Most applications for cryogenics are industrial. The cryogenic industry is growing and is expected to double in size within the next ten years. Cryogenic temperatures are defined as -150°C to -273° C. Cryogenic temperatures are measured using the "Kelvin" scale. The most common liquefied gases are Nitrogen, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Helium. Liquid Nitrogen boils at -196°C (77K), Oxygen boils at -183°C (90K), Hydrogen boils at -253°C (20°K) and Helium boils at -269°C (4°K). Liquid Helium is the coldest liquified gas.
Liquified Nitrogen is the most common liquified gas and is used for many purposes. Medical examples are drug manufacturing and the preservation of DNA samples. Dermatologists use liquid Nitrogen to remove warts, moles, and other abnormal skin growths. The oil and gas industry uses liquid Nitrogen to keep Natural Gas in a liquified state (LGN). Nitrogen's lower temperature keeps the LNG liquified, preventing it from boiling off. Transfer lines, storage tanks, and transportation vessels use liquid Nitrogen to keep the LGN in its liquified state. The automotive industry uses liquid Nitrogen to precisely "shrink" fit critical automotive parts. The food industry uses Nitrogen to freeze products quickly. Liquid Nitrogen extends the shelf life and maintains the food's taste, texture, and consistency.
In the medical community, liquid Oxygen is used for patients who need respiratory support. Oxygen is used in heavy industry for steelmaking. Chemical manufacturing uses Oxygen as a reactant or catalyst for many processes. Aerospace uses liquid Oxygen as the fuel for rocket engines.
Hydrogen is a renewable resource now gaining traction as fuel for aviation, automotive, trucking, and ocean container ships. Since Hydrogen produces no greenhouse gases, it helps lower our carbon footprint. Liquified Hydrogen is also used in the aerospace industry as fuel for rocket engines.
The most extensive use of Helium worldwide is for cooling the magnets found in the shrouds of MRI machines. Once the magnets become cooled by the liquid Helium, they become superconducting magnets. The second largest market for Helium is the semiconductor industry. The production of semiconductors requires many steps, which follow a very exact recipe and require precise temperature control. Helium fills this critical role in semiconductor manufacturing. Particle accelerators come in different sizes and shapes and have many uses. Liquid Helium is used to cool the superconducting magnets of the particle accelerators. Once the accelerator magnets are cooled, they steer the protons and electrons on their path. Medical research uses particle accelerators to investigate cures for cancer. Fundamental science research uses particle accelerators to help unlock the secrets of energy, matter, and space. Particle Accelerators are also used in the security field for cargo inspection.
Once liquified, gases must be stored in specially designed containers. These containers are called "Dewars". Dewars are designed to hold and preserve liquified gases safely. Dewars are double-walled containers with a high vacuum "jacket" between the two containers. The high vacuum "jacket" acts as a high-performance insulator by removing the surrounding air between the containers. The high vacuum insulation value is much greater than all other known insulators. The lower the level of the vacuum, the higher the insulation value. The typical high vacuum level used as insulation in cryogenics is 10-5 torr. The main benefit of these cryogenic dewars is their ability to store huge volumes of gases efficiently. By condensing these gases into liquids, transportation becomes economical. The best example, at scale, is Liquefied Natural Gas.
Ensuring safety in cryogenic systems is paramount. Including pressure relief valves and burst discs as essential components is a testament to the industry's commitment to safety. These measures prevent any potential rupture or explosion, providing a reassuring standard of safety in the industry.
Key High Vacuum Products significantly contributes to the cryogenic industry. With a wide range of isolation valves that generate the crucial 'high vacuum jacket' surrounding the liquefied gases, Key High plays a pivotal role in the industry. The company also manufactures burst discs and pressure relief valves, ensuring the protection of equipment, products, and, most importantly, personnel. Key High's track record of manufacturing thousands of unique customer-defined weldments in the cryogenic industry is a testament to its expertise and commitment. For any unique requirements, feel free to contact us.
