News/Blog
News/Blog
01, 1970
Cryogenic Valves are valves made for use under very low cryogenic temperatures. The valves have materials that can withstand the low temperatures. There are different types of these valves such as cryogenic gate valves, cryogenic butterfly valves, cryogenic check valves and so on.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is created by cooling natural gas to -260°F (-162°C), turning it into a liquid. This process reduces the gas's volume by 600 times, facilitating safer and more efficient transportation and storage. Conversely, compressed natural gas (CNG) is produced by compressing natural gas under high pressure, allowing it to occupy less space. Both LNG and CNG are utilized in different processes and applications within the industry.
Cryogenic valves are crucial for industrial processes that involve cryogenic cooling. Their primary function is to control the flow of cryogenic gases into and out of the system.
Designed to operate at extremely low temperatures, cryogenic valves are ideal for applications that require precise cooling, such as in the food industry, medical applications, and scientific research.
These valves use interlocking springs and shutters to regulate gas flow. When cryogenic gas enters the system, the shutter opens to allow flow and closes to stop it. A temperature control mechanism monitors the system's temperature and adjusts the shutter position to maintain it within a specified range.
This precise temperature control is vital in processes where exact temperatures are critical, such as semiconductor manufacturing or the production of food and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, cryogenic valves manage system pressure with a pressure control valve, ensuring a constant pressure level.
This capability is essential in applications requiring a steady flow of cryogenic gas, such as in the production of frozen foods or high-tech materials.
In summary, cryogenic valves are indispensable for industrial processes needing cryogenic cooling. Their ability to regulate both the flow and pressure of cryogenic gases, while operating effectively at extremely low temperatures, ensures optimal performance and high-quality production across various industries.
Some of the commonly used cryogenic valves are ball valves, butterfly valves, solenoid valves and relief valves. Users have the option of operating the cryogenic valves manually or automatically (needed in large systems).
The cryogenic market offers a variety of valves, each designed with specific characteristics to suit different processes and conditions. Here are five common types:
Named for their spherical shape, globe valves feature an internal movable disk (shutter) that rotates 90 degrees relative to its seat. They provide reliable long-term sealing but are susceptible to moisture and may not be ideal for applications requiring optimal flow.
Ball valves use a spherical ball as the shutter, typically with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seat. They offer superior flow characteristics compared to globe valves but are more prone to wear on the seals and the ball itself. These valves are preferred in applications where unrestricted flow is essential.
This variant of ball valves features a one-piece design with top-welded connections that simplify maintenance. The absence of mechanical joints makes them a popular choice for fire-safe applications.
Gate valves utilize a wedge-shaped gate that swings to close parallel to the body seat. They provide good flow characteristics similar to ball valves but can suffer from wear over time.
Butterfly valves use a circular disk positioned centrally in the flow path. Their compact design makes them lighter, more affordable, and easier to operate, making them suitable for applications where space and cost are considerations.
Cryogenic gases are extremely sensitive, and an inadvertent leak can cause excessive damage and serious risks. Standard valves contract and expand at different speeds and, therefore, when exposed to cold or hot temperatures, they can develop cracks in the seal resulting in leaks.
Cryogenic valves are generally kept at a constant temperature using a refrigeration system. The constant temperature ensures that the valve does not contract or expand, preventing leaks from developing.
Cryogenic valves are primarily found in industrial facilities to take advantage of the benefits of undergoing processes at cryogenic temperatures, but there are other industries and sectors that also employ these valves. Here are some common applications of cryogenic valves:
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants
LNG terminals
LNG transportation systems
Food and beverage industries
Air separation plants
Steel production plants
Medical/laboratory industry
Chemical and petrochemical plants
Aerospace storage facilities
Cryogenic valves are crucial for controlling liquefied gases like liquid nitrogen, methane, and helium. These gases are cooled to cryogenic temperatures for non-pressurized storage and transportation, allowing larger volumes to be handled more efficiently. This process reduces the pressure requirements of the piping system. Prior to cooling, it is essential to remove condensate, moisture, CO2, and H2S to prevent downstream corrosion issues.
In the food and beverage sector, cryogenic valves facilitate the transfer of processed foods and beverages to and from freezing facilities using cryogenic pipelines.
Cryogenic valves are widely employed in air separation plants, where various gases in the air are separated using different pressure techniques.
Cryogenic valves and associated equipment are commonly used in steel production facilities to handle the extreme conditions involved in steel manufacturing processes.
Cryogenic valves are increasingly utilized in the medical field, including in systems that transport gases like oxygen and in storage areas for medical instruments. They are also used in freezing biotechnological products, such as vaccines.
In chemical and petrochemical plants, cryogenic valves manage the flow of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and helium. These gases are critical for processes like cleaning, feeding, and cooling, requiring valves that can handle extreme temperatures and pressures. Cryogenic valves must be durable, resistant to corrosion, and capable of precise flow control. They should also be easily accessible for maintenance and repair.
In aerospace applications, cryogenic valves are essential for handling cryogenic fuels like liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which are used as propellants for space shuttles and rockets. These valves ensure the safe and efficient operation of fuel systems in space missions.
