Cryogenic Valve Selection
Cryogenic valves generally refer to valves suitable for working conditions of -40℃ and below. They are mainly used to control the flow of cryogenic media (such as LNG, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, etc.), and their model naming and product characteristics are all designed around cryogenic adaptability.
1. Classification of Common Cryogenic Valve Models
The model of a cryogenic valve usually consists of components such as "valve type + driving method + connection form + structural feature + sealing material + pressure class + valve body material". The typical models of different types of valves are as follows:
Valve Type | Typical Model Example | Core Application | Applicable Temperature Range |
Cryogenic Gate Valve | DZ41H-16C | Used for cutting off or connecting large-diameter and large-flow media, e.g., at the outlet of LNG storage tanks | -196℃ to -40℃ |
Cryogenic Ball Valve | DQ41F-25P | Applied in scenarios requiring quick opening/closing and high sealing performance, e.g., emergency cut-off of cryogenic pipelines | -196℃ to -40℃ |
Cryogenic Globe Valve | DJ41Y-40I | Suitable for occasions needing precise flow regulation, e.g., liquid pipelines of air separation equipment | -196℃ to -40℃ |
Cryogenic Check Valve | DH41H-16C | Prevents backflow of cryogenic media, e.g., at the outlet of pumps or inlet/outlet of heat exchangers | -196℃ to -40℃ |
Model Explanation: Taking "DZ41H-16C" as an example, "D" stands for cryogenic, "Z" for gate valve, "4" for flanged connection, "1" for rising stem wedge-type single disc, "H" for sealing surface material (Cr13 series stainless steel), "16" for nominal pressure (1.6MPa), and "C" for valve body material (carbon steel).
2. Core Characteristics of Cryogenic Valve Products
Low-Temperature Resistant Materials: Valve bodies are mostly made of low-temperature carbon steel (e.g., LCB) and stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316L). Sealing elements often use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or metal seals to prevent material brittleness and cracking at low temperatures.
Deep Cryogenic Treatment Process: Before leaving the factory, valves undergo deep cryogenic treatment at -196℃ (or the temperature corresponding to the working condition) to eliminate internal material stress and ensure structural stability at low temperatures.
Low-Leakage Sealing: Double-seal or bellows-seal structures are adopted to reduce the volatilization loss of cryogenic media and prevent external moisture from entering the valve interior to form frost or ice.
Low-Temperature Thermal Insulation Design: Some valves are equipped with insulation jackets or thermal insulation layers to reduce cold loss and avoid condensation or icing on the valve surface, which may affect operation.
3. Main Application Scenarios
Energy Industry: LNG receiving terminals, liquefaction plants, and natural gas liquefaction units, used for the storage, transportation, and loading/unloading of LNG.
Air Separation Industry: Pipelines for the production, storage, and transportation of liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid argon in air separation equipment.
Chemical Industry: Media control for cryogenic reaction kettles and cryogenic storage tanks, e.g., for low-temperature chemical raw materials such as ethylene and propylene.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Cutting off and regulating media in liquid nitrogen storage tanks and low-temperature freezing equipment.