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The Facts About Cryogenic Equipment

By Grace Rivas


The word "cryogenic" is not one which most people will use casually in conversation. In fact, you might have to look it up in a dictionary to see the correct definition. In fact, cryogenic equipment is used in many lab and medical research facilities, as well as in food processing activities. Here are some of the details about the category of devices related to super cold temperatures and materials.

The term comes from two terms in the Greek language. "Kryos" refers to very cold or freezing temperatures. "Genes" translates as "generated". The combined term thus describes a material which becomes very cold, even freezing.

Cryogenic exclusively refers to gases having the special ability to turn to liquid under certain conditions. They are gases except when placed in an extremely cold environment and specific pressure conditions. They are kept that way for several reasons.

The most common gases to be used in cryogenics include liquid oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and helium. The common characteristic is the low boiling point. Each of these elements boils at -51C (-60F). Nitrogen is perhaps the most used gas. It is readily available. The substances are only worked with in special environments, including labs and medical research stations.

There are many fields in which super-chilled gases are valuable. When choosing ways to preserve organic materials, for instance, such as food, the product is kept in a preserved state more effectively. Research on how organisms react to very cold temperatures is another purpose for research. Very cold temperatures can be used in some surgeries, or in studies about super-conductivity. When highly flammable materials are being handled, cold may provide a level of safety. Some liquid gases are used as fuel.

The devices that are strong enough to hold the pressure of liquid gases must also protect against the dangerous cold. One such piece of equipment is the Dewar Flask. This object was invented by and named after James Dewar. He is credited with being able to take hydrogen from a gas to a liquid state successfully. The Dewar Flask is made of a double wall construction with the inner one made of glass. The user is protected against the dangerous cold which can damage the skin.

When liquid gases need to be moved from one location to another in a system, a transfer pump is used. The pump must be able to operate in very cold environments, and usually under high pressure. In order to store and cool liquid gases, pressure vessels are required. Clean air is another need when working in a laboratory environment. Equipment that purifies the indoor air, lab purifiers are utilized. Another cleaning task under cold conditions is accomplished by the use of cold traps. Specially designed valves and seals which fit the tools and containers are also required.

Specially designed cryogenic equipment is necessary when handling liquid gases. When accuracy and safety of the handler is needed, defining the specific requirements of the environment is a first step. The highest quality devices ensures protection against damages and harm to the researcher.




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