It may sound like something from sci-fi movies, but cryogenic delivery systems are a vital part of a wide range of industries. From food and drink packaging to biological sample storage, companies across several industries rely on systems that supply liquified gasses chilled to cryogenic temperatures. These systems deliver nitrogen to packaging lines, provide the low temperatures needed for MRI machines, semiconductor processes like molecular beam epitaxy and more.
None of these systems can work effectively without flow monitors and excess flow valves to ensure stable fluid flows in cryogenic processes. That’s where ChemTec comes in. With complete control over our design and manufacturing processes, we can create custom equipment that fits any industry need.
The need for flow monitoring
Whenever liquids and gases are moved through pipes and valves there is a risk of partial blockage. This could be caused by sedimentation, corrosion, or contaminants in the fluid. Systems using cryogenic fluids depend on a consistent flow rate. Low temperatures are achieved by releasing the gas through a small orifice, allowing it to expand rapidly. It takes only a small obstacle to reduce the flow through this orifice. If flow drops below design levels, there’s a risk of the liquid boiling and the end processes not operating as required.
As in any complex system of piping, there’s also a risk of leaks from failed seals or gaskets. These would show up as abnormally high flow rates.
Understanding the equipment
A flow monitor consists of a small magnetic piston suspended in the fluid flow. Its position is detected by external sensors. After initial set up, the piston floats at a constant position providing the flow rate remains stable. If flow drops or increases this will show up as a change in position, which will be quickly detected.
An excess flow valve uses the same operating principle but with one difference: if flow increases suddenly, as when a pipe breaks or is disconnected, the change in flow triggers an immediate shut-off of the flow. Depending on design, the valve must then either be manually reset or will automatically reset itself once normal operation is restored.
The ChemTec solution
The needs of these systems can change depending on industry and size of the project. ChemTec designs and manufactures flow monitors and excess flow valves, customized exactly to your needs. ChemTec flow monitors and excess flow valves do not form part of the core freezing processes often performed by cryogenic systems. Rather, our role is to ensure the external systems supplying gases and liquids to the cryogenic equipment work effectively.
For more information on how ChemTec can help protect high value cryogenic equipment, contact a ChemTec product specialist.
