Applications of Cryogenic Liquids and Their Storage Tanks

Cryogenic storage tanks are used to store cryogenic liquids, which are gases liquefied at extremely low temperatures—typically at or below -150°C. Common cryogenic liquids include oxygen, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. These tanks are also used to store gases at higher cryogenic temperatures, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).

These storage tanks are part of gas supply systems and are widely used in various industries, including:

• Metal processing

• Medical technology

• Electronics manufacturing

• Water treatment

• Energy production

• Food industry

Cryogenic liquids are also used in low-temperature cooling applications such as shrink fitting in engineering, food freezing, and the storage of biological samples.

Cryogenic tanks are insulated—often vacuum-jacketed—and built to high specifications according to international design codes. They may be fixed, mobile, or portable.

Static cryogenic tanks are designed for fixed installations, but this category also includes small portable tanks mounted on wheels for workshop and laboratory use. These static tanks are typically classified as pressure vessels and are manufactured and operated in compliance with pressure equipment regulations. There is also a range of non-pressurized open dewars available for applications requiring direct access to the liquid.

The size, pressure, and flow capacity of these tanks vary to meet different customer requirements.

Tanks used or intended for the transport of cryogenic liquids must comply with regulations concerning the transport of dangerous goods and the use of transportable pressure equipment.