Cryogenic Instrumentation, Control & Safety System Suppliers
Cryogenic instrumentation, control, and safety systems are the sensing, automation, and protection layer of every cryogenic installation. They measure level, temperature, pressure, and flow at extreme temperatures, execute control logic for pumps, vaporizers, and vent circuits, and provide safety interlocks against overpressure, oxygen deficiency, and hydrogen leakage. Component selection is driven by cryogen compatibility, hazardous-area rating, response time, and regulatory requirements for functional safety.
Product families in this category include cryogenic-rated temperature sensors (Cernox, PT-100, silicon diodes), level measurement (differential pressure, capacitance, radar for LNG), flow measurement (Coriolis mass flow meters dominant for cryogenic custody transfer), pressure transmitters with wetted parts rated for cryogenic service, gas detection for oxygen deficiency and hydrogen or hydrocarbon leaks, flame detection for LNG and hydrogen facilities, and safety instrumented systems (SIS) with SIL certification for high-integrity protection loops.
This directory lists cryogenic instrumentation, control, and safety system suppliers worldwide as a combined listing. Each supplier profile covers product ranges, cryogen compatibility, hazardous-area certifications (ATEX, IECEx, UL/CSA), functional safety certification (IEC 61508 SIL 2/3), custody transfer approvals for LNG and industrial gas, and integration options for DCS and PLC platforms.
Buyers evaluating suppliers typically weigh sensor accuracy at cryogenic temperature, hazardous area certification for zone 0/1/2, SIL capability for safety loops, custody transfer approval where relevant (MID, OIML R117 for LNG), long-term drift and calibration intervals, spares availability, and integration support with plant control systems. Filter suppliers by country, product category, or application.
Frequently asked questions
Which temperature sensors work at cryogenic temperatures?
PT-100 platinum RTDs cover roughly -200 °C and above. Silicon diodes and Cernox thin-film resistors extend down to 1 K for research and helium temperatures. Type E and T thermocouples are used for general cryogenic service. Sensor selection depends on temperature range, accuracy requirement, and magnetic field environment.
How is LNG level measured in storage tanks?
The primary method is servo-mechanical or radar level gauging for custody transfer, backed by differential pressure sensors and independent high-level alarms. Full-containment LNG tanks typically have three independent level measurement systems, each certified to OIML R85 or equivalent standards.
What is a safety instrumented system (SIS)?
A dedicated automation system that executes protective actions when process variables exceed safe limits. SIS designs are engineered to a specific Safety Integrity Level (SIL 1 to 4) per IEC 61508 and IEC 61511. Cryogenic installations typically require SIL 2 or SIL 3 for overpressure and oxygen-deficiency protection.
Do I need Coriolis meters for cryogenic custody transfer?
Coriolis mass flow meters are the dominant technology for cryogenic custody transfer of LNG, LOX, LIN, and increasingly LH2. They measure mass directly (avoiding density corrections), handle low viscosity fluids, and are approved under MID, OIML R117, and API MPMS Chapter 14. Ultrasonic meters compete in some LNG applications.
What hazardous area certifications matter?
ATEX (EU), IECEx (international), UL and CSA (North America). Zone classification depends on the cryogen — hydrogen and LNG installations typically require Zone 1 or Zone 2 rated equipment. Oxygen-deficient environments additionally trigger EN 50104 gas detection requirements.