How to Specify a Cryogenic Valve
Cryogenic valve specifications depend on the cryogen, the system or equipment the valve will be part of, the way the valve will open and close, the pressure and flow rate of the liquid, and any safety or convenience features required.
Cryogenic valves control the flow of liquid super-cooled gases like nitrogen, hydrogen, argon, oxygen, or helium. The gases must be kept extremely cold to stay liquid, so cryogenic control valves are designed to function while minimizing warming.
Because liquid helium boils off (becomes a gas again) at an extremely low temperature, the ideal valve has a stem and support tube designed for low heat conduction. As a result, the valves operate with the lowest possible rate of heat leak. Cryocomp’s C3000 valve series is specially designed for liquid helium systems.
A liquid nitrogen flow control valve design can also be used for argon or oxygen. However, special cleaning is required if the valve will be used for oxygen service. Cryocomp’s C2000 and C5000 series valves are ideal for these cryogens.
If so, select either a globe or y-pattern valve. A globe-style valve is a common design in which the valve stem is perpendicular to the flow of liquid. A y-pattern valve stem is at an angle to the liquid flow. Because of this design, y-pattern valves can fit into smaller spaces. Use a right angle style valve if the liquid flow must change direction. Here is a list of Cryocomp valves by body style.
We make valves sized to match industry-standard piping or tubing. Cryocomp valves will fit ½” tube to 2” piping systems.
The most common types of connections are pipe or tube weld ends. We can manufacture cryogenic valves with other connections, like MPT or FPT threads, a flare tube and nut, socket weld pipe or tube, or socket weld copper.
Actuated valves stop or start the flow of liquid. Pneumatically actuated valves are powered by compressed air, and solenoid valves are powered by electricity. Actuated valves can be automated. Manual valves turn the liquid flow on or off with a simple handle turn.
We make cryogenic valves with or without full vacuum jackets. In vacuum-jacketed valves, the vacuum space keeps cryogenic liquids from picking up heat from the environment. For cold box applications, we provide a partial vacuum jacket sometimes called a cold box cuff.
A purge port allows access to the vacuum space, a relief valve is a safety feature that will open at a pre-determined pressure.
A manifold valve can incorporate any number of manual or actuated valves in a single unit. For example, a custom-designed manifold can have bayonet connections, tee or elbow joints, flexible hose, expansion joints, or instrumentation.
We are specialists in cryogenic valves and would be happy to discuss your specific application. Contact us today, at sales@cryocomp.com, or simply fill out the quote request form.
