cryogenic

Cryogenics / Low Temperature
Synonyms: Low temperature, hydrogen refuelling

Cryogenics deals with low-temperature technology. Under this search term, you will find WALTHER quick coupling systems suitable for the quick connection and disconnection of lines carrying liquid cryogenic gases.

Quick-connect couplings from the WALcryo series are designed for cryogenic gas applications at temperatures down to –200 °C / -328 °F (e.g. LN2).

The HG series refuelling couplings are suitable for gaseous hydrogen with a medium temperature down to –40 °C / – 40 °F.

Cryogenic couplings are specially designed for use in the field of cryogenics. They meet all the requirements for interfaces subject to high thermal stress, whilst still offering all the advantages of quickcoupling systems. They ensure the quick, easy and, above all, safe connection and disconnection of media lines carrying liquid cryogenic gases. Depending on the type, coupling system and area of application, they are designed for media temperatures down to a maximum of –196 °C. The cryogenic couplings are used, amongst other things, for cryogenic gas applications in laboratories, the food industry, medicine, manufacturing technology, process engineering and in the hydrogen refuelling of vehicles. Quick-connect coupling systems featuring proven clean-break technology offer the highest level of safety, particularly in sensitive sectors, by minimising leaks or entrapments.

WALcryo quick couplings for cryogenic media

Quick couplings for cryogenic applications can be used at temperatures as low as -200 °C and at operating pressures of up to 16 bar. Depending on the type and nominal diameter, they allow connecting and disconnecting even with minimal or significant icing. Models with a smaller nominal diameter, which are suitable for withdrawing small quantities of cryogenic media, are made of plastic and/or stainless steel. A quick-release coupling with a venting valve is fitted on the container side, whilst the male nipple with a shut-off non-return valve is fitted on the consumer side. Quick-release couplings with a larger nominal diameter, on the other hand, are designed for transferring and filling larger quantities of cryogenic media and are made of stainless steel and/or brass. In this case, the shut-off nipple with a venting valve is installed on the supply side, whilst the shut-off coupling with a shut-off valve is installed on the consumer side. The valve technology used in WALcryo cryogenic couplings prevents liquid gases from escaping. Shut-off valves ensure that neither air nor ice crystals can enter the system.

Industries and applications for cryogenic couplings

WALcryo cryogenic couplings enable a safe, rapid and leak-free connection of cryogenic media to vessels and systems for the supply of cryogenic gases. Thanks to their design featuring a locking coupling and a push-fit nipple, they are particularly easy to operate without tools or aids, even under normal icing conditions. The areas of application are extremely diverse: in laboratory technology and in research and development, for example, they are used for cooling superconductors or in cryogenic grinding, crushing and separation processes. In the recycling sector, they are used, for example, in cryogenic mills, and in manufacturing technology in the production of semiconductors. In the food industry, cryogenic couplings are used for the flash-freezing of food, whilst in the medical sector they are employed, amongst other things, in cooling systems for transplants or blood reserves.

Clean-break quick-release couplings and refueling couplings for cryogenic applications

Cryogenic couplings are used as refueling couplings for the transfer of liquid, cryogenic gases. They ensure the safe and rapid refueling of electric vehicles that require gaseous hydrogen as an energy source for their fuel cells. The refueling couplings are designed for ultra-low-temperature refueling at gas temperatures as low as –40°C / -40 °F and up to an operating pressure of 875 bar. The double-locking mechanism and an associated emergency release coupling ensure a high level of safety and prevent uncontrolled hydrogen leakage during refueling. Reduced refueling times, combined with safe, simple and rapid coupling, result in high cost-effectiveness and process quality.