have you considered a composite VPU solution? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Higher Cryogenic Insulation Performance Without More Complex Installation

For engineering customers, even the most advanced material is difficult to adopt if installation is complex or integration is difficult.

The advantage of using VacuEco VPU in membrane tanks is that it can be integrated into the existing cryogenic insulation module system. Customers gain higher performance while keeping an installation method similar to conventional modular construction.

This means:

✅ Highly modular;

✅ Better dimensional accuracy;

✅ Easier on-site installation;

✅ Higher cryogenic insulation performance;

✅ More usable volume with a thinner insulation layer (for comparison, 20 mm provides insulation performance comparable to 200–300 mm of asbestos insulation);

✅ Better suited to standardized project deployment.

Making the Advantages of Membrane Tanks More Complete

One of the core advantages of membrane tanks is improved space utilization and lower metal consumption. Super Tech VPU further enhances their cryogenic insulation performance.

Membrane Tank + VPU can create a more competitive storage tank solution:

• Lighter structure;

• Less steel;

• Greater usable volume;

• Higher cryogenic insulation performance;

• Lower BOR;

• More economical long-term operation.

For owners, design institutes, and EPC contractors planning membrane tank projects, VacuEco VPU is more than a material upgrade. It is a system-level enhancement for the next generation of LNG storage tanks.

New Tank Designs Need New Cryogenic Insulation Technology

LNG storage tank technology is evolving. As tank designs expand from conventional full-containment tanks to membrane tanks, cryogenic insulation systems must evolve as well.

VPU gives membrane tank cryogenic insulation modules higher performance, better compatibility, and greater customer value.

Future LNG storage tanks should not only be larger and safer, but also more energy-efficient.

VacuEco VPU is an important choice for bringing high-performance cryogenic insulation to membrane LNG storage tanks.

• Interested in a Membrane Tank + VPU Solution?

• Like and save this technical reference.

• Selecting cryogenic insulation modules for a membrane tank project? Message VacuEco for a tailored recommendation.

• Share this with design institutes and owners planning membrane tank projects.

Glossary