On November 18, CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard successfully delivered the first Brilliance® Type B Tank equipped with its independently developed PnFCOMBi insulation system. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Jiangnan Shipyard’s Type B Tank series, signifying the completion of a critical component in the Brilliance® cryogenic containment system.
Simultaneously, this achievement lays the groundwork for advancing the Brilliance® cryogenic containment system to LNG compatibility. It demonstrates the independent R&D and engineering application of the insulation system, establishing a solid foundation for the large-scale and lightweight development of Jiangnan Shipyard’s Type B cargo tank technology.
The naming of the “PnFCOMBi” insulation system originates from the proprietary PnF insulation panel configuration independently developed and patented by Jiangnan Shipyard. This panel type primarily addresses connectivity challenges in complex internal areas of the insulation system, ensuring the perfect realization of the Type B tank design concept. It also guarantees the performance metrics of the insulation panels (or foam) combined with various fasteners based on this foundation.
The “PnFCOMBi” insulation system features the following characteristics:
BOR can be customized: The PnFCOMBi insulation system can be tailored to meet shipowners’ specific BOR requirements. Insulation thickness, insulation type, connection methods, and fastening methods can all be combined according to the application scenario.
The PnFCOMBi insulation system offers versatile configurations: It can adopt different insulation designs based on the material of the main bulkhead of the liquid tank, the minimum temperature of the cargo being transported, and the temperature distribution within the cargo hold area. Multiple combination forms—including panel insulation, foam filling, and patching—can be employed to achieve optimal thermal insulation performance.
Maximized Fault Tolerance Design: The PnFCOMBi insulation system accommodates multiple liquid tank types and diverse structural designs, offering maximum fault tolerance with low precision requirements for easy installation and adjustment. Designed with maximum structural compatibility from the outset, it exhibits low sensitivity to liquid tank support configurations and adapts to complex shapes and structural designs of various liquid tanks.
Capable of both manual and robotic installation: The PnFCOMBi insulation system simplifies complexity through its T-shaped connection structure and modular design. While facilitating manual installation, it also accommodates robotic installation, enhancing efficiency while improving safety in confined space construction. This embodies the principles of smart manufacturing and lean production in the design and manufacturing of the “Brilliance®” containment system.
insulation system is applicable to multiple types of liquefied gas carriers, with high reliability as its core design principle. The R&D team ensures industry-leading thermal efficiency through minimized thermal conduction pathways, guarantees the effectiveness of the minor leakage protection system via fault-tolerant design, and maintains structural stability of the insulation system through a “spacer-based” design approach.