When it comes to super cold cryogenic temperatures, ball valves turn out to be a whole different ballgame. They require special features and materials to safely achieve leak-free performance in cold temperatures that would cause typical valves to fail.
Let’s talk about two kinds of cryogenic valves that are among those we supply at ValveMan.
AVCO 1500 Series of Cryogenic Ball Valves
The AVCO 1500 series is a 2-way, 3-piece ball valve engineered specifically for cryogenic applications. These vented, full-port valves are available in sizes ¼” to 4” and are used in aerospace, cryogenic service, food processing, liquid H2, liquid N2, liquid O2, LNG, and petrochemical systems. They are also rated up to ANSI Class 600 or 2000 WOG, per AVCO literature.
The cryogenic valve bodies, balls, and stems are available in 316 SS, Hastelloy C, and Monel 400. The AVCO 1500 series of cryogenic valves is also available in either uni-directional or bi-directional flow patterns. End connections for the AVCO 1500 series include NPT, butt weld, socket weld, flanged (150#, 300#, 600#), AN Fittings, and SAE AS5202. They also include an integral mounting pad conforming to ISO 5211.
Integrating the design aspects of ASME B16.34 & ASME B31.3, these cryogenic valves incorporate a single-piece cryogenic bonnet extension bolted to the main valve body and is available in custom bonnet lengths that give greater flexibility and ensure the operator is at a sufficient distance from the pipeline.
The bonnet gasket is Flexitallic stainless steel 316 spiral wound with Flexicarb or Teflon filler. The seats are encapsulated for durability, and available materials include Teflon (PTFE), Dyneon (TFM), carbon-filled Teflon, and Neoflon (PCTFE) with matching packing materials.
And unlike many cryogenic valves (per AVCO literature), the stem has packing/sealing at two locations to better ensure there are no leaks: at the thrust washers at the valve body and at the top of the bonnet. In addition, the stem is bottom entry and includes blow-out prevention. It also enables online adjustment of the packing. Note that these valves are also available as fire-safe installations.
ValveMan Cryogenic Ball Valves
ValveMan also has our own cryogenic ball valves, rated to -320°F. These are also 2-way, 3-piece vented ball valves. These are available as full ports for sizes ¼” - 2”, and standard ports for sizes ½” - 2”.
These valves feature a direct mount automation pad. They are manufactured using investment casting with a fully machined bore. The cryogenic ball valves from ValveMan have a superior live loaded packing system. This is accomplished through the use of Belleville washers, “V” ring packing system, and a pyramid stem seal as illustrated below. This combination protects the valves from stem leaks.
The body of the seal is stainless steel with a 17-4 PH steel stem. Seats are available in PTFE, RTFE, 50/50, 25% CTFE, Delrin, PEEK, UHMWPE, and TFM-1600. Operator options include quarter-turn gears, spring return “Deadman” handles, oval handles, and TEE handles.
The valve includes an integrated ISO 5211 mounting plate and is available with either threaded, socket weld, or butt weld ends that are rated for 1000 psi WOG, with the pressure-temperature chart shown below.
These valves are also available as a pneumatic double-acting automated ball valve package and an electric automated ball valve package. These packages include options for NEMA 4 solenoids, NEMA 7 solenoids, and intrinsically safe solenoids.
Conclusion
Are you in the market for a high-quality, reliable cryogenic ball valve? You’ve come to the right place! Talk to one of our valve engineers today!
