CRYOGENIC EQUIPMENT
Vacuum-jacketed piping ( VJP ) installation Pictured is an air separation unit
• Large , complicated and expensive production facilities
• Noise , vibration and electromagnetic interference
• Heat rejection
• Finding suitable materials for construction
The solution
No matter the operational atmosphere , temperature range or cryogenic substance being handled , the systems and equipment used need to be able to satisfy the inherent challenges of handling cryogenic substances . The roster of equipment and systems that can be incorporated in a cryogenicmanufacturing regime or be required to operate at cryogenic temperatures includes : 1 . Vacuum-jacketed valves : These valves must conform to stringent regulatory standards to ensure reliable flow control and preservation of cryogenic temperatures . They utilise a vacuumed annular space between the process flow path and the outside wall to make convection to the environment negligible .
2 . Vacuum-jacketed piping ( VJP ): VJP systems are engineered to handle a wide spectrum of cryogenic substances .
The installation of a vaporizer on a tank
A properly designed VJP system will effectively mitigate convection-heat leaks , enhancing operational efficiency and minimising costs .
3 . Air separation units ( ASU ): ASUs separate atmospheric air into its primary components : nitrogen , oxygen and argon . They operate at cryogenic temperatures and high pressures , ensuring a steady supply of high-purity gases essential for a wide range of industrial processes .
4 . Liquid cylinders : These specialised containers are designed to store and transport cryogenic liquids . They come in various sizes , capacities and pressures to meet diverse needs , providing a convenient and efficient means of delivering cryogenic liquids to various end-users .
5 . Liquid delivery systems : These systems store industrial gases in their liquid state and are equipped with advanced insulation , safety features , flow-control devices , pressure regulators and monitoring systems to ensure accurate and consistent delivery .
6 . ISO tanks : ISO tanks are specialised containers used for the transportation of liquefied industrial gases , such as LNG . They conform to stringent safety standards and regulations , ensuring the reliable and safe distribution of these essential resources .
7 . Liquid cylinder filling stations : These dedicated facilities are equipped with specialised equipment and safety measures to ensure the efficient and safe transfer of cryogenic liquids from bulk storage tanks to individual liquid cylinders .
Liquid cylinders are constructed to withstand the extreme cold temperatures associated with cryogenic liquids
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Ancient Greece to its indispensable use in the construction and deployment of systems and equipment that help send rockets and humans into outer space , it ’ s hard to argue that “ kryos ” and its close cousin “ cryogenics ” has not been one of the spoken word ’ s greatest contributions . However , cryogenics can only continue to be a contributor to the advancement of humankind if the substances that fall within its definition are produced , handled , transported , stored and dispensed safely , efficiently and reliably . That requires the use of equipment and systems that are able to take the sting out of the characteristics that can make handling cryogenic substances so challenging .
40 Valve World October 2024 www . valve-world . net