THE SCIENCE OF EXTREME COLD

Cryogenics is the field of technology focused on producing, storing, and applying materials at ultra-low temperatures, typically below -160°C. At OPW CES, high-quality cryogenic solutions are foundational to clean energy, life sciences, and aerospace innovation.

WHAT IS CRYOGENIC TECHNOLOGY?

Derived from the Greek word “Kryos” (cold), cryogenics involves the liquefaction of gases for transportation, storage, and specialized industrial use. Key cryogenic gases include:

• Liquid nitrogen (LN₂)
  
• Liquid oxygen (LOX)
  
• Liquid hydrogen (LH₂)
  
• Liquid helium (LHe)
  
• Liquid argon (LAr)
  

Each gas liquefies at a specific temperature—helium at -269°C, oxygen at -183°C—requiring precise engineering and handling.

HOW ARE CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURES ACHIEVED?

Cryogenic systems use several physical methods to reach ultra-cold states:

1. Thermal Conduction – Transfers cold from cryogenic liquids to surrounding materials
2. Evaporative Cooling – Uses energy loss from liquid-to-gas phase change
3. Joule-Thompson Expansion – Cools gases through rapid pressure drops
4. Adiabatic Demagnetization – Cools using energy-absorbing paramagnetic salts
   

These techniques enable applications such as superconductivity, liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage, and hydrogen fueling infrastructure.

OPW CES: LEADERS IN CRYOGENIC INFRASTRUCTURE

With brands like Demaco, CPC Cryolab, and Acme Cryogenics, OPW CES brings together a legacy of cryogenic expertise. Our capabilities include:

• Cryogenic vacuum-insulated pipelines
• Custom valve design for hydrogen and helium systems
• Certified production and cleanroom testing
• Global project management and support

EXPERT BRANDS DRIVING CRYOGENIC INNOVATION

OPW CES COMBINES CRYOGENIC LEADERSHIP FROM MULTIPLE SPECIALIZED BRANDS:

• Demaco: End-to-end cryogenic infrastructure engineering
• CPC-Cryolab: Ultra-cold valves and manifolds used in helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen systems
• SPS Cryogenics: Long-distance vacuum-insulated pipeline manufacturing
• SGS: Gas delivery and alarm systems in cleanroom and R&D environments
• Acme Cryogenics: On-site installation, maintenance, and repair of cryogenic systems
• RegO Products: Cryogenic safety valves and control components that meet global codes

Want to learn more about our solutions for cryogenics?
Explore our Products or Contact Us to speak with a specialist.

Cryogenics 101: Understanding the Science, Applications, and Safety of Ultra-Cold Technologies”