Cryogenic Flange Safety

Nearing a century of use, cryogenics has crept into applications ranging from aerospace to professional sports. Without safe equipment, however, this industry would have been left out in the cold. Flange safety is a crucial component of ultra-cold operations.

Identification

• Cryogenic flanges are similar in design and purpose to those used in other industries and applications. They are protruding edges on a pipe or piping component that allow that surface to connect to other elements in a piped environment. Flanges usually contain bolt holes so that they can securely mount to one another.

Operational Safety

• Cryogenic flange safety requires the same precautions afforded a pressurized or toxic environment. Because cryogenic processes require moving fluids that are often under high pressure, it is vital to isolate sections adjoining a flange before performing maintenance. It is also important to gradually vent these sections to bleed off residual pressures. Additionally, the section being worked on should be given sufficient time to revert to a safe temperature.

Inspection and Maintenance

• Like all pipe equipment, cryogenic flanges require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure safe operations. Since the pipes that contain cryogenic substances are usually dangerously cold, manual inspection is not possible during operations. However, a trained inspector can note problems with flange seals visually. Flange gaskets should be a primary target for both inspection and upkeep.