Patent ID: 8365776

Claim:
A pipe assembly for containing and transporting cryogenic temperature fluids comprising: a) at least one inner pipe; b) a composite overwrap that at least partially surrounds the at least one inner pipe, wherein the composite overwrap is capable of enduring exposure and stress at cryogenic temperatures and has a near zero or negative coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the composite overwrap is bonded to the inner pipe along an axial direction defined by the inner pipe to form a combined composite overwrap and inner pipe, wherein the combined composite overwrap and inner pipe is characterized by an overall coefficient of thermal expansion near zero; and c) an outer pipe that at least partially surrounds the combined composite overwrap and inner pipe so as to define an annular space between the exterior surface of the combined composite overwrap and inner pipe and the interior surface of the outer pipe, wherein the annular space between the outer pipe and the combined composite overwrap and the inner pipe is provided with thermal insulation.