These tanks are large insulated cylinders for the storage of cryogenic materials below their boiling (< -130°F) such as liquid nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and hydrogen. Typical maximum working pressures are below 250 psi. They have a tank within a tank construction with insulation in the void space between the tanks. These tanks are commonly seen painted white and are positioned on stilts above ground. Many facilities utilize cryogenic liquid as a means of storing large amounts of gases in a concentrated form.

Hospitals are locations where cryogenic storage tanks are required for the storage of large amounts of oxygen in a concentrated form. In these instances, liquid oxygen tanks are positioned on concrete pads, not asphalt since liquid oxygen and the tar in asphalt are not compatible in the event a spill or release.