Cryogenic Valve Key Terms

Know cryogenic valve key terms to pick the right valve for your application

By Howard Robertson

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.

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