2025.08.21
Knowledge Articles
BS 6364-Certified Cryogenic Valves: Safe and Reliable Operation at -196°C
Value Valves Achieves BS 6364 Cryogenic Standard
A Trusted Choice for Extreme Cold Environments
In the realm of cryogenics, safety and reliability are more than specifications—they are a responsibility. As a professional valve manufacturer, we understand that equipment operating at ultra-low temperatures, such as LNG, liquid nitrogen, and cryogenic storage tanks, faces extreme conditions. Any failure in valve structure, sealing, or materials at these temperatures can lead to irreversible consequences.
Therefore, we proactively pursued certification under BS 6364 and have officially met its rigorous requirements, demonstrating that our cryogenic butterfly valves, ball valves, and other products can operate safely and reliably in environments as low as -196°C (-321°F).
What is BS 6364?
BS 6364 is a standard issued by the British Standards Institution (BSI) specifically for cryogenic valves. Its core purpose is to ensure that valves maintain:
-
Structural integrity
-
Stable sealing performance
-
Smooth operation
-
Resistance to material embrittlement and leakage risk
-
This standard applies to applications such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid nitrogen, oxygen, and other cryogenic storage and industrial systems. It is a critical benchmark for the petrochemical, energy, LNG transportation, and polar engineering industries.
-
How We Ensure Compliance with BS 6364 Standards
l Cryogenic Cooling Tests
Each cryogenic valve is immersed in a liquid nitrogen bath (-196°C) to simulate field operation. Multiple open-close cycles are conducted under full pressure to verify that the valve structure, sealing, and materials remain intact without cracking or leakage.
l Leakage and Shell Pressure Testing
Sealing performance is verified according to API 598 or ISO 5208, covering:
Primary and secondary seals (e.g., seat and packing)
Shell pressure resistance beyond rated pressure
Long-duration static pressure tests confirming no minor leaks
l Low-Temperature Operating Torque Tests
Specialized instruments measure valve torque at cryogenic temperatures, compared with ambient conditions. Excessive torque at low temperature can hinder operation or prevent closure, making this test critical for operator safety.
l Material and Welding Integrity Inspections
BS 6364 demands high material standards, typically stainless steel or alloy steel. We conduct PMI material analysis, radiographic inspections, and ultrasonic testing to detect porosity or cracks, preventing brittle failure.
l Oil Removal and Oxygen Cleanliness
Since cryogenic applications often involve flammable media (e.g., O₂, LNG), valves undergo oil removal and particle-free cleaning process using dedicated solvents and dust-free equipment, ensuring no ignition risk during operation.
Our Technical Practices and Quality Commitment
l In-house Cryogenic Test Center
We invested in liquid nitrogen testing tanks and -196°C operational simulation equipment. This allows us to test every batch, optimize torque and sealing design, and continuously improve product performance.
l Premium Materials and Cryogenic Design
All our cryogenic valves use ASTM and BS 6364-compliant materials, with enhanced designs for seats and packing to maintain seal integrity despite thermal expansion and contraction.
l Traceable Quality Records
- Torque measurements before and after testing
- Leakage test results
- Cryogenic test photos and videos
- Material certificates and traceability reports (MTR)
This process meets buyer requirements and facilitates direct EPC project documentation.
BS 6364 Application Cases
Value Valves has successfully supplied valves for multiple cryogenic projects, including:
All projects required BS 6364-compliant valves with full test documentation.
LNG receiving terminal construction in the Middle East
Liquid nitrogen storage tanks in South Korea
Cold chain logistics centers in Europe
Hydrogen cooling pipelines in Japan
Our consistent quality and customized designs have earned international trust.
