Cryogenic Gate Valve

SVR Global manufactures cryogenic gate valves engineered to handle extreme low temperature applications, including LNG, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid argon, and liquid hydrogen systems across US. Built with extended bonnets, low temperature seat materials, and cold rated alloys, our valves are designed to deliver tight shutoff and long term performance in sub zero environments. 

What is a Cryogenic Gate Valve?

Cryogenic gate valves are a type of shut-off valve designed for operation at extremely low temperatures down to -196°C (-320°F). The mechanism utilizes a gate, either wedge-shaped or flat, moving in the direction perpendicular to the flow of medium for closing or opening the pipeline completely. In contrast to regular gate valves, cryogenic gates are designed not to fail in terms of seals and brittleness.

How Does a Cryogenic Gate Valve Work?

The valve operates through a stem connected to a handwheel or actuator. Turning the stem raises or lowers the gate inside the valve body:

• Open position: The gate lifts fully out of the flow path, creating a straight bore with minimal pressure drop.

• Closed position: The gate lowers and seats against the valve body, blocking flow completely.

Cryogenic gate valves are built for on/off service rather than throttling, since partial opening can cause vibration, erosion, and seat wear over time.

Applications of Cryogenic Gate Valves:

• LNG Storage Terminals and Carriers -  Monitor the flow of LNG during the processes of storing, loading on ships and re-gasifying at import/export facilities.

• Air Separation Units (Liquid Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon) -  Monitor the transfer and separation of gases isolated and liquefied by cryogenic distillation.

• Liquid Hydrogen Handling Systems - Monitor the flow of hydrogen in fueling stations, storage tanks and transfer systems used for energy and transport applications.

• Cryogenic Pipeline Networks - Offer shutoff control of pipelines conveying low temperature fluids from producing, storing and processing facilities.

• Tanker Loading and Unloading Stations - Allow safe loading and offloading of cryogenic liquids from and to storage tanks and road/rail/sea tankers.

• Space and Rocket Propellant Systems - Monitor the flow of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen in rocket propulsion and test facilities.

• Industrial Gas Storage and Distribution -  Aid in the containment and transfer of liquefied gases within industrial distribution facilities.

Working Pressure & Temperature Range:

• Temperature Range: -196°C to +38°C (-320°F to +100°F), applicable to LNG, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, and liquid argon applications.

• Pressure Classes: ANSI Class 150, 300, 600, 900, and 1500.

• Size Range: DN15 to DN600 (½" to 24").

End Connections Offered:

• Flanged Ends (RF/RTJ): Suited for bolted pipeline connections requiring easy maintenance access.

• Butt Weld Ends (BW): Used for high pressure, leak tight pipeline joints in continuous service lines.

• Socket Weld Ends (SW): Applied in smaller bore sizes where a compact, welded joint is needed.

Testing & Inspection:

• Hydrostatic shell test: Proves that the valve body is able to hold up the specified pressure without any leaks.

• Cryogenic (LN2) shell test: Determines valve performance and seat performance at the temperature of liquid nitrogen according to BS 6364.

• Helium leak test: Discovers minute leaks at the seat and stem seals at low temperature.

• Low Temperature seat leakage test: Tests shut-off capability at low cryogenic temperatures.

• Material certification: Mill test certificate (MTC) supplied as per EN 10204 3.1.

Materials Used in Construction:

• Stainless Steel (SS304, SS316, SS316L)

• Carbon Steel

• Bronze and Gunmetal (for select low pressure applications)

• Low Temperature Carbon Steel (LTCS)

Standards and Specifications:

• BS 6364 - Valves for Cryogenic Service

• API 6D - Pipeline Valve Specification

• ASME B16.34 - Valve Design Criteria

• MSS SP-25 - Marking Standards

• ISO 9001 Manufacturing Practices