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.
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.
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.
Suurmond BV
The Netherlands
T +31 (341) 25 49 00
Voltweg 2
8071 CZ Nunspeet
info.nl@suurmond.com
CoC 08142400
VAT NL815360800B01
Suurmond BV
Belgium and Luxembourg
T +32 (3) 54 44 070
Noorderlaan 109
2030 Antwerp
info.be@suurmond.com
Company no. 0440573109
VAT BE-0440.573.109
Suurmond UK Ltd
Great Britain & Ireland
T +44 (1386) 423 756
7e Enterprise Way
Evesham, Worcester
info.uk@suurmond.com
Registration no. 5113524
VAT GB 845 7137 10
Suurmond (France)
France
T +33 (474) 02 66 75
Parc Millésime, bâtiment 4
119 rue Michel Aulas
69400 Limas
info.fr@suurmond.com
VAT: FR59815325303
Registration no.: 59 815 325 303