Cryogenic systems are infrastructure that are able to maintain very cold (cryogenic) temperatures in order to preserve liquefied gases and other substances. These include systems such as a cryogenic pump, cryogenic storage systems, cryogenic piping, a cryogenic chiller or a cryogenic dewar.

Increasing demand for cryogenic systems responds to a growing use of these elements across a number of industries. In fact, the cryogenic systems’ market is expected to present a growth of about 6.4% CAGR between the year 2020 and 2025, rising to 31.68 billion USD by 2026, according to PRNewsWire.

The use of certain technical gases, manufactured to fulfill goals within certain industries, has been expanding in the last few years, as they both facilitate certain operations and sometimes provide more sustainable alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes. Such is the case of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry, but there are many other gases that are currently revolutionizing a number of industries, including: 

The liquefied versions of these elements present a number of advantages. Using cryogenics, gases are liquefied and their transport and storage is much easier and efficient, as they use less space. Thus, these benefits pushed the demand for cryogenic systems that are able to sustain and preserve these elements.

Looking at the current state across a number of industries, cryogenic systems are transforming and facilitating a number of processes. We analyze it.

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Industries leading in the use of cryogenic systems

Medical industry

The importance of liquid oxygen systems in the medical and pharmaceutical industry is key, due to the many important uses of oxygen as a respiratory aid. At the same time, nitrogen is used to guarantee a quick cooling for the conservation and transporting of cells and tissues; while cryosurgery is increasingly used to eliminate unwanted tissues or tumours, including both benign and malign skin conditions, by employing liquefied nitrogen.

The main gasses provided by cryogenic systems for the medical industry are:

  • Medical oxygen
  • Medical air
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Nitrogen
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Helium gas

If you want to read more about them, visit our post: The most common gasses that a professional medical gas supplier must know

Transportation

The aeronautics and  space travel industry use a number of cryogenic systems to preserve substances such as liquid hydrogen, which is increasingly helping fuel rockets and other flying vehicles. 

At the same time, the automotive industry is increasingly demanding  cryogenic store systems for a number of reasons: first, hydrogen is quickly becoming an alternative for fossil fuels in cars; secondly, nitrogen is used to produce automobile parts in processes such as gas-assisted injection molding.

Some of the most important changes in transportation are taking place through the use of hydrogen as a clean alternative, especially in the aeronautical and automotive industry.

Food industry

The food industry is yet another market that is progressively incorporating cryogenics in a number of processes. For instance, nitrogen is used to cool and freeze food products. This substance also helps control their exact temperature during delicate processes such as transportation and distribution, facilitating control of cold-chain dependent products and thus reducing damage and economic losses. Nitrogen also helps prevent food oxidation in both liquid and solid products, as well as facilitating technological advances such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

Related content: What are food gases and which are the main ones?

Chemical industry

The chemical industry has long been transformed by the possibility of using cryogenic systems. For instance, nitrogen is used as a transporting gas and liquefying agent in a number of chemical processes, as well as generating modified atmospheres to protect facilities and products. 

Oil refineries and petro-chemical companies also use this element for diverse processes, including oxygen and humidity evacuation present in tanks and pipes, thus guaranteeing safety and the optimal use of resources.

Electronics

The electronics sector is also increasingly interested in technical gases and their cryogenic counterparts. For instance, nitrogen can help make atmospheres inert in order to avoid any oxidation processes, while it’s also used as a transporting gas against impurities while semiconductors are produced and welded. 

Thus, cryogenic processing is vital in increasing the functional life of circuit boards. These substances are also used in a number of devices (including switching,semis and superconducting devices) as their low temperatures help decrease resistance and cause damage over time. 

Metallurgy

Many metallurgical processes are in need of cryogenic systems in order to store and transport the technical gases used. For instance, nitrogen is used in thermal treatments and laser cuts. Liquefied natural gas also plays an important role in metallurgy today.

Keep reading: Discover the latest advances in cryogenic technology

What systems do cryogenics consist of?

There are a number of cryogenic systems that are necessary for the storing and transportation of the technical gases mentioned above. The following are among the most vital parts in the majority of cryogenic store systems:

  • Cryogenic piping, which helps transporting these substances
  • Cryogenic pump is the name received by certain devices that power-up certain processes in cryogenic systems
  • A cryogenic chiller facilitates cooling temperatures in cryo systems 
  • Cryogenic dewar is the name of cryogenic containers

At the same time, cryogenic systems can take a number of diverse forms depending on the needs of the specific industry and company that acquires them. 

At Cryospain, we’re in charge of helping companies acquire cryogenic equipment, taking care of the whole process, from design to delivering turnkey projects.

Some of the most important cryogenic structures provided by Cryospain include:

  • Flat-bottom cryogenic tanks: these offer the right solution for storing all types of technical gases in their liquefied version, guaranteeing that low temperatures are kept safely and efficiently. Substances such as liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen are kept in these tanks, which present a long storage life.
  • CRYOLINE: These are super-insulated pipes for cryogenics using a high vacuum system that provides a changeable filling system. Considering their goal is to efficiently transport substances such as LIN, LOX, LAR, GNL, LHe, LH2 and LNG, they provide an extraordinary protection and thermal isolation. This cryogenic piping  solution is available for custom designs, where we use advanced 3D software and structural verification using finite element programs.
  • Filling stations, including high-pressure and CO2 and N2O systems
  • Satellite LNG regasification plants 
  • LNG and LCNG stations
  • Train transformation to LNG
  • Trolleys and bottle filling ramps

Thus, we provide high-tech cryogenic engineering facilities and equipment for engineering projects, including custom systems. Thanks to our team of experts, we’re able to be in charge both of the mechanical and thermal design, as well as the manufacture and commissioning of these systems.

Want to learn more about cryogenic systems and how they’re revolutionizing the technical possibilities available for most industries? Get in touch with us.

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