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Thermal behavior in compact-type cryogenic needle valve with integrated heat sinks.
Su Jung Kang1, Ju Hwan Kwak2, Seung Ho Han3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dong-A University, Busan, Korea.
Scientific Reports
|December 9, 2025
Summary
Engineers developed a compact cryogenic needle valve with a heat sink to prevent packing freeze and leakage in confined spaces. Optimization reduced heat sink size by 54%, ensuring reliable performance for cryogenic fluids.
Area of Science:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Cryogenic Engineering
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Cryogenic needle valves are crucial for controlling cryogenic fluids like liquid hydrogen and LNG.
- Extended bonnet valves prevent packing freeze but are unsuitable for confined spaces.
- Compact valves with heat sinks offer a solution for space-constrained cryogenic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the thermal behavior of a compact-type cryogenic needle valve.
- To optimize the heat sink design for reduced size and maintained thermal performance.
- To verify the valve's leak-proof performance under cryogenic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Cryogenic environment testing using liquid nitrogen.
- Heat transfer analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
- Parametric study and optimization of heat sink dimensions (outer diameter, thickness).
Main Results:
- The compact valve design successfully addressed spatial constraints.
- Heat sink optimization reduced its volume by approximately 54%.
- Cryogenic leakage tests confirmed no leakage, meeting BS6364 standards.
Conclusions:
- The optimized compact cryogenic needle valve is a viable solution for applications with limited installation space.
- Effective heat sink design is critical for maintaining performance in shortened cryogenic valve bonnets.
- The developed valve demonstrates reliable sealing performance for cryogenic fluids.
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