Cryogenics refers to the production and behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures. Cryogenic technology enables the use of cryogens or liquefied gases like liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, etc. at super low temperatures for various industrial applications. Here are some of the major industries that utilize cryogenics technology extensively:
Space Industry
The space industry relies heavily on cryogenics to enable space exploration. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen are used as rocket propellants. The extremely cold temperatures allow these gases to be stored at high densities as liquids. Cryogenic fuels are preferred for rockets due to their low molecular mass and high energy release upon combustion. Cryogenic rocket engines provide the thrust needed for space launch. Cryogenic tanks and valves store and transport these supercold liquids.
In addition, cryocoolers provide active cooling for sensitive instrumentation during space missions. Materials like oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen are liquefied and stored cryogenically on space stations. Cryogenic freezing is also used for biological samples in space research.
Healthcare Industry
In healthcare, cryogenics has medical applications for surgery and preservation. Cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal tissues or cells. Cryoablation helps destroy tumors. Cryogenic freezing is also used to preserve biological tissues and organs for transplantation.
Cryogenic processing of blood using liquid nitrogen has opened new possibilities in blood transfusion and storage. Cryopreservation of biological samples like DNA, bacteria, enzymes, and human eggs and embryos for later use is an important cryogenic application.
Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry uses cryogenic cooling for various materials processing techniques. The extremely cold temperature enables more precise machining and cutting of materials. Cryogenics improves the hardness, durability, and stability of materials like plastics, rubbers, and metals.
Cryogenic tempering of metals makes them more malleable for shaping. Food processing and rubber tire manufacturing also use cryogenic freezing and cooling technology for better quality products. In addition, the superconducting properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures are harnessed to create high-field magnets.
Energy Industry
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the most widely used cryogenic gas in the energy industry. LNG allows the storage and transportation of natural gas in liquid form at cold temperatures. Cryogenic processing of natural gas into LNG removes impurities, making it safer and more stable for storage.
LNG fueling stations provide LNG to power heavy vehicles like buses and trucks. The cryogenic cold can also be used for electricity generation at LNG power plants. Liquid air and liquid nitrogen are emerging energy storage mediums as alternatives to batteries. The use of cryogenics enables cleaner and more efficient energy systems, which is good for the environment.
Research Industry
Cryogenic liquids are essential for low-temperature physics research to study material properties and phenomena at super low temperatures. Liquid helium cools down to -269°C and enables the deepest cryogenic freezing. This ultracold environment helps researchers explore quantum effects, superconductivity, nanostructures, and more.
Cryogenic equipment like laboratory cryostats, cryocoolers, dewars, and freezers provide the stable sub-zero temperatures needed for cutting-edge research in physics, engineering, biology, chemistry and other sciences.
