This practice covers the use of thermal insulations formed by a number of thermal radiation shields positioned perpendicular to the direction of heat flow. These radiation shields consist of alternate layers of a low-emittance metal and an insulating layer combined such that metal-to-metal contact in the heat flow direction is avoided and direct heat conduction is minimized. These are commonly referred to as multilayer insulations (MLI) or super insulations (SI) by the industry. The performance considerations, typical applications, manufacturing methods, material specification, and safety considerations in the use of these insulations in cryogenic service are also discussed. MLI can be manufactured by any of the following: spiral-wrap method, blanket method, single layer method, and filament-wound method.

1.1 This practice covers the use of thermal insulations formed by a number of thermal radiation shields positioned perpendicular to the direction of heat flow. These radiation shields consist of alternate layers of a low-emittance metal and an insulating layer combined such that metal-to-metal contact in the heat flow direction is avoided and direct heat conduction is minimized. These are commonly referred to as multilayer insulations (MLI) or super insulations (SI) by the industry.

1.2 The practice covers the use of these insulation constructions where the warm boundary temperatures are below approximately 450 K.

1.3 Insulations of this construction are used when apparent thermal conductivity less than 0.007 W/m·K [0.049 Btu·in./h·ft²·°F] at 300k are required.

1.4 Insulations of this construction are used in a vacuum environment.

1.5 This practice covers the performance considerations, typical applications, manufacturing methods, material specification, and safety considerations in the use of these insulations in cryogenic service.

1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety hazards, see Section 8.