Since 1977, Hy-Lok has been a proud manufacturer of high-quality products for fluid control systems, from pneumatic to high-pressure hydraulic equipment. Among our wide range of products are valves for cryogenic applications. Products like needle and ball valves can be used in sectors like healthcare, refrigeration, and aerospace and are vital to the smooth operation of cryogenic equipment.
Below, we’ll discuss cryogenic valves, their industry applications, and the key features that make Hy-Lok valves stand out among other manufacturers. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Cryogenic Valves?
Cryogenic valves are fluid control components used to store and transmit liquids and gases through equipment pipelines. Some of the substances these valves are used to transfer include liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, liquified natural gas, and petroleum. When the pressure in a cryogenic system rises, the valve is pushed into the open position, allowing the gas or liquid to flow continuously until the pressure dies down.
Cryogenic valves are designed to handle temperatures below -101°C and high pressures up to 750 psi (pounds per square inch). Products like needle and ball valves are used for cryogenic fluid transport and storage due to their flow capabilities and shut-off quality. These valves can transmit sensitive gases like argon, silane, liquid oxygen, and phosgene.
Ball valves are designed for on/off operations, while needle valves are more flexible and can be used for on/off, throttling, and fine metering. Both products offer an airtight sealant to prevent leaks at critical points, such as exposure to extreme pressures and temperatures.
Key Features of Hy-Lok Cryogenic Valves
At Hy-Lok, we focus on providing our customers with only the best quality valves and fittings. Our cryogenic valves are expertly designed and engineered to withstand cold temperatures and high pressure and remain operable for extended periods. Some of the key features for our cryogenic valves include:
Needle Valves: Our needle valves from Hy-Lok are engineered to perform under pressures up to 300 psi and temperatures as low as -196°C. These valves are constructed from stainless steel and fire-tested to API 6FA & API 607. They have long cycle life, are compact, and are easy to operate.
Some specs for this valve include a self-aligning disc, bolted extension position indicator, rising stem, and a dust cap that can also function as a position indicator.
Ball Valves: Our cryogenic ball valves are manufactured to withstand pressures up to 2,300 psi and temperatures down to -196°C. Due to their flow characteristics and shut-off quality, these valves are commonly used for transporting and storing fluids.
Some specs for Hy-Lok’s cryogenic ball valves include an anti-blow-out stem, a pressure relief hole, a trunnion-mounted ball for operating at high pressures, an anti-static design, and simplified in-line maintenance.
Ball and needle cryogenic valves can be used in the following industries:
- Healthcare: Storing and transporting liquid oxygen for medical applications, cryopreservation of vaccines, etc.
- Energy and power: Hydrogen production, use in renewable energy storage, etc.
- LNG terminals and plants: safe transportation and storage of LNG gas.
- Aerospace: Application in rocket fuel systems and cooling systems.
- Food and beverage: Flash freezing and carbonation processes.
Get Top-Quality Cryogenic Valves from Hy-Lok Canada
If you need high-quality cryogenic components, partner with Hy-Lok Canada for the best cryogenic ball and needle valves on the market. Our products are rigorously tested for valve leakage, cycling, and torques to ensure optimal performance under standard cryogenic operations.
As a certified ISO 9001 manufacturer, Hy-Lok is dedicated to providing industry-grade components to our customers, from ensuring tight machining tolerances to conducting pressure testing before placing our valves on the market.
Visit our Products page to learn more about cryogenic valves and other items in our catalogue.
