Latest VJP technology addresses need for high-volume distribution of cryogenic liquids
Hamilton, OH, October 14, 2024 – ACME Cryogenics, a part of OPW Clean Energy Solutions, is pleased to announce the addition of XL Bore Vacuum-Jacketed Piping (VJP) to its portfolio of cryogenics-handling products. The new XL Bore VJP has been designed to outperform typical foam-insulated piping in terms of maintaining the cryogenic liquid’s super-cold temperature, leak prevention and high-volume transfer of the full array of cryogenics, from liquefied natural gas (LNG),liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) to carbon dioxide (CO2) and helium.
“Handling and transporting cryogenic liquids requires plenty of give and take as they must be kept at extremely -cold temperatures, they must not be allowed to return to their gaseous state and they must be shipped in volumes large enough to satisfy the needs of a space-launch operation or to fuel a fleet of transport trucks, ships, barges or planes,” said Bennett Allred, Director of Technical Sales and Installation Services for ACME Cryogenics. “The design and operation of XL Bore Vacuum-Jacketed Piping is able to maintain the integrity of the user’s cryogenics-handling processes while meeting the highest industry standards for safety, reliability and cost-effective performance.”
ACME Cryogenics has a long history of developing VJP systems with piping configurations ranging from 1 /2” x 2” to 12” x 16” – and now has created its first 16” x 18”, 20” x 24” and 24” x 28” XL Bore VJP systems. Similar to foam-insulated piping, VJP consists of a “pipe within a pipe” design with an inner pipe that carries the cryogenic liquid and an outer pipe that seals the annular space between the pipes. Unlike foam-insulated piping, however, the inner pipe in a VJP system is wrapped with thin sheets of multi-layer insulation (MLI) that is coated with a metallic material, usually aluminum, that blocks radiative heat transfer. This design allows the VJP to operate maintenance-free for 20 or more years.
These pipes are built in 40-foot “spools” (also called “sticks” or lengths) and shipped to the job site 15 at a time via transport trailer. Like all other ACME VJP systems, the XL sizes are engineered to offer superior insulation performance, minimize heat leaks, enhance operational efficiencies and be a more cost-effective solution than foam-insulated piping.
- Benefits to the user of XL Bore VJP systems include:
- Higher flow rates for faster liquid transfer
- Enhanced cryogenic-cooling efficiency
- Minimized heat leaks for improved operational efficiency
- Superior performance when compared to traditional insulation methods
- Full customizability to satisfy all cryogenic-liquid handling and transfer applications
- Ability to handle a wide spectrum of cryogenic liquids, including LNG, LH2, LOX, liquid argon (LAR), liquid nitrogen (LIN), CO2 and helium
To learn more about the XL Bore Vacuum-Jacketed Piping or other products and systems from ACME Cryogenics, please visit OPW Clean Energy Solutions at opwces.com. You can find more information on OPW and its various business units at opwglobal.com.
About OPW Clean Energy Solutions
OPW Clean Energy Solutions was formed in December 2021 when OPW acquired both ACME Cryogenics and RegO® Products. Since then, the company has continued to expand its reach as a supplier of clean-energy fluid-handling equipment and systems, most notably with the acquisitions in 2024 of Demaco, Marshall Excelsior Company (MEC) and SPS Cryogenics/Special Gas Systems (SPS-SGS). ACME is a leading provider of mission-critical cryogenics products and services that facilitate the production, storage and distribution of cryogenics liquids and gases. RegO is a leading provider of highly engineered flow-control solutions for the cryogenic and liquified-gas end markets. Demaco specializes in the development of vacuum-insulated piping solutions for the cryogenics industry. MEC and its subsidiaries CPC Cryolab, BASE Engineering, Inc., and Xanik develop and supply mission-critical flow-control products and solutions for the LNG and anhydrous ammonia (NH3) markets. SPS-SGS is a manufacturer of vacuum-insulated pipeline systems for use in the handling of a wide array of industrial gases. Together, they are taking OPW beyond conventional fueling solutions and helping define what’s next for alternative energy markets. For more information on OPW Clean Energy Solutions, please visit opwces.com.