Cryogenics

Our supply partners offer a complete range of valves for Cryogenic operation, Ball valves in soft seats, and metal seated configurations. We can offer full technical recommendations in support of your particular application.

• Valves held in stock prepared for Cryogenic applications to -196 Degc
• In house modification and manufacturing options for fast-track deliveries.
• Valves “type tested” to various international standards including BS 6364
• In house Cryogenic test facilities, witness test options.
• Global user references

We have extensive experience supplying into many different cryogenic industries including compression for storage and distribution and offer valves with special stem sealing arrangements.  Our valves cover a range of gases including:

• Nitrogen
• Oxygen
• Carbon Dioxide
• LNG
• LPG

Where Are Cryogenic Valves Used?

Applications with Liquified gases namely Nitrogen, Natural Gas (LNG) & Oxygen involve very low temperatures. Gases are cooled into liquid form as the preferred method for transportation and storage. LNG is typically transported between liquefaction facilities and storage facilities, tankers, and re-gasification facilities. As LNG is much denser than compressed natural gas, it means that much higher amounts of gas can be transported.

LNG requires temperatures as low as -160 Degc to remain in liquid form so the facilities necessary to achieve and maintain this are very specialised. It should be remembered that a cryogenic valve is considerably more expensive than a valve designed for standard ambient applications.

Materials of construction are normally Stainless Steel and supplied with extended bonnets to ensure that the stem seals remain at ambient temperatures away from the cold source.

In addition to material selection, the preparation, assembly & testing must be carried out in a controlled way to ensure the valves are free from grease and dirt. Valves are normally assembled in a clean room and tested using gas to verify the performance. It is also typical to simulate the low temperature conditions by carrying out tests at low temperatures normally as low as -196 Degc.