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insulator
2 min read

Structural Cryogenic Insulation for Gorgon LNG

Company Gorgon LNG
Location Europe Australia
Timeline 2013
Project Overview Insulect supplied nearly 1,000 precision-engineered cryogenic insulation assemblies, supporting LNG pipelines operating at temperatures as low as -190°C.
Product Precision-engineered cryogenic insulation assemblies
insulation
 

Overview

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects operate in some of the most extreme conditions in industry. At temperatures approaching -190°C, even the smallest design detail becomes critical to safety and performance.

For the Gorgon LNG project, one of the largest energy developments in Australia, reliable insulation systems were essential to support and protect cryogenic pipelines. These pipelines not only required thermal insulation but also structural support to handle mechanical loads while maintaining performance in extreme cold.

Insulect, based in Brisbane, was selected to deliver this specialised solution, drawing on its expertise in industrial insulation and precision fabrication.

 

Challenge

The project presented a set of demanding requirements:

  • Components needed to perform reliably at extremely low temperatures (-190°C)

  • Insulation had to be both thermal and structural, supporting pipeline loads

  • Parts required tight machining tolerances for accurate fit at pipe supports

  • A large volume of components—918 assemblies, totalling 20 tonnes—had to be delivered on schedule

  • Quality standards were exceptionally high, with no room for failure in a critical LNG environment

Meeting these demands required not just the right material, but also precise manufacturing and coordinated delivery across multiple locations.

 

 

Solution

Insulect was awarded the contract to supply rigid structural insulation assemblies for the LNG pipelines.

The chosen material was Lignostone® cryogenic-grade impregnated and densified wood, developed by Röchling Engineering Plastics in Germany specifically for LNG applications.

Key attributes of Lignostone® include:

  • High mechanical strength to support pipeline loads

  • Low thermal conductivity for effective insulation

  • Resistance to chemical and physical wear

  • Ability to be machined to very tight tolerances

To meet project timelines and quality requirements:

  • Fabrication was carried out jointly between Insulect’s Brisbane facility and Röchling’s manufacturing site in Germany

  • A total of 918 assemblies were produced for installation at pipeline support points

This collaborative approach ensured consistent quality while keeping the project on schedule.

 

Benefits

The solution delivered several important advantages for the Gorgon LNG project:

  • Reliable performance at extreme temperatures down to -190°C

  • Combined insulation and structural support, reducing complexity

  • Precision fit, ensuring efficient installation and long-term stability

  • Durability, with resistance to wear in harsh operating environments

  • Proven material choice, already trusted in other LNG projects such as Pluto LNG

Additionally, Insulect’s experience and fabrication capabilities ensured that all components met stringent industry standards.

 

Results

Insulect successfully delivered all 918 assemblies on time, contributing to the smooth progress of the Gorgon LNG project.

The installed components now play a crucial role in:

  • Supporting LNG pipelines under extreme operating conditions

  • Maintaining thermal efficiency

  • Ensuring long-term reliability of the infrastructure

The project reinforced Insulect’s position as a trusted supplier of specialised insulation solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Insulect has completed supply of almost 1,000 sub-assemblies of structural insulation in 2013 for Gorgon LNG.

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