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Home > Applications for Fluid Handling > Products > Process pumps for cryogens

Pumps for cryogens for temperatures from -200 °C and system pressure up to 325 bar

Process pumps for cryogens

Fluid Handling

The term “cryogen” is an indication of very low temperatures. Cryogen literally means “cold-making”. CFC’s (chlorofluorcarbon compounds) are used in traditional cooling processes. As is known, CFCs are used as refrigerants in refrigerators and deep-freezers, but also as propellants in aerosols such as hair spray and deodorant. As CFCs affect the Ozone layer, companies are looking for CFC-free applications. As a replacement of these CFC’s, cryogenic gases such as N2O (nitrous oxide or laughing gas) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) are currently being used. To liquefy this type of cryogenic gases, they are used at very low temperatures and high system pressures.

GATHER magnetically coupled gear pump

GATHER magnetically coupled gear pump

Temperature
- 200°C up to 450°C
System pressure
up to 325 barg
Differential pressure
up to appr. 8 bar
Flow range
max. 35l/min
Read more Download file
GATHER turbine pump

GATHER turbine pump

Temperature
- 60°C up to 350°C
System pressure
up to 100 barg
Differential pressure
up to appr. 3 bar
Flow range
max. 33l/min
Read more Download file
HNPM micro pump mzr 11558

HNPM micro pump mzr 11558

Temperature
- 50°C up to 200°C
System pressure
up to 300 barg
Differential pressure
up to appr. 15 bar
Flow range
max. 1 l/min
Read more Download file

Which pump do you choose for cryogens?

Pumping cryogenic gases is no easy task. To liquefy this type of substances, the temperature must be lowered, and the system pressure increased. Cryogenic liquids are therefore different from “normal” liquids. Because they are processed at an extremely high system pressure, from 50 to 200 bar or more, and an extremely low temperature up to –200 °C. The viscosity is also extremely low (> 0.1 mPas); about a tenth of water. It is mainly the combination of these physical properties that makes it difficult.

For the pulsation-free pumping of cryogenic gases, depending on the desired differential pressure, both gear and turbine pumps are the perfect solution for these challenging applications.
The (shaft) sealing of the pump requires special attention. This is very difficult due to the extreme system pressure and temperature. A normal shaft seal (such as gasket, lip seal, mechanical seal, etc.) is virtually impossible, because it is blown out of the pump by the extreme pressure difference inside and outside the pump.

Pumping cryogenic gases is no easy task. To liquefy this type of substances, the temperature must be lowered, and the system pressure increased. Cryogenic liquids are therefore different from “normal” liquids. Because they are processed at an extremely high system pressure, from 50 to 200 bar or more, and an extremely low temperature up to –200 °C. The viscosity is also extremely low (> 0.1 mPas); about a tenth of water. It is mainly the combination of these physical properties that makes it difficult.

For the pulsation-free pumping of cryogenic gases, depending on the desired differential pressure, both gear and turbine pumps are the perfect solution for these challenging applications.
The (shaft) sealing of the pump requires special attention. This is very difficult due to the extreme system pressure and temperature. A normal shaft seal (such as gasket, lip seal, mechanical seal, etc.) is virtually impossible, because it is blown out of the pump by the extreme pressure difference inside and outside the pump.

 

Magnetically coupled pumps

The pumps we offer for this application are equipped with a magnetic coupling with seals that are suitable for system pressures up to 325 barg and extremely low temperatures up to –200 °C. Due to the application of a magnetic coupling, there is no shaft seal, only static seals. As a result, the pump is hermetically closed and there is no risk of jams due to ice deposits. The materials of the seals must be especially resistant to the extremely low temperatures, such as PTFE (= TEFLON®), FFPM (= Kalrez®) or metal (e.g. silver).
In order for the process to run smoothly, the pump and the pipes must be insulated to prevent ice build-up by moisture from outside.

Suurmond offers three types of pumps that have been used for cryogenic applications. Two types of gear pumps and a turbine pump. The choice is determined by, among other things, the desired differential pressure, the required system pressure, and liquid temperature.

Cryogenic applications Suurmond has supplied successfully pumps for

  • Pumping fluid laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide) as a refrigerant
  • Pumping fluid carbon dioxide as a refrigerant
  • Circulation of thermostat fluids

Contact us and let’s talk about your specific requirements. We can make the right selection for you!

Suurmond supplies solutions to optimize your process and improve the quality of your end-product. Our specialists will be happy to advise you.

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