Cryogenic applications
Cryogenic applications
Lowering the temperature of gases allows them to be transported or stored at higher capacities. The word ''cryogenic'' literally means very cold and is used to describe a ''very'' low temperature starting from -90°C and up to -296⁰.
The most commonly used cryogenic gases are helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and argon. Although nitrogen and oxygen are widely used in industrial processes historically, the world surrounding LNG and hydrogen is the most evolving today. Natural gas can be transported in liquid form, during which it is called LNG -liquified natural gas. Hydrogen can be transported and stored at higher capacities by either significantly reducing the temperature or significantly increasing the pressure.
Working with cryogenic substances is not without risks and these harsh conditions require specific and high-quality components. Hazards that may arise while working with cryogenic gases include ''boiling and vapor bubble formation'', gas formation, pressure formation, embrittlement, freezing and thermal shrinkage or -expansion. Each element of cryogenic processes must be designed as such to withstand these risks. Hanwel closely follows the development of cryogenics and we supply a wide range of components suitable for working with cryogenics.
Valves for cryogenic applications
The biggest challenge for valves within cryogenic processes is the large variation of temperature and pressure. The variation between ambient- and cryogenic temperature combined with the variation of pressure level requires specific attention to the valve sealing system. Leakages at the valve seats, the stem seal and body sealing occur easily and are very common. Hanwel B.V. supplies various valves that meet these challenges and which are specifically designed to ensure long term tightness and function.
We supply unidirectional cryogenic ball valves, bi-directional cryogenic ball valves, cryogenic double block and bleed (DBB) valves, high-pressure cryogenic valves, oxygen valves, hydrogen valves and cryogenic ESD valves. In addition, we supply triple eccentric butterfly valves and cryogenic check valves.
Contact us or browse this website for our capabilities in the field of cryogenic valves.
Cryogenic Fire Block Valves (FBV)
In some cases, it is essential that a block valve secures the system quickly to prevent or contain calamities. During the loading and unloading of cryogenic substances such as LNG or oxygen from cryogenic ISO containers, the smallest spark can cause the medium to ignite rapidly. In these situations, an ESD system is required to prevent a large-scale fire.
Hanwel B.V. supplies various valve types equipped with a fire block system. This system consists of an manual emergency cable that quickly shuts down the system when required and a fusible link that automatically melts in the event of a fire. Whenever the link melts due to a fire, the valve shuts down immediately. The valve itself is fireproof (fire safe) and restricts the fire from spreading. The FBV system can be applied to various ball valves.
Cryogenic Expansion joints
We supply a wide range of stainless steel expansion joints for cryogenic applications. Stainless steel expansion joints are very well suited to cryogenic applications due to their great pressure resistance and the wide temperature range. Another advantage of these expansion joints is that they can be manufactured in various shapes and designs, enabling customization. Depending on the exact application, we can supply axial, lateral and angular stainless steel expansion joints.
Cryogenic Pipe Supports
Cryogenic pipelines should be well insulated in order to prevent energy losses. The usage of cryogenic supports is an efficient way to achieve this goal by both fixing the pipeline and insulating it at the same time.
Hanwel B.V. supplies cryogenic supports which are equipped with multiple layers of HD PUF (fire-delaying polyurethane foam). Depending on the exact dimensions of the pipe, the minimum temperature of the medium and further local requirements, an insulation support will be developed custom-made. Contact us for our possibilities.
PTFE core bearings for cryogenic systems
In cryogenic systems, movements will occur when the system ''heats up'' or ''cools down'' from cryogenic condition to ambient condition and vice versa. PTFE core bearings are used whereever devices or pipes need to be able to move with very low frictional force. The PTFE sliding plates can take a high axial load and have a friction value which is less than 0.1. The bearings consist of a carrier containing PTFE sliding plates and a polished stainless steel counter bearing. Our specialists will be happy to help you with specific questions.
