Cryogenic Service Valves

Engineered for the Extreme Cold: Falcon Cryogenic Valves

At Falcon, we provide specialized cryogenic valve solutions engineered to perform in the most demanding ultra-low temperature environments. From the massive scale of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) terminals to precision industrial gas applications, our valves ensure safety, zero-leakage, and operational integrity where standard equipment fails.

Core Specializations

Our cryogenic range is designed for media that must be kept in a liquid state through extreme refrigeration, including LNG (-162°C), Liquid Nitrogen (-196°C), Liquid Oxygen, and Liquid Hydrogen.

• Extended Bonnet Design: All Falcon cryogenic valves feature an extended bonnet (per BS 6364) to keep the stem packing at ambient temperature, preventing freeze-up and ensuring smooth actuation.

• Cavity Pressure Relief: To prevent catastrophic failure from liquid expansion (boil-off) trapped in the valve cavity, our designs incorporate automatic internal pressure relief systems.

• Low-Temperature Metallurgy: We utilize high-grade austenitic stainless steels (304L, 316L) and specialized alloys that maintain high impact strength and ductility at temperatures as low as -196°C.

Application Sectors

Industry	Applications	Media Handled
LNG Value Chain	Liquefaction, Storage, Marine Transport & Regasification	Methane (LNG)
Air Separation	Industrial gas production units (ASU)	Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon
Aerospace	Rocket engine testing and fueling systems	Liquid Hydrogen & Oxygen
Healthcare	Medical gas storage and cryo-preservation	Liquid Oxygen, Helium

Key Technical Specifications

• Design Standards: API 6D, ASME B16.34, BS 6364, and ISO 28921.

• Testing: Every valve undergoes rigorous Helium Leak Testing and cryogenic submersion tests at -196°C to guarantee bubble-tight performance.

• Sealing Technology: Features PCTFE or TFM soft inserts for bubble-tight shut-off, or specialized metal-to-metal seating for severe service.

• Safety: Inherently Fire Safe designs certified to API 607/ISO 10497.

Note: Our valves are available in manual, pneumatic, or electric configurations, with actuators specifically lubricated for low-temperature reliability.

Our Cryogenic Product Range

Every Falcon cryogenic valve features an extended bonnet design. This critical feature creates a "gas column" that keeps the stem packing away from the cryogenic fluid, preventing freeze-ups and ensuring bubble-tight sealing at the gland.

• Cryogenic Gate Valves: Ideal for full-flow, low-pressure drop isolation in LNG storage and transport.

• Cryogenic Globe Valves: Precision-engineered for throttling and regulating flow in cryogenic pipelines.

• Cryogenic Ball Valves: High-performance, quarter-turn valves for rapid shut-off, featuring pressure-relieving seats to prevent over-pressure due to liquid expansion.

• Cryogenic Check Valves: Robust designs to prevent backflow in liquid gas systems, ensuring plant safety.

• Cryogenic Butterfly Valves: Compact, lightweight solutions for large-diameter cryogenic service, often utilized in marine and processing terminals.

 

For cryogenic service, Austenitic Stainless Steels are the industry standard because they remain ductile and resist brittle fracture at temperatures as low as -196°C. The most common grades are SS 304/304L (CF8/CF3) for general liquid nitrogen and oxygen service, and SS 316/316L (CF8M/CF3M), which is preferred for LNG and marine environments due to its superior corrosion resistance. For high-pressure or high-cycle components, nitrogen-strengthened grades like Nitronic 50 are utilized to ensure mechanical integrity under extreme thermal stress.