What is Cryogenic?

Cryogenics is the science of “cold” being derived from the Greek word kryos
meaning “icy cold”. A cryogenic process utilizes low temperature to produce a
physical change in liquid, solid or gas such as to liquefy gases such as oxygen,
nitrogen and helium Stress Engineers should
Some examples of cryogenic fluids:: coordinate with the Cold
Boiling Point Freezing Point Box vendor with regards to
o o
Acetylene (C2H2) -114 F -119 F allowable loads on pipes
o
Ethane (C2H6) -127.5 F -277.6oF terminating on the cold
o o
Nitrogen ( N2 ) -320.5 F -345.8 F box nozzle.
If allowable
What is the difference between low temp service loads are not
available,
and a cryogenic service? submit loads to
The arbitrary design temperature separating a low temp service and a cryogenic vendor or
service: analyze the
o
Design Temperature ( F) system to
Cryogenic Service -425 to –151 include piping
Low Temp Service - 150 to 32 and equipment
inside the cold
What is a cold box? box if available.
There are two ways to insulate a cryogenic plant. One method consist of applying
insulation to each piece of equipment separately (this can be relatively expensive).
A second method involves placing all the individual pieces as closely as possible,
building a “cold box” around them and filling the voids with insulation. A cold box
requires an insulation that can be packed into spaces between heat exchangers,
drums, towers, valves and lines …that a fraction of
Piping Material exposed square inch of
uninsulated cryogenic pipe
Corrosion is not usually the factor in material selection. The decrease in ductility at
o can produce a massive
about –50 F for plain carbon steel requires special carbon steels for use at low
block of ice enough to
temperature. The ductility transition temperature is that temperature below which
interfere and hinder
brittle fracture may take place. The following materials are generally used:
engineered items to
function properly as
Design Temp. Mat’l Pipe (ASTM Mat’l) designed.
Cryogenic -425 to –321 S.S. A 312-304.304l,316.316l
-320 to –151 9 Nickel A 333-8
Low Temp -150 to –76 3 ½ Nickel A 333-3
-75 to –51 2 ½ Nickel A 333-3
-50 to –21 C. S. A 333-6
-20 to 4 C.S. A 333-1 or 6
5 to 32 C.S. A 53-B, A106-B

References:
Piping Handbook
Crocker & King
Pressure Vessel Handbk
Bednar H.H.