888-825-8800
-320°F Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen Valve - Buy Valves from ValveMan
Posted by Gilbert Welsford, Jr on Dec 15th 2025
Need a valve that can handle -320°F liquid nitrogen without freezing up — and still control flow? Here’s a proven configuration ValveMan supplied for a test facility running liquid nitrogen through a control application.
- Cryogenic ball valve with Kel-F seats
- Full port ball for low pressure drop
- Cryogenic extension to keep packing/actuator away from the cold zone
- Spring-return pneumatic actuator for fail-close
- 30° V-ported ball for better control (throttling)
- 4–20 mA control from the PLC for modulation (typical via an I/P or positioner)
ValveMan was contacted by an American Petroleum Institute (API) testing facility that needed a valve that could pass liquid nitrogen through it without freezing when operated. They also needed to control the amount of nitrogen entering a tank while the process fluid remained at -320°F.
ValveMan recommended one of our premium actuated cryogenic ball valves with Kel-F seats, a full-port ball for low pressure drop, and a spring-return pneumatic actuator so the valve would fail closed (more cost-effective than spring-return electric in this case).
To prevent freeze-up at the stem packing/actuator area, we also specified a cryogenic extension, which moves the packing gland and actuator away from the cold zone.
Because the customer needed controllability on the discharge side, we supplied a 30° V-ported ball. The configuration allowed the customer to take a pressure transmitter signal on the discharge side, feed it into their PLC, and modulate the valve with a 4–20 mA control signal to maintain target pressure. The system has been very successful.
Need help selecting a valve for liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic service? Contact the ValveMan valve store and we’ll help you size and specify the right configuration.
Gilbert Welsford, a renowned valve industry expert and third-generation owner of FS Welsford Company, is the visionary behind ValveMan.com, a leading platform for valve-related products. Gilbert's profound understanding of fluid dynamics and precision engineering plays a pivotal role in designing and applying various valve types. Known for his collaborative approach and outstanding communication skills, he builds strong relationships across multiple sectors and consistently ensures successful project outcomes. Committed to innovation and excellence, Gilbert remains at the forefront of industry advancements, consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations.