As ship owners and builders look for more environmentally friendly fuel sources, LNG (liquefied natural gas) is an increasingly attractive option, which means the correct specification of cryogenic valve is vitally important.
Valves must offer high performance, longevity and be able to withstand the individual conditions of that application. Some applications, especially those involving LNG, certainly put valves to the test, requiring them to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations – down to as low as -196ºC, through to 800C.
As well as temperature, there are a wide range of other performance requirements that need to taken into account. For example, fire safety should be considered for valves to be fitted on marine applications, to ensure that the valves will not leak in the event of a fire on board a vessel. Consideration should be given to pressure, actuation and environmental forces of the application which could cause leakage problems if the right valve is not selected for the job.
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