Cryogenic Butterfly Valve: Expert for Deep Cold Flow Control

Today, energy transition is speeding up. Use and transport of deep cold media like LNG, liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen grows fast. As key parts in these ultra-cold systems, cryogenic butterfly valves handle critical shut-off and flow control jobs. They work reliably in harsh temperatures from -46℃ down to -196℃.

ZZJG cryogenic butterfly valves are designed for minus 196°C. These valves are widely used in LNG, LPG, air separation lines and other low-temperature industries. All parts are replaceable and in-line maintenance is available.

Size: 3"~120"(DN80~DN3000)

Pressure Rating: ASME CLASS 150~600（PN20~PN100)

Body Materials: Stainless Steel

End connection: WAFER, LUG, RF, BW

Operation: Pneumatic, Electric

1. What it is & Job

Made for deep cold conditions. Its main job: ensure safe, reliable, leak-free flow control for LNG (around -162℃), liquid nitrogen (around -196℃), liquid oxygen (around -183℃). Special design tackles big problems: material gets brittle when cold, seals fail, operating parts freeze.

2. Main Types

By Operation:

1. Manual: Simple, cost-effective, reliable. Good for small pipes or not used often.
2. Pneumatic: Fast response, remote auto control possible. Top choice for LNG terminals, air separation plants.
3. Electric: Precise control. Good for complex jobs. Need protect motor in cold.

By Connection:

1. Wafer Type: Compact, light, cheaper. Seals by pipe bolts. Needs accurate flanges.
2. Flanged Type: Strong install, reliable seal, easy maintain. First choice for big pipes, high pressure.
3. Welded End: Permanent, leak-proof pipe connection. Stops external leaks. Used for high purity or critical safety pipes.

3. Key Design Features

Good performance comes from special cold design:

• Cold Tough Body: Use special steels like ASTM A352 LCB/LCC or stainless (CF8M/CF3M). Stays tough, not brittle, at ultra-low temps.
• Deep Cold Seals: Use modified PTFE (like RPTFE), strong PCTFE, special rubber (like FFKM). Keeps springy and seals well when cold. Common types:
• Soft Seal: Valve seat has cold rubber. Usually gives bubble-tight seal both ways (meets ISO 5208 A or MSS SP-82).
• Double/Triple Offset Metal Seal: Hard wearing, long life. Handles big temp swings or dirty fluids better.
• Long Neck Bonnet: Key feature. Longer stem moves packing and operator to warmer area. Stops freezing, jamming. Makes operation smooth.
• Blow-out Proof Stem: T-head design. Even if top seal fails, pressure won't blow stem out. Safer.
• Pressure Relief: Some valves have inside channel. Prevents damage if pressure builds wrong.

4. Pros & Things to Think About

Main Advantages:

• Works great in cold: Built for deep cold, reliable.
• Low flow resistance: Smooth shape, less pressure drop than gate/globe valves same size.
• Fast open/close, good control: 90° turn opens/closes. Some types control flow well.
• Compact & light: Saves space, less pipe support needed.
• Easier fix, cost better: Usually cheaper to buy and maintain than cryo ball or globe valves.
• Points to Consider:
• Pressure limit: Soft seals struggle at high pressure (like Class 600+). Metal seals work but   cost more.
• Seal life vs. temp change: Going very cold to warm many times can wear soft seals out faster.
• Big size/high pressure needs torque: Opening big valves or high pressure needs strong operator.

5. Core application areas

Cryogenic butterfly valves play a key role in harsh cryogenic scenarios, and typical areas include:

1. LNG full industry chain

Receiving station: unloading arm quick cut-off (-162℃), BOG recondensation pipeline regulation, tank inlet and outlet emergency cut-off valve

Transportation link: FSRU (floating storage regasification unit) liquid nitrogen protection system, small LNG ship fuel filling valve

Liquefaction plant: mixed refrigerant (MR) circuit control, resistant to -170℃ ethylene medium

• Industrial gas and air separation

Medical gas: liquid oxygen hospital tank pipeline (-183℃), requiring zero leakage (ISO 5208 Class VI)

Electronic special gas: semiconductor factory high-purity argon gas transportation (99.999% purity), valve body inner wall electrolytic polishing Ra≤0.4μm

Energy storage application: Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) system cryogenic tank pressure relief protection

• Petrochemical cryogenic treatment

Flow regulation of ethylene cracking unit demethanizer bottom liquid (-140℃)

Liquid hydrogen (-253℃) temporary storage tank outlet pipeline, fire protection certification (API 607) required

Carbon dioxide cryogenic capture (CCUS) unit, handling -56℃ dry ice slurry

• Mobile equipment and special scenarios

Liquid helium (-269℃) superconducting magnet cooling system, vacuum jacket design

Valve for rocket fuel liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen filling vehicle, vibration and shock resistance design

Emergency cut-off device for liquid nitrogen frozen sample library at Antarctic research station

• Real Example
  At Zhejiang Zhoushan СПГ Terminal Phase II, ZZJG high-end triple offset metal seal valves (Size: NPS 24", Class 300, Temp -196°C) worked good on main lines. Valve used ASTM A351 CF8M body, special hard metal seal, extra long neck bonnet. Passed tough cold leak tests (BS 6364). Handled lots of use and big temp changes, sealing well and reliable.

Case: Qingdao LNG Terminal Liquid Oxygen Transfer

At Shandong LNG terminal expansion, cryogenic butterfly valves (6", Class 150, -196°C) handle liquid oxygen transfer (-183°C). Valves feature:  

- Double-offset design with PCTFE seats  

- Extended stainless steel bonnets (ASTM A351 CF3M)  

- Fire-safe certified  

Result: Zero leakage after 18 months in continuous cycling service, meeting ISO 5208 Class VI standards. Reduced maintenance costs 40% versus previous globe valves.  

7. Picking Tips

• Pick right material: Body, stem, parts must handle design cold (e.g., ASTM A352 LCB/LCC, A351 CF3M/CF8M). Ask for cold impact test reports.
• Seal is key: Choose seal type (soft or metal) and material based on fluid, temp swings, pressure, leak level needed (soft can zero leak, metal usually ISO 5208 D or better).
• Get neck length right: Bonnet must be long enough so packing stays warm outside insulation. Prevents freeze.
• Check certs & tests: Supplier must prove meets cryo standards like BS 6364, SHELL MESC SPE 77/312. Needs shell and seal tests, hot and cold.
• Match operator right: Pneumatic/electric actuators need suit cold or have heat trace. Manual valves think about easy access in cold.
• Use expert supplier: Work with maker got deep experience and tech in cryo valves. Ensures good design, material, making, checking.

End Note

Deep cold tech use grows in clean energy and more. Cryogenic butterfly valve is vital for flow control. Knowing its features, picking smart, using good supplier - key for long, stable cold system run. Choose a valve truly "tough against the deep cold". Gives solid support for safe work and good operation.

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Zhengzhou Jinggong Technology Co.Ltd

Deep in industrial valves. Focus on full range cryogenic butterfly valves meeting strict standards like BS 6364 (Manual/Pneumatic/Electric, Wafer/Flanged/Welded). Reliable material, excellent seal. Serve global LNG, air separation, petchem projects.

For expert selection help and tech info, contact:

Tel: 0086-371-55659925

Web: www.zzjgvalve.com

Email: [email protected]

Dedicated to safe flow at every degree of cold.