What Is the Temperature Range of Cryogenic Valves?

Cryogenic valves, as the name implies, refer to valves that can work normally at lower temperatures. Their temperature range is not fixed, but varies according to different application scenarios and standards. Generally speaking, the temperature range of cryogenic valves generally accepted by the industry is from -40℃ to -196℃. This range covers most of the needs for cryogenic fluid processing and storage, especially in chemical fields such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ethylene.

The definition of cryogenic valves in different countries or regions may be slightly different. The British valve standard BS6364 "Cryogenic Valves" stipulates that the medium temperature range is -50℃~-196℃; the American standard MSSSP-134 is defined as -100℃~ -195℃; and the Chinese national standard GB/T 24925 "Technical Conditions for Cryogenic Valves" is applicable to the range of -29℃~-196℃. These differences reflect the diversity of cryogenic valve application requirements in different regions and industries.

Because the physical and chemical properties of materials change in low temperature environments, such as reduced toughness and increased brittleness, cryogenic valves usually use special materials such as LCB, LC3, CF8, etc. In addition, the valve cover of the cryogenic valve usually adopts a long neck structure to ensure that the temperature at the bottom of the stuffing box is kept above 0℃ to prevent sealing failure caused by low temperature.

With the transformation of the global energy structure and the promotion of clean energy, cryogenic valves are increasingly used in the storage and transportation of cryogenic media such as liquefied natural gas and ethylene. In the future, cryogenic valves will also develop in a more efficient, environmentally friendly and intelligent direction, providing better support for the development of cryogenic processes.