Vacuum insulated transfer lines and accessories

Delivering innovative solutions enabling the safe transfer of liquefied gases

Nexans Cryogenic Systems are in-house engineered and built on our core technology of flexible vacuum-insulated cryogenic transfer lines.

Vacuum insulated transfer lines, also called vacuum jacketed piping, are double-walled piping systems designed to achieve superior thermal insulation between the inner and outer pipe.

 

Nexans offer provides the highest level of thermal insulation thanks to the action combination on the 3 components of heat transfer:

  • Radiation from the outer wall to the inner wall is prevented by multilayer insulation, which reflects heat waves.
  • Convection is inhibited by the factory generation of a high level of static vacuum between the inner and outer tubes.
  • Conduction is minimized by contact points between the inner and outer tube optimized in number and surface area.
     

This configuration allows the safe transfer of cryogenic fluids with minimal boil-off and maximal user safety. Our wide know-how in cryogenics ensure we deliver a complete solution with the transfer lines and their specific coupling for an enhanced system reliability.

More information about cryogenics systems:

A flexible & modular approach to cryogenic transfer infrastructures

In addition to conventional rigid piping systems for transfering liquified gas, Nexans has developed 2 full ranges of flexible vacuum insulated transfer lines that can be applied for static and dynamic applications. 

Nexans CRYOFLEX ® is the product range for static applications while Nexans HIGHFLEX is the product range for dynamic applications, used for applications requiring a high flexibility.

These systems and their thermal insulation were originally designed for transfering liquefied helium at temperature as low as 4K. Our unique technology ensures they can cover all cryogenic fluids (Helium - 4K, Hydrogen - 20K, Nitrogen - 77K, Oxygen - 90K, LNG - 110K).

Driven by the safety and undisputable quality standards, our robust flexible vacuum insulated lines designs are made with corrugated stainless steel tubes, bringing unmatched advantages:

  • Thermal compensation between inner and outer wall is achieved by design, removing the need to add a compensation box to the configuration
  • Systems are fully industrialised in our factory, including welding of end fittings, and vacuum pumping. All welds are controlled and tested for He leakage ensuring a high system reliability.
  • Systems are delivered on drums, ready for service, reducing installation time and complexity.

 

Certification & homologation

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Our solutions are compliant with the following certifications

  • 2014/68/EU Pressure Equipment Directive - European Directive for pressure equipment  - CE declaration according to module A1 and A2
  • DIN EN ISO 10380 - International standard for corrugated metal hoses and metal hose assemblies
  • AD2000 - German regulations for pressure equipment (based on 2014/68/EU))
  • ISO 9001 - International standard for quality management systems
  • ISO 14001 - International standard for environmental protection
  • ASME B31.3 : American standard for pressure lines

KEY BENEFITS

 

Time-saving
Save installation time, operate sooner
  Low complexity
Take advantage of a trouble-free and reduced complexity Cryogenic installaton
  Safety
Build a safe and long lasting installation
All lengths are assembled, vacuumized and tested in factory. They get to the construction site ready for operation

Lengths are delivered on drums to be installed as one would lay a cable.

Combined to Nexans Ultracker drum geotracking solution, you can monitor the position of your cryogenic lines and better organize the supply chain on your construction site.
  By design no need for temperature compensation systems (bellows);

Nexans CRYOFLEX® and HIGHFLEX lines are operated under static vacuum, removing the need for dynamic pumping and saving operation and maintenance costs

The flexible design makes it possible to avoid defining exact dimension and to a certain extent allows to reorganize industrial workshops
  The double envelope configuration combined with state-of-the art insulation performance keep the surface at room ambient temperature during operation removing risks of icing, cryogenic burns, and oxygen condensation.

Instant leakage detection from continuous monitoring of vacuum

If the inner envelope is damaged, the gas remains confined within the outer envelope 
Standardize on one technology for lower OPEX and maintenance expenditures
Our technology ensures a low maintenance service level which can be even minimized if using it whatever is the liguified gas you need to transfer

 


 

Main product range

Nexans CRYOFLEX ®

Nexans CRYOFLEX ® cryogenic vacuum insulated transfer lines are bendable lines intended for static applications. Being delivered on drums and ready to use, they make an easy-to-install and repositionable alternative to rigid piping. Bendability is achieved from helical corrugation of the stainless steel tubes.

Product range

  • Inner diameter: 21mm - 150mm (larger diameters possible upon request)
  • Maximum working pressure: 20 bars
  • Standards: 2014/68/EU; AD2000; ASME (on request)
Nexans HIGHFLEX

Nexans HIGHFLEX lines are designed for applications with frequent position changes (coupling, decoupling, bending, dynamic stress). Their high flexibility results from the parallel corrugation of the tubes. Fatigue resistance and pressure stability are improved thanks to stainless steel braids, armoring both the inner and outer tubes. Nexans HIGHFLEX lines are designed to withstand more than 10,000 of bending cycles, a reference on the market .

Nexans HIGHFLEX lines can be used individually or combined to CRYOFLEX® and rigid systems.

Product range

  • Inner diameter: 8mm - 150mm
  • Maximum working pressure: 40 bars
  • Standards: 2014/68/EU ; AD2000 ; ASME (on request)
Coupling and safety systems

As a market expert, our systems include a full range of connectors (right-angle, T,Y…) branching, couplings (dry, QCDC, ERC) and accessories (valves, degasseres) to fit customers project specifications and ensure a performance reliability.

Nexans CRYOFLEX ® and HIGHFLEX can be equipped with a vaccum sensor, to continuously monitor the vacuum and trigger safety systems in case of mechanical degradation of the cryogenic transfer systems.

Rigid piping systems

We also offer rigid vacuum insulated line systems consisting of two ore more concentrically arranged stainless steel pipes

Packaging and transport

Our range is avaialble 

  • small lengths : box 
  • long lengths : drums
  • Our drums can be equipped with tracking device allowing for improved fleet managment and stock visibility. Should you be interested in such a solution, contact us directly

Would you like to know more about Cryogenic Systems ?

Cryogenic Systems

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