What is a cryogenic container and how to maintain it?

What is a cryogenic container

A cryogenic container is a device used to store and transport cryogenic liquids, usually named after the liquefied gases stored or transported, such as liquefied natural gas, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, liquid helium, and liquid fluorine. These containers can be divided into various types depending on the method of insulation and the purpose for which they are used.

First of all

according to the method of thermal insulation, cryogenic containers can be divided into containers with ordinary thermal insulation structure, high vacuum thermal insulation containers, vacuum powder thermal insulation and vacuum fiber thermal insulation containers, and vacuum multi-layer thermal insulation containers. Containers with ordinary insulation structures are usually used for the storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas and a large amount of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen; High vacuum insulation containers are generally only made into small ones, and are only used for the storage and transportation of liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid argon; The vacuum powder insulation and vacuum fiber insulation containers can be used for the storage and transportation of liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen; Vacuum multi-layer insulated vessels and containers with liquid hydrogen screens or conduction screens are particularly suitable for the storage and transportation of liquid hydrogen and liquid helium.

Secondly

cryogenic containers can also be classified according to their use, such as stationary and transported. Stationary cryogenic containers are usually used to store large quantities of cryogenic liquids for long periods of time, while transportable cryogenic containers are used to transport cryogenic liquids from one place to another.

In addition

the cryogenic pressure vessel is a type of cryogenic vessel with a design temperature of less than -20°C. Special attention should be paid to the selection of materials for this kind of container, and materials with good toughness at low temperatures, such as austenitic stainless steel and aluminum alloys, should be selected. At the same time, the design and manufacture of cryogenic pressure vessels also need to follow strict standards and specifications to ensure their safety and reliability.

When using cryogenic containers, regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure their proper functioning and safety. The inspection contents include the safety management rules and regulations and operating procedures of cryogenic containers, design, manufacturing, installation, transformation and management data, whether there are cracks, deformations, leaks and other defects in the container body, whether the vacuum interlayer is damaged, whether the support and foundation are sinking or tilting, etc.

cryogenic containers have a wide range of applications in industry and scientific research, and play an important role in the storage and transportation of cryogenic liquids. However, due to their special operating environment and usage conditions, special attention is required to the design, manufacture and use of cryogenic containers to ensure their safety and reliability.

How to manage and maintain the safety of cryogenic containers?

The safe management and maintenance of cryogenic containers is an important job that requires a series of specific steps and precautions to be followed. Here are some of the key measures:

First of all

it is necessary to ensure that cryogenic containers are designed and manufactured in accordance with relevant standards and specifications, and use high-performance materials suitable for low-temperature environments to improve the cold resistance and safety of the containers. At the same time, the safety management rules and regulations and operating procedures for cryogenic containers also need to be formulated and complied with to ensure the safety during use.

Secondly

the routine inspection and maintenance of cryogenic vessels is crucial. This includes checking that the cap or cap of the cryogenic bottle is securely fastened to prevent liquid leakage. At the same time, it is necessary to check whether there is any coolant or sample in the cryogenic bottle, and confirm its type, quantity and expiration date to ensure that it is not used expiration. In the process of use, the operation should be strictly in accordance with the instruction manual and test protocol, and the parameters should be avoided without permission.

In addition

the storage equipment of cryogenic containers also needs to be regularly inspected to ensure that they are safe and secure. In the process of pouring liquid nitrogen into the cryogenic bottle, the liquid nitrogen should be placed in a shallow container to slow down the flow rate of the liquid nitrogen, and then gradually poured into the cryogenic bottle to prevent the liquid from splashing or splashing out. At the same time, when using cryogenic containers, wear safety gloves and goggles correctly to prevent liquid nitrogen or other chemicals from splashing on your eyes or skin and causing injury.

For low-temperature insulated vessels

the vacuum level of the jacket is the guarantee of its thermal insulation performance, so regular vacuum extraction is one of the key measures for maintenance. In the daily inspection, the valve should be regularly checked for “excessive freezing”, if there is freezing, the appropriate temperature of hot air or hot water should be heated and thawed to avoid damage to the valve. At the same time, attention should be paid to protecting the vacuum tube that transports cryogenic liquids to prevent its vacuum degree from being damaged.

The sensitivity and reliability of safety accessories also have a direct impact on the safe operation of cryogenic containers. Therefore, safety accessories such as pressure gauges, level gauges, and safety valves must be calibrated in accordance with relevant requirements, and rupture discs should be replaced regularly. For the problems found in the inspection, they should be dealt with in time to ensure the safe operation of the cryogenic container.

Finally, regular professional maintenance and care of cryogenic containers is also essential. This includes cleaning the surface of the container, checking the sealing performance, replacing worn parts, etc., to extend the life of the container and ensure its stable performance.

the safety management and maintenance of cryogenic containers involves many aspects, and it is necessary to comprehensively consider the design, manufacturing, use, inspection and maintenance of containers. By taking these measures, the safe and stable operation of cryogenic containers can be ensured, and reliable guarantees can be provided for scientific research and industrial applications.