First vacuum-insulated piping manufactured in Knesebeck

A well-known industrial group had planned a flagship project with a Norwegian ferry company: the first hydrogen-powered ferry to move people and cars worldwide! VIP was needed in order to convert the liquid hydrogen into gaseous hydrogen during the driving process.

BUTTING CryoTech, a member of the BUTTING Group, is one of the leading specialists in the field of VIP, based in Burgkirchen. Given the high-level testing requirements for this project, close collaboration between BUTTING CryoTech and BUTTING in Knesebeck was essential: DNV approval and 100% X-ray testing are currently only available in Knesebeck. This led to a unique pilot project: the production of VIP with the support of BUTTING CryoTech at BUTTING in Knesebeck.

BUTTING CryoTech was responsible for the detailed engineering and prepared all of the drawings at its CAD office. Despite a tight schedule, the complete order was successfully delivered at the beginning of May.

Mathias Leber, Technical Sales BUTTING CryoTech, explained: "The order was a pilot project in which both Knesebeck and Burgkirchen were able to learn a lot from each other. Although the VIP was manufactured in Knesebeck for the first time, we still delivered on schedule and our customer was delighted. We’re planning to accept similar orders in the future and to participate in the synergy effects of the BUTTING Group."  

Compared to conventional foam insulated pipes, using VIP saves time and resources: With a heat input of 3 W/m², vacuum insulation is many times more effective compared to conventional insulation materials (stone wool or cellular glass insulation), while installation at the construction site is faster and the service life of the pipe is longer.

BUTTING – more than pipes – for a better quality of life