Cryogenic applications
Cryogenic applications
Lowering the temperature of gases allows them to be transported or stored at a higher capacity. ''Cryogenic'' literally means chilling and is a ''very'' low temperature from -90°C and up to -296⁰.
The most common cryogenic gases are helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and argon. The market around LNG and hydrogen is currently the most evolving. Natural gas can be transported in liquid form, calling it LNG (liquified natural gas). Hydrogen can be transported and stored by either dramatically reducing the temperature or significantly increasing the pressure.
Working with cryogenic substances is not without risks and these conditions require specific and high-quality components. Hazards that can arise while working with cryogenic gases are ''boiling and the formation of vapor bubbles,'' gas formation, pressure formation, embrittlement, freezing and thermal expansion. Each component of the cryogenic process must be designed 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 in cryogenic processes is the variation in temperature and pressure. The alternation between ambient and cryogenic temperature combined with the variation in pressure level requires specific attention to the valve sealing system. Leaks at the seats, the stem seal and especially at the housing seals are common. Hanwel B.V. supplies various valves that meet these challenges and are specifically designed to ensure tightness and function.
Contact us or look further on this website for our capabilities.
Cryogenic Fire Block Valves (FBV).
In some cases, it is essential for a valve to secure the system very quickly to prevent or mitigate calamities. During loading and unloading of cryogenic materials 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 with all its consequences.
We supply various valves equipped with a fire block system. This system consists of an emergency cable that quickly closes the system and a fusible link that automatically melts in the event of a fire. Once the link is melted, the valve closes. The valve itself is fire-safe and restricts the fire from spreading. The FBV system can be applied to a variety of ball valves making it multi-functional.
Cryogenic expansion joints
For cryogenic applications, we supply a wide range of stainless steel expansion joints. Because of its good pressure resistance and wide range of temperature levels, stainless steel expansion joints are well suited for cryogenic processes.
Another advantage of these expansion joints is that they can be manufactured in many different shapes and designs. Depending on the application, we can supply axial, lateral and angular stainless steel expansion joints for mounting in or on cryogenic pipes and cryogenic tanks.
Cryogenic Supports
To prevent energy loss, cryogenic pipes should be properly insulated. The use of cryogenic supports is a good way to ensure this. By using cryogenic pipe supports, two functions are combined and the pipework is both fixed and insulated by the same component.
Hanwel B.V. supplies cryogenic supports provided with multiple layers of HD PUF (fire retardant polyurethane foam). Depending on the pipeline, the minimum temperature of the medium and the local requirements, an isolation support is custom made. Contact us for the possibilities.
PTFE plain bearings for cryogenic systems
In cryogenic systems, movements can occur when the system ''warms up'' or ''cools down'' from cryogenic condition to ambient condition and vice versa. PTFE plain bearings are used where equipment or piping must be able to move with a very low frictional force. The PTFE slide plates can take a high axial load and have a friction value 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 assist you with specific questions.
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