Cryogenic Valves

Cryogenic valves are a unique type of valve that is specially designed to withstand extremely low temperatures. They fill a niche that most valves simply can't. Let's take a closer look at how these valves work, what sets them apart, and how cryo valves can help with your application.

What Is a Cryogenic Valve?

A cryogenic valve, also known as a cryo valve, is a unique valve designed to withstand temperatures below -238 degrees Fahrenheit (-150 degrees Celsius). The materials used in their design can handle much lower temperatures without breaking or cracking, allowing them to be used in specialized applications.

What Are the Common Applications of Cryogenic Valves?

Since the cryo valve has an incredibly specialized niche, it has a range of uses within specific applications. Some of the industries and uses where you may see a cryogenic control valve in action include the following:

• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Industry - In the LNG industry, cryo valves are used to control the flow of natural gas into and out of storage tanks and transportation methods.
• Industrial Gases - Many industrial gases are incredibly cold or require cold storage. In these cases, cryogenic valves are the ideal solution for controlling the flow of gas.
• Aerospace and Rocketry - Cryogenic propellants, like liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, are commonly used in rocket engines. Cryogenic valves play an important part in this and other aerospace applications.
• Cryogenic Research and Laboratories - One of the most obvious applications for cryogenic valves is within the cryogenics field. Research facilities and cryogenic laboratories use these valves to help control the flow of the chemicals used to maintain bodies at the desired temperature.
• Medical and Healthcare - In the medical industry, cryo valves play a part in keeping medical samples and organs at the correct temperature.

Cryogenic Valves - Available Materials and Sizes

If you find a cryogenic valves manufacturer, you'll soon find that these valves come in an array of sizes. Choose from ¼", ½", ¾", or 1" sizes.

Unlike most other valve types, cryogenic valves must be able to withstand incredibly low temperatures. This means that they have a fairly limited array of options for potential materials. Most of the cryo valves that you find will be made from stainless steel.

In terms of potential valve ends, cryogenic valves are pretty standardized. For the most part, any of these valves that you encounter will have threaded ends.

What Are the Advantages of Using Cryogenic Valves?

There are many different advantages to using cryogenic valves, especially within the niche they were designed for. Some of the advantages and benefits of using cryo valves include the following:

• Versatility: Cryo valves are useful for a wide range of applications where cold resistance is required.
• Extended Service Life: Because cryo valves consist of such durable materials, they have much longer service lives than some other valve types.
• Precision Control: These valves are designed to give you the utmost control over the fluids or gases being transported.
• Safety: These valves have a unique design, allowing them to safely transport frigid gases and liquids.
• Material Compatibility: The non-reactive materials used in the construction of these valves can safely handle and contain cryogenic fluids and gases.
• Tight Sealing: You can rely on cryogenic valves to seal tightly, keeping potentially dangerous gases and liquids contained.
• Reliability: These valves are reliable by necessity and will serve their purpose for extended periods of time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Select the Right Cryogenic Valve for My Application?

When selecting the ideal cryogenic valve for your application, you should keep a few points in mind. The application itself should always be the main consideration. When defining the application, the fluids or gases the system will transmit play a crucial role here.

You also need to consider the size of the system's piping, as well as the application's flow rate and pressure rating.

Finally, decide if you are interested in a manual or remote valve actuation system.

The answers to these questions will help you choose the right valve size, material, and actuator based on your requirements.

How Should Cryogenic Valves Be Maintained?

Unlike some other types of valves, cryogenic valves may require regular maintenance. This is because they function under some fairly strenuous conditions.

However, the maintenance requirements are generally minimal. For the most part, these consist of regular checking, cleaning, and lubrication.

Check your cryogenic valves every couple of weeks to ensure that they're not damaged, blocked, or leaking. Lubricate and clean them at least once a year to ensure that they remain in good working order.

Where Can I Buy Cryogenic Valves?

You can buy your cryo valves right here at Valveman. We have a wide range of valves for your project. From ball and butterfly valves to solenoids, manual valves to electric actuators, we've got you covered. If you're trying to find the correct valves for your application, feel free to contact us. We'd love to help you accomplish your goals.