 Definition – Cryogenic Piping

- Cryogenics (from the Greek ‘‘kryo-genikos,’’ meaning cold generation) is the science and technology
associated with very low temperatures. any temperature below -20F can be set to establish such a demarcation

- Cryogenic piping refers to systems that are used in a wide range of industrial applications that require
extremely low temperatures, generally around -300°F (-150°C) or lower. Due to such low temperatures, cryogenic
pipes face unique corrosion and deterioration challenges.
- Cryogenic piping is also referred to as cold piping/cold insulated piping.

Cryogenic piping systems are used in industrial applications including the following:

1. Liquid natural gas (LNG) transportation

2. Regasification processing

3. Chemicals/petrochemicals manufacturing

4. Food and beverage processing

The industrial context in which cryogenic piping is typically used often involves water vapor in its processes. This
moisture permeates insulation and then condenses, which significantly increases the likelihood of corrosion in the
lines. Additionally, this can cause a build-up of water and/or ice, and lowered performance.
 Material – Cryogenic Piping

 As a rule, with decreasing temperature, the strength characteristics increase (the tensile strength, yield stress,
fatigue limit, etc.), as well as the modulus of elasticity also, The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is
reduced.

 The property of some materials to pass with a decrease in temperature to Brittle fracture without noticeable
plastic deformation is called cold brittle.

 The most widely used materials for operating temperature below -70°C is chromium-nickel austenitic steels.

 The distinctive features of such steels are corrosion resistance and good viscosity and ductility at low
temperatures.

 Thermal expansion and contraction for austenitic alloy steels used in cryogenic piping is much larger than that
of carbon steel. This large displacements of material makes it more difficult to design cryogenic piping system
than to design hot insulated piping system.
 Material – Cryogenic Piping
 Key Challenges - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 Due to the extremely low temperatures, often below -300°F or lower, cryogenic piping systems face several key
challenges that standard piping systems do not. To maintain the safety and integrity of these systems it is
crucial to anticipate and overcome these challenges.

 Cryogenic piping systems must be fabricated to withstand operational stresses and displacements while also
regulating thermal forces. They must also take various constraints into consideration such as the layout of the
piping system, space limitations, and support locations.

 Maximizing Flexibility And Efficiency – Cryogenic piping systems must be fabricated to maximize both process
efficiency and flexibility. To do this it is crucial to fabricate and test for various strengths requirements, loads,
and the capacity of the system.

 Staying within Budget – A cryogenic piping system’s budget is another key consideration. For example
expansion joints and bellows provide much needed flexibility to the system, but at the same time raise
production and labor costs. Thus the pipe fabrication company must carefully balance these needs against the
project’s budget.
 Key Challenges - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 Calculating Thrust Load – Cryogenic piping systems typically consist of an inner and outer pipe known as
vacuum jacketed lines. The inner pipe transports the cryogenic liquid itself while the outer line provides
insulation and support. It is thus crucial to calculate thrust load to ensure that both the inner and outer pipe
lines can stand up to buckling and expansion stress without breaking.

 Complying with Codes And Standards – ASME code B31.3 addresses process piping code requirements for
cryogenic piping systems with regard to fabrication and testing, material selection, and ductility. However, in
addition to ASME code B31.3 other codes and standards may apply for the particular industry, type of plant, or
municipality.
 Stress Analysis - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 Having a very low operating temperature cryogenic piping also need to be checked for proper supporting and
various operating conditions as per flexibility analysis.

 Main difference between our normal high temperature piping and cryogenic piping system stress analysis is
piping expansion and piping contraction characteristics.

 Cryogenic system connected equipment/vessel nozzle loads needs to be checked considering the connected
cold piping contraction analysis.

 The flexibility analysis of the cryogenic piping must consider the full temperature range as well as any other
conditions with severe temperature difference which may occur during upset, thaw, or cool-down. And
cryogenic pipe support must be designed accordingly.

 Piping flexibility analysis should be carried out before cryogenic pipe support design.

 When the amount of pipe movement exceeds the capacity of a pipe support system, a fixed support and more
expansion loops should be designed in order to reduce the amount of pipe movement.
 Stress Analysis - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 For safe design, flexibility analysis for cryogenic piping is usually carried out to meet the engineering
requirements of ASME B31.3, Process Piping Code.

 Things which needs to be considered / double check while stress analysis of cryogenic system.

1. Understand the process first. Through pipes, the actual process is carried out. Hence understanding the
process is must. Talk to your process group.

2. If it is an LNG, some LNG systems ( like Loading or Unloading lines ) are subjected to Fluid Hammer and have to
be designed accordingly.

3. Cryogenic supports are different types ( usually the shoes will have heights higher than conventional pipe
shoes).

4. Material will be SS (Typically dual grade 304/304L)

5. Minimum to max. Temperature range should be checked. In case of problem, talk to process group to find out
the anticipated no. of cycles at this range.
 Stress Analysis - Cryogenic Piping Systems

6. Modelling and analysis case combination is same in CAESAR II. The line contracts instead of expanding in
results.

7. Check for hot cold philosophy of different segments of piping systems.

8. Check for correct information of insulation density.

9. LNG loading and unloading lines ( even when they are running on pipe racks) should best be supported on
anti-friction pads.

10. Check for low allowable loads on some equipment connections.

 Pipe Support - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 Cryogenic piping systems also demands for the special type of piping supports considering the very low
operating temperature conditions.

 when we design cryogenic pipe supports, we have to consider structural characteristics, design load,
requirement from the owner and economic aspect for each type of supports such as shoe, guide, stop and
trunnion.

 So, it is very important to clarify the behavior of cryogenic piping system including pipe support during normal
operation and any abnormal conditions.

 When an un-insulated cryogenic piping is supported, a portion of the pipe support will be at cryogenic
temperature. Low temperature should be considered when selecting the materials for the pipe support and its
hardware.

 For low temperature service, in addition to heat loss and gain, the problem of atmospheric condensation must
be considered, and such lines are usually insulated with a material that has an outer covering or seal called a
vapor barrier.
 Pipe Support - Cryogenic Piping Systems

 For cryogenic piping system, pipe support must be outside the insulation, withstand loads from the insulation
material, must be ductile at cryogenic temperature, and has a relatively low thermal conductivity. And the
vapor barrier must be left undisturbed.

 Cryogenic Pipe Supports Product Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHLSqbLoP9g
 Insulation- Cryogenic Piping Systems

 The type of insulation used for cryogenic piping includes

(1) expanded foams such as polyurethane and foam glass

(2) powder insulations such as perlite

(3) vacuum-insulated pipe.

For an insulation system to remain effective, the vapor barrier system must keep atmospheric moisture from
entering the insulation space and freezing against the cryogenic line. When this occurs, the ice that is formed will
degrade or destroy the insulation system.

 When cold insulation is required, the entire system shall be fully insulated, including all piping components,
piping/tubing of insulated instruments, drains, equipment nozzles and supports. And all metal parts which
protrude through the insulation shall be insulated.

 Cryogenic Pipe Insulation procedure Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH5G9bVjRmc
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