Solenoid valve for a cryogenic fluid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design ethics and safety considerations for a solenoid valve intended for use in a cryogenic vessel containing liquid nitrogen, specifically focusing on a 240 volts AC connected solenoid valve. The scope includes safety aspects, design features, and potential hazards associated with cryogenic applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the potential for power loss to open the valve and cause nitrogen leakage.
  • Another participant notes that solenoid valves can be designed to either require power to remain closed or to remain open, questioning which type is being used.
  • A participant mentions that any valve could freeze up when exposed to liquid nitrogen, raising concerns about operational reliability.
  • There is a suggestion that the solenoid valve may be similar to those used in environmental chambers, prompting a request for clarification on the specific application.
  • Another participant highlights various safety issues, including spring failure and the importance of considering materials that can withstand low temperatures.
  • It is noted that nitrogen is not flammable, which may mitigate some safety concerns related to sparks.
  • A participant advises starting with cryogenic valve catalogs to understand relevant terms and considerations, emphasizing the importance of material properties and insulation in the design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various concerns and considerations regarding the design and safety of the solenoid valve, but there is no consensus on specific safety measures or design ethics. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the best practices for this application.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention several potential hazards and design considerations, but the discussion does not resolve the specific requirements or best practices for the solenoid valve design. Limitations include the lack of detailed specifications for the valve type and application.

Yasir132
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Hello everyone!

I am new to these forums and glad to see a great community helping out each other.

I have a question regarding a solenoid valve design. What should be the design ethics and safety considerations for a 240 volts AC connected solenoid valve that is used for a cryogenic vessel containing liquid nitrogen?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!
 
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Is it your concern that lose of power would open the valve and let the nitrogen leak out?
 
Yes one of the concerns is that. But what could be other safety related aspects apart from the leakage?
 
Solenoid valves come two ways. One needs power to keep it closed and the other needs power to keep it open. Which kind do you have?

A valve of any type could freeze up, especially when open and liquid nitrogen flows out.
 
anorlunda said:
Solenoid valves come two ways. One needs power to keep it closed and the other needs power to keep it open. Which kind do you have?

A valve of any type could freeze up, especially when open and liquid nitrogen flows out.
It needs power to keep it open
 
The solenoid valve would likely be what they use in the LNO2 versions of these environmental chambers. Is this similar to what you are doing?

http://www.sunelectronics.com/Temperature-Test-Chambers.html
co2_2.jpg
 
Sorry, i do not have an idea of the actual solenoid application. I have seen quite a lot of videos but there seems to be many types.

Its just a designing project in which i just have to write safety aspects in its design. I am thinking of leakage but there could also be spring failure and many other safety issues?
 
Other types of valves can have springs.

In that case, the hazards I see apply to any valve, not specifically to a solenoid operated valve.

Nitrogen is not flammable, so sparks are not an issue.
 
Last edited:
Yasir132 said:
What should be the design ethics and safety considerations for a 240 volts AC connected solenoid valve that is used for a cryogenic vessel containing liquid nitrogen?

wow .

there's a valve for every purpose under heaven.

My advice is start with cryogenic valve catalogs and see what terms they use.
What comes to mind for me is materials .
Seals must not get brittle at low temperature, thermal expansion of moving parts must match so as to not cause binding, insulation on wires must withstand the cold as must plastic housings.

Then start googling those terms. With any luck you'll run into some "white papers" written for valve designers.

Here's a couple of catalogs to get you started
http://www.valcor.com/scientific-and-industrial/cryogenic-solenoid-valves/
http://www.asco.com/ASCO Asset Library/asco-cryogenic-valves-catalog.pdf

old jim
 
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