In the field of low-temperature insulation, with the expansion of the application of energy sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the requirements for insulation materials have become increasingly higher. LNG elastic felt and aerogel are currently the two most commonly used types of low-temperature insulation materials, and their application performance in low-temperature systems is distinct. This article will compare LNG elastic felt and aerogel from aspects such as material structure, insulation performance, fire resistance performance, and applicable scenarios, to assist engineers in selecting materials based on their needs. 
I. Differences in Material Structure and Basic Properties 
The material composition of the LNG elastic gasket 
LNG elastic毡 is an efficient low-temperature insulation material with a composite elastic structure. Its core material is a flexible insulation layer, usually made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane and rubber， mixed with other inorganic materials. The interior features a microporous structure， enabling it to have an extremely low thermal conductivity and excellent resistance to cold contraction. It is particularly suitable for covering low-temperature pipelines and equipment. 
2. The material structure of aerogel 
Aerogel is a lightweight insulating material made from inorganic materials such as silicon dioxide. Its internal structure is a nano-scale porous structure with an extremely high porosity, allowing almost no air to flow through. Aerogel offers outstanding thermal insulation properties due to its extremely low thermal conductivity and thin thickness. It is typically used in high-end projects that require ultra-high performance insulation. 
II. Comparison of Insulation Performance 
Difference in thermal conductivity 
LNG elastic insulation blanket: The thermal conductivity is usually between 0.018 - 0.023 W/(m·K), providing excellent insulation performance. It can significantly reduce heat loss even at a thin layer thickness. 
Aerogel: It has an extremely low thermal conductivity, typically 0.018 W/(m·K), and its insulation effect far exceeds that of traditional insulation materials. Even in a very thin layer thickness, aerogel can provide an extremely high thermal resistance effect. 
From the perspective of insulation efficiency, aerogel exhibits a more remarkable insulation effect at extremely thin thicknesses. While LNG elastic felt has good insulation performance, its performance is relatively lower when compared at the same thickness. 
III. Applicable Scenarios and Construction Convenience 
1. Applications of LNG Elastic Gasket 
The LNG elastic gasket is mainly applied to the following low-temperature systems: 
Insulation of low-temperature pipelines 
LNG storage tanks and transportation system 
Cooling system and heat exchange equipment 
The construction process of LNG elastic gaskets is relatively simple and they have high flexibility, which enables them to adapt to the installation of complex parts such as pipes and elbows. They are particularly suitable for insulation on equipment surfaces and pipelines. 
2. Applications of Aerogel 
Aerogel is mainly used for: 
High-performance low-temperature insulation 
Equipment protection under extreme temperature conditions 
A system requiring ultra-thin insulation 
Aerogel is often used in some special fields, such as aerospace and petrochemical industries, and is particularly suitable for scenarios that require extremely high insulation performance under an ultra-thin insulation layer. However, due to the rigidity and fragility of aerogel, its construction requirements are high, and it usually needs to be used in combination with other materials. 
IV. Differences in Fire Resistance Performance and Safety 
The fire resistance performance of LNG elastic felt 
The LNG elastic gasket itself has good fire resistance properties. Usually, fire-resistant and flame-retardant additives are used, which can effectively slow down the spread of flames and meet the fire protection requirements in low-temperature environments. 
2. Fire resistance properties of aerogels 
Due to its nature as an inorganic material, aerogel possesses excellent heat resistance and fireproof properties. In high-temperature environments, aerogel can maintain its structural stability and will neither burn nor melt, demonstrating a strong fire resistance capability. 
Overall, aerogels have superior fire resistance properties in extremely high-temperature environments and are suitable for applications that require extreme heat resistance. 
V. Comparison of Cold Shrinkage Resistance Performance 
LNG elastic gasket: It has excellent resistance to cold contraction and can withstand temperature variations in low-temperature environments, maintaining insulation performance and shape stability. 
Aerogel: The cold shrinkage resistance of aerogel is relatively poor. Usually, it needs to be used together with other flexible materials in a low-temperature environment to avoid shrinkage problems caused by temperature differences. 
Under extremely low temperatures and conditions with significant temperature differences, the cold shrinkage resistance of LNG elastic felt is more stable than that of aerogel. 
VI. Economic Analysis and Long-Term Benefits Evaluation 
The economic performance of LNG elastic gaskets 
The initial investment of LNG elastic insulation material is relatively low, and its construction is simple, with a short maintenance cycle, and it has a good cost-performance ratio. In conventional low-temperature insulation projects, LNG elastic insulation material can achieve a good balance between energy savings and low cost. 
2. The economic aspect of aerogels 
The initial cost of aerogel is relatively high, and its construction process is rather complex. It requires the combination of other materials to ensure the construction quality. However, the extremely high insulation performance of aerogel can reduce energy consumption over the long term, and it is particularly suitable for projects with extremely high energy-saving requirements, offering long-term economic benefits. 
In summary, the differences between LNG elastic felt and aerogel in low-temperature systems mainly lie in their insulation performance, construction adaptability, durability, and economic efficiency: 
Aerogel: Extremely thin and highly efficient in heat insulation, suitable for high-end and extreme temperature application scenarios such as high-efficiency systems and aerospace. It offers significant long-term energy-saving effects, but the initial investment is high and the construction process is complex. 
LNG elastic insulation blanket: Low initial investment and high construction flexibility, suitable for most low-temperature insulation systems, especially offering good cost-effectiveness in pipeline and equipment insulation. 
When choosing the appropriate low-temperature insulation materials, engineers need to make scientific decisions based on various factors such as specific project requirements, budget, and construction conditions.