Cryogenic valves regulate or control the flow of cryogenic gases, slurries or liquids at low temperatures. These valves come in different shapes and sizes so that they can handle different pressures required by various applications. Some of the common types of cryogenic valves are butterfly valves, relief valves, ball valves and solenoid valves. You can manually operate or automate cryogenic valves to handle large systems.

This guide explains some types of cryogenic valves commonly used to manage the flow of gases in industrial applications.

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Cryogenic ball valves

In situations where you want a tight shut-off in multiple applications, you can use ball valves. Ball valves are easier to use than other valves because they're capable of handling high-pressure flows and high volumes. Also, they are cheaper than other valves.

I recommend: Flowserve Corporation, a leading manufacturer of ball valves, provides literature on the design and features of cryogenic ball valves.

Solenoid valves

Solenoid valves use solenoid or wire coil to change the state of the valve by passing electric current through it. Solenoid valves are instrumental in mixing, releasing or shutting off the flow of fluids in an application.

I recommend: You can get detailed information about the types of solenoid valves and their related terminology at Solenoid-Valve-Info.com.

Cryogenic butterfly valves

You can utilize cryogenic butterfly valves for throttling or to control the flow of cryogenic fluids. You can use butterfly valves where you want a quick opening and closing of the valve. Since these valves do not have any pockets, fluids do not remain trapped after the valve is closed.

I recommend: At wiseGEEK, you can get a basic understanding of the different types of butterfly valves.

Cryogenic relief valves

In industries using cryogenic gases, cryogenic relief valves bring pressures to a preset value and protect the system from over-pressurization. The valve lets off steam or gas when the safety limits are exceeded.

I recommend: You can find product brochures, installation guides and maintenance instructions for relief valves made by Anderson Greenwood and Crosby at Tyco Flow Control, premier manufacturers of pressure relief valves.

Cryogenic gate valves

To stop the flow of gases or fluids completely, you can use a gate valve or a shut-off gate valve. These valves are designed in such a way that even in a fully opened position, the pressure drop is minimal.

I recommend: To learn more about gate valves, read through the information provided at Integrated Publishing, an online resource on engine mechanics.

Cryogenic globe valves

In industries that require high-pressure limits, you can use globe valves to regulate the bi-directional flow of fluids, causing the pressure drop to increase in the valve. However, globe valves tend to be messy, and consequently are not suitable for all industries.

I recommend: You can get information on globe valves of different specifications at GlobalSpec.

Many industries today use cryogenic gases and so the need arises to locate cryogenic valve manufacturers who can create cryogenic valves. Pharmaceutical labs use cryogenic gases to power tools, save samples and to sterilize labs where the drugs are created. The food industry uses cryogenic gas to preserve foods for a longer shelf life and to power food processing equipment.

Whatever your business, if you are using cryogenic gases you will need cryo valves to keep processes flowing properly. Whether you are in the market for cryogenic relief valves or a cryogenic butterfly valve, you will need to determine the answers to the questions below.

1. Do your cryogenic ball valves need to be configured for liquid nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide?

2. Do you want your high pressure cryogenic valves to be made from an aluminum alloy or stain steel?

3. How many outlets do you need on your cryogenic solenoid valves?

Cryogenic valves prices will vary depending upon the answers to the questions above. For example, four-way outlets will cost more than two-way outlets.

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Select your cryogenic valve manufacturers based upon the industries in which they specialize

Specialization is key when dealing with the preciseness of any industry involving cryogenic gases. While a one-size fits all may work for general use cryo vales, why not choose a cryogenic valve manufacturer who is an expert in your industry. Pharmaceutical uses of cryogenic ball valves differ in needs from the food industry's needs.

I recommend: Valcor creates cryogenic solenoid valves for the aerospace and food service industries but also sells general use versions of the product. Purchase a cryogenic butterfly valve from Assured Automation which serves the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Locate multiple cryogenic valve suppliers

Relying on one cryogenic valve manufacturer isn't a good idea because what do you do when you need a specific cryogenic globe valve and your one supplier is out of stock? It is always handy to have several cryogenic valve suppliers in your Rolodex in case of an emergency. Build a rapport with several suppliers so that they will know you should you ever have an immediate need for a product.

I recommend: ASCO Valve sells a line of Solenoid Valves called The RedHat Next Generation that accepts both AC and DC voltages. If you need solenoid valves, check out Circle Valve Technologies. Flowserve Corporation sells a variety of cryogenic ball valves. Visit Velan to see the many different cryogenic valves they offer.

Employ custom engineering for your cryogenic valves

If you require specially made cryo valves, consider hiring a firm to design the product for you. Engineers will work with your team to create the precision cryogenic valve that you need.

I recommend: CRYOFAB can customize any standard fabrication to your specifications. AcmeCryogenics has a full staff on hand to design whatever type of specialty valve you may need to have engineered.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always ask to see the cryogenic valve test result for the valve you are thinking of buying. If your shut-off valve has to function at -350 degrees Fahrenheit, you do not want to rely on the word of the salesperson.

If you want to use cryogenic valves (also called cryo valves), you must have adequate knowledge on their installation, operation and maintenance. Whether you want to use cryogenic relief valves, cryogenic solenoid valves, cryogenic globe valves or cryogenic gate valves, you must understand the technology for the different cryogenic valves and their most suitable applications.

You can consult with experts and cryogenic valve manufacturers if you want to use a special type of cryogenic valve, such as a cryogenic butterfly valve.

To educate yourself and/or your workforce on cryo valves, you can:

1. Find training courses on cryogenic valves offered by various institutions
2. Subscribe to technical magazines that provide information on valves
3. Seek an expert’s advice on cryogenic valves
4. Join associations for valve manufacturers to enrich your knowledge on cryo valves

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Understand the basics of cryogenic valves and the relevant terminology

If you have very little exposure to cryogenic valve technology, you can learn the basics by browsing through the websites of manufacturing companies and cryogenic valve suppliers.

I recommend: Velan, a leading manufacturer of cryogenic valves, provides basic information on the different types of cryogenic valves. If you are in the aerospace industry, you can find useful information on cryogenic solenoid valves at Valcor, another manufacturer of valves.

Find training courses that can provide education on cryogenic valves

If you have never used cryogenic valves, you can opt for a basic level training program. You can opt for advanced training programs if you already know the basics about cryogenic valve products.

I recommend: You can attend short duration courses on cryogenic systems at CRYOCO, a provider of cryogenic consulting services. PDHonline.org offers an online course that provides basic information on cryogenic valves.

Find magazines and technical articles that provide information on cryogenic valves

You can read through technical articles and magazines to keep up-to-date on information about the latest developments in the field of cryogenics.

I recommend: Learn about the installation, operation and maintenance of cryogenic ball valves at Cryogenic Experts, Inc. (CEXI), a supplier of cryogenic vaporizers. Valve Magazine is another useful resource that keeps you updated with the latest developments in the valve industry.

Interact with experts in the cryogenic valves industry

If you have a problem with cryogenic valves or if you want to know which valve best suits your requirements, you can get advice from experts who have been in the field of cryogenic engineering for many years.

I recommend: You can seek an expert’s advice at Cryogenic Consulting Service, a leading consultant in cryogenic engineering. Vacuum and Cryogenic Consultants (VACC) can help you select the most suitable cryogenic valve for your application.