Seeking help with cold box valve issues
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If ice forms outside the cold box valve, does that mean there is a leak inside? What brands of cold box valves are people using, and what are the problems with them?
Could you send a photo showing exactly where the freezing is occurring? In China, Wuxi Tools and Hangyang Tools are the preferred choices for valves used in cryogenic units; both of these brands produce components designed for use in air separation cryogenic units.
It is normal in low-temperature and frigid regions; as long as there is no leakage, no jamming issues, and it does not affect functionality, then it is considered normal. However, it needs to be cleaned regularly; if possible, use steam to heat and remove ice near the valves, but be careful not to blow directly on the packing area of the valve stem. The production of such valves is now highly mature, so there is no need to worry about quality. In the event of a severe leak, the machine can be shut down to replace the gasket at the valve cover flange. It’s best to have someone knowledgeable when using such large equipment; otherwise, there will be issues regarding compensation in case of an accident. For reference only.
It’s around the floating sleeve and the walls of the cold box; it doesn’t seem to be freezing much there. I’ve seen situations that were worse than this, where there was actually ice buildup.
Some don’t freeze, while others freeze severely. I use compressed air to blow on them here. It seems in your diagram that the extension rod isn’t very long; the cooling effect might be stronger as a result