Equipment Rehabilitation
Piping & Plant
The piping and plant equipment that moves product from the tank to where it's used.
What we do
- Vacuum-jacketed pipe built or repaired
- Manifolds and process piping
- Gas mixers and CO2 units serviced
Done through partner shops matched to your equipment — one point of contact from quote to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Piping & Plant questions
Why vacuum-jacketed pipe instead of foam-insulated pipe?
VJ pipe uses a vacuum between an inner and outer pipe to block heat by conduction, convection and radiation. One maker cites about 20 W of heat leak per meter for foam versus about 0.5 W/m for 1-inch VJ pipe. Less heat leak means less boil-off and colder liquid at the use point.
Sources: CSM Cryogenic · Cryocomp
How can I tell if a VJ line has lost vacuum?
Condensation ("sweating") on the outer jacket, or a jacket cold to the touch while liquid flows. Frost or ice is a warning too, though some frost at uninsulated connections can be normal. Too much heat leak also causes irregular, lower and warmer flow.
Sources: Cryofab re-evacuation guide · Chart MVIP manual · CSM
Can vacuum be restored in place?
Often it can be re-pumped through the existing pump-out port with a vacuum pump and gauge. A helium leak check comes first, to tell a real leak from normal outgassing. Pumping takes hours; gentle heating speeds it up, keeping surfaces at or below 250°F. (Note: some VJ makers want their own technicians to do this — check before work on that brand.)
Source: Cryofab re-evacuation guide
What code is industrial gas process piping built to?
Usually ASME B31.3, Process Piping, which covers materials, design, fabrication, examination, inspection and testing — including for gases and cryogenic fluids. It requires qualified welders and pressure or leak testing.
Sources: ASME B31.3 · Ability Engineering
Why does oxygen piping need special cleaning?
Oxygen supports and speeds up burning of most materials, so leftover oil, grease or particles can become an ignition source. CGA G-4.1 is the industry guide for cleaning equipment for oxygen service — methods, contamination limits, inspection and labeling.
Source: CGA G-4.1
What does servicing a gas mixer involve?
Many mixers feed each gas through its own regulator into a surge tank, with an analyzer confirming the mix. Service usually means checking the mix against the analyzer and rebuilding wear parts like the solenoid valve and regulators. One mixer maker cites a normal analyzer calibration interval of one year.
Sources: Thermco — inside a mixer · Thermco FAQ
What does the refrigeration unit on a bulk CO2 tank do?
Heat gets through the insulation, and when little liquid is drawn, pressure can climb until the relief valve vents product. A refrigeration coil in the tank turns vapor back into liquid to bring the pressure down, working with the pressure-building system.
Source: Chart CO2 tank manual
Answers are general guidance, with sources linked so you can check them. Your equipment's manufacturer and the rules that apply to your site always come first.
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