Cryogenic Performance
Many structural materials become brittle and lose impact toughness at cryogenic temperatures, making them unsafe for pressure-containing or load-bearing applications in LNG, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid hydrogen service. Inconel 718's face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure does not exhibit a ductile-to-brittle transition—it maintains excellent toughness and ductility at temperatures down to -423°F (liquid hydrogen temperature, 20K). This cryogenic toughness, combined with 180+ ksi tensile strength, makes Inconel 718 one of the few alloys that can serve dual-temperature applications where components experience both cryogenic and elevated temperatures during operation.
Cryogenic Applications
CastAlloy manufactures Inconel 718 components for cryogenic service including LNG processing and storage equipment (valves, fittings, pump components), liquid hydrogen infrastructure for space launch and emerging hydrogen energy systems, cryogenic research equipment, superconducting magnet structural components (MRI systems, particle accelerators), and rocket engine turbopump components that handle cryogenic propellants. The alloy's combination of cryogenic toughness, high strength, and corrosion resistance makes it ideal for these safety-critical applications.
Manufacturing for Cryogenic Service
Cryogenic applications require enhanced material quality and testing. CastAlloy provides impact testing at the specified service temperature per ASTM E23 to verify toughness, tensile testing at cryogenic temperatures per ASTM E1450 when specified, enhanced NDE including 100% ultrasonic inspection for pressure-containing components, and documentation per ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements for pressure vessels. Contact our engineering team to discuss your cryogenic Inconel 718 project.