A cryogenic gasifier, also known as a cold cryogenic gasifier (CCG), is a sealed metal tank (cryocylinder) designed to store and convert liquefied industrial gases — such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, or methane — into their gaseous state. This conversion occurs naturally through heat exchange with the surrounding environment, without any external heating source.
Gasifiers are widely used across industries including metallurgy, healthcare, food processing, metal recycling, power engineering, and mechanical engineering. Their implementation significantly simplifies gas supply logistics and enhances operational efficiency at production sites.
Unlike traditional high-pressure gas cylinders, gasifiers offer superior capacity and long-term cost-efficiency. On average, 1 m³ of liquid gas is equivalent to 100–140 compressed gas cylinders, making cryogenic systems an economically sound solution for businesses with constant gas demand.
Where cryogenic gasifiers are used
- Healthcare
- Metallurgical and steel industries
- Scrap metal processing
- Food and beverage production
- Power and heat generation
- Engineering and manufacturing
Types of cryogenic gasifiers
Gasifiers are generally classified by their mobility:
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Stationary gasifiers
Large-capacity systems capable of delivering up to 2000 m³ of gaseous product per hour. These units are installed at least 10 meters from any buildings and mounted on reinforced concrete foundations. For larger demands, multiple gasifiers can be connected in a modular configuration.
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Mobile gasifiers
Compact systems designed for transportation and mobile applications, typically used for volumes up to 3 m³ of liquid gas.
Design and operating principle
Cryogenic gasifiers may consist of a single tank or a group of vertically or horizontally oriented vessels. A typical system includes:
- Cryogenic storage tank(s) with inner and outer shells
- Atmospheric evaporator and pressure build-up vaporiser
- Regulating, safety, and shut-off valves
- Instrumentation and automation (sensors, gauges, controllers)
The inner vessel is made from austenitic stainless steel, chosen for its resistance to cryogenic embrittlement due to its high chromium and nickel content. The outer shell is typically constructed from carbon steel.
To minimise losses due to natural evaporation, the space between the vessel walls is vacuum-insulated. Two main types of insulation are used:
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Vacuum with reflective screens
High-efficiency multi-layer insulation using reflective foils. Not typically used for tanks over 500 litres due to complex winding requirements.
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Vacuum with expanded perlite
More commonly used in stationary tanks over 1000 litres due to its simpler construction and effective thermal performance.
Another increasingly popular method is non-vacuum cryogenic insulation, which uses hydrophobic materials like foamed rubber or cryogel (a foil-lined fibreglass composite). While rubber is limited to temperatures above –200 °C, cryogel is more versatile and allows for reliable performance across various applications.
How cryogenic gasifiers work
The system is designed to store cryogenic liquids efficiently and deliver gas on demand. Gas is fed into the pipeline by displacement, as pressure builds from the natural evaporation of liquid within the tank when exposed to ambient air.
This passive evaporation mechanism is what defines cryogenic gasifiers as “cold.”
The system — including the pressure build-up coil, pressure regulator, economiser, and relief valve — is fully automated and requires no manual switching.All external components are made from durable carbon steel, resistant to mechanical damage and suitable for cryogenic environments that can otherwise degrade conventional materials.
Advantages of cryogenic gasifiers
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Ultra-high gas purity (up to 99.9 %)
Ideal for operations that demand high-purity oxygen, such as welding and cutting, where concentrations above 99 % are essential. This level of purity cannot be achieved by PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) systems (95–97 %) or membrane-based units (35 %).
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High working pressure
Gasifiers can supply oxygen or nitrogen at pressures up to 200 bar without the need for additional booster compressors — essential for filling high-pressure cylinders or running equipment that requires high-pressure feed gas.
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High instantaneous gas flow
Large volumes of gas can be supplied in a short period, enabling efficient operation during peak demand.
Disadvantages of cryogenic gasifiers
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Ongoing operational costs
Unlike PSA or membrane generators that extract gas directly from ambient air, cryogenic systems depend on a refillable liquid gas supply. Moreover, 3–10 % of the liquid is lost to pre-cooling when filling a warm tank.
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Regulatory compliance and maintenance
Cryogenic storage tanks are classified as hazardous pressure equipment, requiring mandatory registration and inspection. According to Russian regulations (Rostekhnadzor Order No. 495, dated 25.11.2016), all such equipment must be registered within 10 days of commissioning, and unauthorised operation is prohibited.
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Qualified personnel required
Operating a gasifier safely requires trained staff familiar with handling cryogenic fluids and pressurised systems, unlike simpler PSA or membrane systems.
Custom solutions and support
In line with current industry standards and customer needs, we offer cryogenic tanks in a variety of specifications. All equipment is delivered in ready-to-operate condition, complete with all necessary permits and certifications.
For inquiries, pricing, or custom technical specifications, please contact us by phone at +7 (495) 150-44-22, or send your request and technical documentation to info@onhs.ru.
