The cryogenics industry is huge. It was estimated to be worth approximately $22.32 billion in 2023. That figure is expected to almost double in revenue size ($42.23 billion) by 2032. This would be an increase of 7.07% in terms of compound annual growth rate between now and then.

Given the size of the industry, new technological innovations have been needed to help further advance it. These inventions and developments have helped create solutions for a highly technical field, especially as several challenges need to be navigated successfully.

What is cryogenics?

It can be best to understand cryogenics before considering the challenges faced and the tech innovations that have helped provide solutions.

Cryogenics is the science behind the processes, production, and behaviours of materials at very low temperatures. It is usually defined when involving temperatures of -160 ℃ or lower, as the gases used become liquid due to their coldness. Each process for different gases can require a different temperature. For instance, the temperature needs to reach -183 ℃ to liquefy oxygen. The temperature needs to be significantly colder to liquefy another natural gas like helium (-269 ℃).

To accomplish cryogenic temperatures, four different methods can be used, all of which are sophisticated:

• Thermal conductivity
• Evaporative cooling
• Cooling by rapid expansion
• Adiabatic demagnetization

Several industries use cryogenics in their processes and operations. Industries such as the automotive, medical, and pharmaceutical sectors have all incorporated the use of liquified gases to achieve various outcomes.

What are the main challenges when dealing with cryogenics and innovations to navigate them?

Given that cryogenics involves extremely cold temperatures, several dangers can be experienced when dealing with this specialized area of engineering. The severe temperatures used can be extremely dangerous to those who work and handle the gases being liquified if not done correctly. There can also be challenges regarding how cryogenics are exported to other industries.

Thermal Management

A prevalent challenge across the industry is ensuring efficient thermal management policies are in place. Significant heat can be generated during the process, so it’s important that it is effectively dissipated to ensure stable temperatures throughout operation times. Cryocoolers and liquid helium cooling systems are just some of the innovations that have been developed to help manage this type of challenge.

Cost and Quality

Liquid helium and liquid nitrogen are key components when creating low temperatures. However, challenges can result from their importance. They can be scarce resources, which can make them extremely expensive. Wastage is something that needs to be almost eliminated completely. This is where the Demaco Phase Separator can work. It’s a revolutionary product that can set the working pressure, enhance the quality of the liquid gases, and create a significant liquid gas buffer. This allows firms to save costs and ensure they only use the best resources.

Cryogenic System Reliability

As with everything, reliability is a key component. Cryogenic systems require reliability as a failure or downtime can be costly and not just financially, as delays to scientific experiments can also occur. To achieve uninterrupted accelerator operations, engineers remain busy trying to develop new technologies to help combat this challenge. There have been advancements regarding algorithms that can be used and remote-based technologies that monitor the systems constantly. Fault-tolerant designs have also been created to create an efficient operation. 

Material Compatibility

Given the extreme temperatures that are used, material compatibility can be a challenge that needs to be overcome. Materials will react differently in low temperatures, with some becoming brittle. If this happens, there could be a greater chance of failure. This requires engineers to select materials that can withstand the process without losing their properties. Advancements have been made in finding new ways to superconduct them, with new developments of high-temperature superconductors and novel alloys that have improved durability and performance.

Being As Efficient With Energy As Possible

Cryogenic systems require a lot of energy to conduct their processes, which can harm the environment and incur significant costs to an organization. Businesses need to find ways to be more efficient with the energy they use. This will be an ongoing area of innovation, with new technologies likely to help make improvements all the time.