The term “cryogenics” frequently conjures up images of liquid natural gas (LNG), liquid helium, liquid nitrogen, and liquid hydrogen. In the industry, cryogenic tanks are used to store and to transport liquefied industrial gases such oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, and argon, holding liquid gases at temperatures below -150°C (-238°F). Understanding the multiple applications of cryogenics in a number of industries puts things into perspective.
Currently, cryogenics are making a significant impact on essential industries like medical, pharmaceutical, technology, food and beverage, electronics, metal processing, and energy. In the energy market, cryogenics and LNGs specifically have made a substantial impact. Transmitting natural gas over long distances can be difficult and expensive, and gas is frequently liquefied at very low temperatures and carried in tankers as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The conversion of natural gas to LNG is accomplished using a cryogenic refrigeration cycle.
In marine and offshore applications, there is a growing use of LNG floating production storage and offloading vessels. Although there are many offshore gas sources, pumping product to shore is typically prohibitively expensive. However, the development of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is making it more economically feasible to access these submerged deposits.
With the challenging conditions and often remote access issues facing the LNG and cryogenics, there are a myriad pain points to overcome including cryogenic temperatures, atmospheric pressures, thermal cycling, self-lubricating properties, slip-stick vibration, dimensional stability, chemical compatibility, friction resistance, strength-to-weight ratios, expansion coefficients, and toxicity, flammability, and explosivity.
