A cryogenic screw conveyor is a specialized type of screw conveyor designed to handle materials at extremely low temperatures, typically below −150°C (−238°F), such as in applications involving liquid nitrogen (LN₂), liquid oxygen (LOX), or liquid hydrogen (LH₂). These conveyors are essential in industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and energy storage where cryogenic temperatures are required for material handling or processing.
Key Features of Cryogenic Screw Conveyors
1. Material Compatibility
– Made from stainless steel (304/316) or other cryogenically stable alloys to prevent brittleness and thermal contraction issues.
– Seals and bearings must withstand extreme cold without failure.
2. Thermal Insulation
– Vacuum-insulated jackets or multi-layer insulation to minimize heat transfer.
– Prevents frost buildup and maintains material temperature.
3. Specialized Design Considerations
– Reduced thermal expansion/contraction effects on screw flight tolerances.
– Non-sparking construction for safety in oxygen-rich environments.
4. Drive & Motor Protection
– Motors may be located outside the cryogenic zone or equipped with heaters to prevent freezing.
– Gear reducers designed for low-temperature operation.
5. Applications
– Transporting frozen food products (e.g., ice cream, frozen meats).
– Handling cryogenically cooled powders in pharmaceuticals.
– Moving solid CO₂ (dry ice) pellets.
– Conveying liquefied natural gas (LNG) by-products.
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Challenges & Solutions
– Brittle Fracture Risk: Use austenitic stainless steels or nickel alloys.
– Seal Leakage: Employ hermetic seals or magnetic couplings.
– Condensation/Icing: Insulation and heating elements at critical points.
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Manufacturers & Customization
Companies like Spiroflow, Flexicon, and KWS Manufacturing offer cryogenic screw conveyors tailored to specific needs (e.g., incline angles, throughput rates).
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