Bulk Cryogenic Portability and Utility

Can any horizontal cryogenic storage tank be fitted with a road valve and used for liquid transport?

No. Many horizontal cryogenic liquid storage vessels are manufactured for stationary use only. The support structures for their inner vessel, outside shell strength and other factors are built more simply than those designed to handle the stresses and strains of portable service. Vessels manufactured for portable service have advertising, specifications or other material specifically designating them as portable. Since portables will inevitably be a bit higher priced than stationary vessels the manufacturer will certainly want to make a point of their portability.

Also, some portable vessels are designed for transporting liquid only and are not intended for gas use. Others might have gas use outlets, but they need to be properly piped in order to use them for gas withdrawal service. Just connecting to an outlet marked “Gas” might not assure you a proper operation for gas service. Many vessels have the outlet present to make gas an available option, but lack the proper plumbing to be used effectively for gas service such as pressure building regulators, economizer regulators and economizer circuits.

More and more users are becoming aware of the convenience of operating with mid-sized portable cryogenic bulk tanks at 500 to 850 gallons or more capacity. If you are purchasing a new or reconditioned cryogenic tank it will be helpful to define your needs and be sure the vessel meets them. Odds are you might want to use the tank for something else one day or sell it so you might also want to be sure is fitted with everything you need which could include:

- Full-sized standard fill connections,
- Liquid withdrawal connections,
- Gas use connections,
- Pressure building vaporization and regulator,
- Economizer regulator and plumbing,
- Sufficient external gas use vaporization,
- Dual reliefs,
- Road valve,

While all this might sound a bit trite or redundant, it might surprise you to know how often costly assumptions are made.