A cryocylinder is a small volume gasifier, that is, a pressure vessel used for transporting and storing gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, etc.) in liquefied form. In other words, it is an installation, part of the optional equipment for afiber laser metal cutting machine, which can replace traditional gas cylinders or a gas generator unit for the required type of gas. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, let’s talk about everything in order.
Cryocylinders
The gasifier consists of internal and external vessels with screen-vacuum thermal insulation (the space between them is vacuumized, and the internal vessel has screen insulation), which allows for excellent conditions for long-term gas storage at ultra-low temperatures. The cryocylinder uses a pressure regulator and an integrated evaporator to maintain the working pressure. In case of increased pressure, this problem can always be solved with safety valves and pressure reduction valves. The filling of cryocylinders with liquid air separation products is done using a filling valve. A pressure gauge is used to monitor pressure levels, and a level gauge is used to monitor liquid levels.
Gas is delivered as follows: the liquefied gas passes through the circuit of the integrated evaporator, where it is heated to evaporate through natural heat exchange, after which the gas is delivered in an aggregate state through a valve. The performance of the cryocylinder will vary depending on its volume.
We briefly described the structure and operating principle of the cryocylinder, but what makes it a worthy alternative to conventional gas cylinders? Let’s find out below.
Advantages of cryogenic equipment
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Increased purity of stored gases, which is crucial for quality cutting when using gases in the metal laser cutting process. Gases in cryocylinders maintain their purity even during long storage, while standard cylinders are vulnerable to corrosion and a decrease in gas purity. The entry of gases from the atmosphere into pipelines is excluded, allowing the purity of the stored gas to be maintained even during cylinder reconnection;
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Due to the features of storing gas in cryogenic cylinders in liquefied form, they are much more capacious and occupy less space than standard gas cylinders. One horizontal cryocylinder with a volume of 500 liters replaces 65 standard cylinders with a volume of 40 liters. Such a cylinder will not only last a long time but also significantly save storage space. Moreover, the operation and transportation of cryocylinders will be much simpler - you will not have to constantly load and unload heavy gas cylinders onto transport, saving you from the headache of hiring movers and rescheduling work schedules considering the time-consuming transportation and refueling;
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Cryogenic vessels do not require additional sources of energy supply, making them autonomous and reliable. Moreover, they do not need heating;
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Their use eliminates constant costs for compressor equipment repairs;
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Several vessels can be combined through a system of pipelines;
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The pressure in cryocylinders is 10 times lower than in standard gas cylinders. Due to the increased safety resulting from this storage technology, cryogenic vessels are not considered hazardous cargo.
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The use of cryogenic equipment allows savings on the purchase and use of gas, as the cost of cryogenic liquid is almost three times lower than the cost of gas.