cryogenicN₂(l)CAS 7727-37-9
Valves for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) Service
Liquid nitrogen (LN₂) is stored and handled at −196°C at atmospheric pressure, making it one of the most demanding cryogenic services in industry. It is used for food freezing, pharmaceutical storage, metal heat treatment, medical cryotherapy, and as a source of high-purity gaseous nitrogen. All valves in LN₂ service must be rated for deep cryogenic temperatures with extended bonnets to keep packing away from the cryogenic zone.
Pressure Range
0–25 barg (storage/transfer), up to 40 barg (high-pressure LN₂ systems)
Temperature
−196°C at normal boiling point; up to ambient during warmup
Industries
Food processing (IQF freezing), Pharmaceuticals (cold storage), Metal heat treatment
What valves are used for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) service?
Extended-Bonnet Ball Valve (SS 316L) are recommended for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) service: Standard isolation valve for LN₂ service; extended bonnet keeps packing at ambient temperature.
Key Properties - Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂)
- Boiling point: −196°C at 1 atm - deepest common cryogenic service
- Rapid vaporisation on contact with warm surfaces - Leidenfrost effect
- Carbon steel and most cast irons become brittle at cryogenic temperatures
- Non-flammable but severe asphyxiation hazard from evaporation
- Can condense oxygen from air - LOX accumulation risk around cold surfaces
Vajra Industrial Solutions manufactures and supplies valves for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) service — including extended-bonnet ball valve (ss 316l) — in corrosion-appropriate materials selected for the operating conditions described here, with full material and test documentation.
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Material Compatibility - Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂)
Ratings are indicative. Actual compatibility depends on concentration, temperature, velocity, and presence of contaminants. Always consult corrosion tables or a materials engineer.
| Material | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SS 316L / 304L | Excellent | Best choice - austenitic stainless steel retains toughness at −196°C. |
| A352 LCB/LCC (LTCS) | Good | Rated to −46°C; not suitable for −196°C without impact test certification. |
| A350 LF2 | Good | Forged LTCS to −46°C. Extended bonnet ball valves in A350 LF2 are common for LN₂. |
| Carbon Steel (WCB/A105) | Not Recommended | Brittle fracture risk below −29°C. Never use for cryogenic LN₂ service. |
| Brass / Bronze | Good | Copper alloys retain ductility at cryogenic temperatures - acceptable for small-bore service. |
| Aluminium alloys | Excellent | Excellent cryogenic toughness - used in large LN₂ storage tank valves. |
Recommended Valves
Extended-Bonnet Ball Valve (SS 316L)
Standard isolation valve for LN₂ service; extended bonnet keeps packing at ambient temperature
Full selection guideGate Valve (SS 316L, extended bonnet)
Large-bore isolation on storage tanks and trailer filling stations
Full selection guideSafety Relief Valve (spring-loaded, SS trim)
Overpressure protection - boil-off gas must be vented safely
Full selection guideCheck Valve (swing or piston, SS 316L)
Backflow prevention on LN₂ transfer pumps and vaporisers
Full selection guideValves to Avoid
Carbon steel valves of any type
Standard-bonnet ball valves without extended stem - packing ices up
Special Considerations
Applicable Standards
Shop Valves for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) Service
Other Fluid Services
Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) Service — Procurement & Specification
Typical Applications
Available Standards
Material Options
Documentation Available
- -EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificates (heat traceable)
- -API 598 hydrostatic shell & seat test reports
- -Dimensional inspection reports
- -Full Manufacturing Data Record (MDR) / data book on request
Inspection Options
- -In-house QC inspection on every order
- -Third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / TÜV / DNV) coordination
- -Witness and hold points accommodated on request
Order Quantities
Flexible — from single critical-spare valves to full project lots.
Export
Worldwide export with complete documentation (COO, EUR.1, packing lists) to 20+ countries.
Custom Engineering
Built to your specification — materials, trim, pressure class and special service (NACE, fire-safe, IBR, cryogenic).
Delivery Support
Dispatch from Vadodara, Gujarat with documented lead times and priority handling for urgent requirements.
Engineering references
Connected Engineering
Need Valves for Liquid Nitrogen (LN₂) Service?
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