DSW provides engineered cryogenic storage solutions for facilities that need reliable storage and supply of liquefied industrial gases. Our solutions can be configured for liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid argon, liquid carbon dioxide, LNG, helium, and other cryogenic products according to the gas, consumption profile, storage capacity, operating pressure, site conditions, and applicable requirements.
Instead of treating the storage tank as an isolated piece of equipment, a complete cryogenic storage solution considers the relationship between storage capacity, liquid delivery, vaporization, pressure control, gas distribution, safety, and future demand.
DSW supports different applications with bulk cryogenic storage, microbulk storage, Dewar storage, LNG storage, and customized configurations.
Cryogenic Storage Solutions We Provide
Different facilities have different gas consumption patterns, delivery arrangements, and storage requirements. A laboratory, hospital, manufacturing plant, and LNG facility may therefore require different storage configurations.
DSW provides several options for on-site cryogenic storage and gas supply.
| Solution | Typical Application | Main Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Cryogenic Storage | Medium and high-volume industrial gas consumption | Vacuum-insulated storage tank, pressure build-up system, vaporizer, valves and instrumentation |
| Microbulk Gas Storage | Small to medium continuous gas consumption | Microbulk tank, pressure control, level monitoring and filling equipment |
| Dewar Storage | Laboratories, medical facilities, research and smaller-scale applications | Vacuum-insulated Dewar, liquid withdrawal and gas withdrawal equipment |
| LNG Storage | Energy, industrial fuel supply and LNG infrastructure | LNG storage tank, pressure control, vaporizer and transfer equipment |
| Integrated Storage & Gas Supply | Facilities requiring continuous gaseous supply | Storage tank, vaporization, pressure regulation, monitoring and distribution equipment |
Types of Cryogenic Storage Solutions
Bulk Cryogenic Storage Solutions
Bulk cryogenic storage is designed for facilities with relatively high or continuous demand for liquefied industrial gases.
A typical bulk installation uses a stationary vacuum-insulated cryogenic storage tank together with the equipment required to maintain and deliver the required gas supply.
Depending on the application, a bulk storage solution can include:
- Cryogenic storage tank
- Pressure-building equipment
- Cryogenic vaporizer
- Pressure regulation
- Cryogenic valves and piping
- Liquid-level and pressure monitoring
- Safety equipment
- Gas distribution connections
Bulk cryogenic storage can be configured for gases such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid argon, liquid carbon dioxide, and other suitable cryogenic products.
Typical applications include:
- Manufacturing plants
- Metal fabrication
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Food processing
- Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing
- Chemical processing
- Research facilities
- Industrial gas distribution
For facilities with substantial and continuous gas consumption, bulk storage can provide an on-site liquid inventory while reducing dependence on frequent cylinder deliveries.
Related: Cryogenic Storage Tanks
Microbulk Cryogenic Storage Solutions
Microbulk storage provides an intermediate option between traditional gas cylinders and larger bulk cryogenic storage installations.
A microbulk system uses a compact cryogenic tank installed at the customer’s site and can be supplied with scheduled or automated liquid deliveries.
Microbulk storage may be suitable when a facility requires a continuous cryogenic gas supply but does not require the capacity of a larger bulk installation.
Typical benefits include:
- Compact on-site storage
- Reduced cylinder handling
- Automated or scheduled replenishment
- Continuous gas availability
- Easier inventory management
- Reduced manual cylinder replacement
Microbulk systems can be used in applications such as healthcare, laboratories, food processing, welding and fabrication, and medium-demand manufacturing.
The appropriate configuration depends on actual consumption, required reserve, available space, delivery frequency, and the gas being stored.
Related: Microbulk Tanks
Cryogenic Dewar Storage Solutions
Cryogenic Dewars are generally used for smaller-volume storage and applications where portability or flexible handling is important.
Common applications include:
- Laboratories
- Research facilities
- Medical applications
- Small-scale industrial processes
- Cryogenic sample storage
- Educational and scientific facilities
Dewar configurations vary according to storage volume, pressure, gas type, withdrawal method, and intended application.
For smaller users, a Dewar may be more appropriate than a permanent bulk installation. For facilities with growing or continuous consumption, however, a microbulk or bulk solution may provide a more suitable supply configuration.
Related: Cryogenic Dewar Cylinders
LNG Storage Solutions
LNG storage solutions are designed for the storage and controlled supply of liquefied natural gas.
Depending on the application, an LNG storage installation can include:
- LNG storage tanks
- Cryogenic valves
- Pressure-control equipment
- LNG vaporizers
- Transfer equipment
- Gas pressure regulation
- Instrumentation and monitoring
- Safety and emergency equipment
- Downstream gas distribution
LNG storage may be used for industrial fuel supply, LNG satellite stations, energy applications, transportation-related infrastructure, and other facilities requiring a controlled LNG supply.
The appropriate configuration depends on LNG consumption, required storage capacity, delivery frequency, pressure requirements, site conditions, and applicable regulations.
Related: LNG Storage Systems
Related: Cryogenic Transportation Guide
Custom Cryogenic Storage Solutions
Not every project can be served by a standard storage configuration.
DSW can support customized cryogenic storage solutions based on project-specific requirements such as:
- Gas type
- Storage capacity
- Working pressure
- Design pressure
- Daily consumption
- Peak flow demand
- Required storage reserve
- Tank orientation
- Site footprint
- Vaporization requirements
- Piping connections
- Instrumentation
- Safety requirements
- Applicable standards
- Destination-market requirements
A customized solution may combine a cryogenic storage tank with vaporization, pressure control, monitoring, safety equipment, and downstream gas supply connections.
The objective is to configure the equipment around the actual application rather than selecting a tank based only on nominal storage volume.
Choosing the Right Cryogenic Storage Solution
The right solution depends primarily on how much gas is required, how often it is consumed, how the gas is delivered, and how much storage reserve the facility needs.
| Project Requirement | Potential Solution |
|---|---|
| Small-volume or portable cryogenic use | Cryogenic Dewar |
| Small to medium continuous demand | Microbulk storage |
| Medium to high continuous demand | Bulk cryogenic storage |
| LNG storage and controlled supply | LNG storage solution |
| High peak gas demand | Bulk storage with appropriately sized vaporization |
| Limited installation space | Compact or customized configuration |
| Special pressure or connection requirements | Custom cryogenic solution |
| Future increase in gas consumption | Expandable storage and supply configuration |
The table provides a general starting point. Final equipment selection should be based on the actual gas, consumption data, operating conditions, site requirements, and applicable regulations.
Key Factors in Cryogenic Storage Solution Selection
1. Gas Type
The first consideration is the cryogenic product.
Common products include:
- Liquid nitrogen (LIN / LN₂)
- Liquid oxygen (LOX / O₂)
- Liquid argon (LAR / Ar)
- Liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂)
- LNG
- Liquid helium
- Other specialized cryogenic products
Different gases have different temperature, pressure, material, compatibility, safety, and vaporization requirements.
The storage vessel and associated equipment should therefore be selected for the specific gas service rather than using a one-size-fits-all configuration.
2. Gas Consumption
Gas consumption is one of the most important factors in determining the appropriate storage solution.
Consider:
- Average daily consumption
- Peak consumption
- Operating hours
- Seasonal demand
- Production schedules
- Future expansion
For example, a facility with relatively low and intermittent demand may not require a large stationary bulk tank, while a continuous manufacturing process may require a larger storage reserve and higher vaporization capacity.
3. Required Storage Capacity
Storage capacity should be considered together with gas consumption and delivery frequency.
A facility receiving frequent liquid deliveries may require a different tank capacity from a remote facility that needs a larger operating reserve.
Capacity planning should consider:
- Normal consumption
- Peak demand
- Delivery schedule
- Emergency reserve
- Site limitations
- Future demand
The objective is to maintain sufficient inventory without unnecessarily oversizing the installation.
4. Required Gas Supply Pressure
The required downstream pressure influences the selection of pressure-control and gas-delivery equipment.
The complete supply configuration may include:
Cryogenic Storage Tank → Vaporization → Pressure Regulation → Gas Distribution
The required pressure should be established from the actual production equipment and point-of-use requirements.
5. Vaporization Requirements
When cryogenic liquid must be delivered as gas, vaporization capacity becomes an important part of the overall solution.
Vaporizer selection depends on factors such as:
- Gas type
- Required gas flow
- Peak demand
- Outlet pressure
- Ambient conditions
- Operating schedule
- Required redundancy
The vaporizer should therefore be considered together with the storage tank and gas demand rather than selected as an independent component.
For detailed technical information about cryogenic system architecture and vaporization, see our Cryogenic Storage Systems Guide.
6. Installation Conditions
The available site can influence the configuration of a cryogenic storage solution.
Important considerations include:
- Available footprint
- Tank height
- Foundation
- Vehicle access
- Liquid delivery access
- Piping routes
- Maintenance access
- Safety clearances
- Environmental conditions
- Local regulations
Vertical and horizontal storage configurations can be considered according to the project layout.
7. Delivery and Replenishment
A storage solution must also work with the facility’s liquid supply logistics.
Consider:
- Liquid delivery frequency
- Supplier location
- Tanker access
- Expected delivery volume
- Storage reserve
- Remote-site requirements
- Backup supply arrangements
Storage capacity and delivery frequency should be planned together.
A larger tank is not automatically the right solution if the facility’s delivery logistics or consumption profile do not justify it.
Cryogenic Storage Solution Configurations
DSW can configure cryogenic storage according to different operating requirements.
Stationary Bulk Storage
Designed for permanent industrial installations with relatively high or continuous gas demand.
Cryogenic Tank → Pressure Control → Vaporizer → Gas Regulation → Distribution Pipeline
Microbulk Storage
Designed for compact on-site storage where gas demand is lower than that of a typical large bulk installation.
Microbulk Tank → Pressure Control → Vaporizer → Gas Supply
Dewar Storage
Designed for smaller-volume or portable applications.
Cryogenic Dewar → Liquid or Gas Withdrawal → Point of Use
LNG Storage
Designed for LNG storage and controlled supply.
LNG Storage Tank → LNG Transfer / Pressure Control → Vaporizer → Gas Regulation → End User
The exact equipment arrangement depends on the project requirements.
Cryogenic Storage Solutions by Gas
Liquid Nitrogen Storage
Liquid nitrogen is widely used for inerting, cooling, food processing, electronics manufacturing, laboratories, and industrial production.
Depending on consumption and supply requirements, a liquid nitrogen installation may use Dewars, microbulk tanks, or larger bulk cryogenic storage systems.
Related: Nitrogen Gas
Liquid Oxygen Storage
Liquid oxygen is used in healthcare, metal processing, combustion-related applications, and other industrial processes.
Oxygen service requires particular attention to material compatibility, cleanliness, equipment preparation, fire safety, and applicable regulations. Storage vessels and associated equipment must be specifically suitable for oxygen service.
Liquid Argon Storage
Liquid argon is used in welding, metal fabrication, metallurgy, electronics, and other industrial applications requiring an inert gas supply.
The storage arrangement may include a bulk tank or microbulk system, vaporizer, pressure regulation, and downstream distribution equipment according to gas demand.
Related: Argon Gas
Liquid Carbon Dioxide Storage
Liquid carbon dioxide is used in food processing, beverage production, industrial applications, and other processes requiring a controlled CO₂ supply.
CO₂ storage and handling conditions differ from those of typical atmospheric-pressure cryogenic liquids. The storage vessel, pressure rating, operating temperature, and associated equipment must be selected specifically for liquid CO₂ service.
Related: LCO₂ Cryogenic Tanks
LNG Storage
LNG storage is used in industrial fuel supply, satellite LNG facilities, energy infrastructure, and other applications requiring liquefied natural gas.
The configuration depends on LNG consumption, storage capacity, delivery arrangements, vaporization requirements, and the downstream gas supply conditions.
Related: LNG Storage Systems
Cryogenic Storage Applications by Industry
Industrial Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities use nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other industrial gases for production, inerting, cooling, cutting, and process applications. Storage capacity and gas delivery should be matched to production schedules and consumption requirements.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Healthcare facilities may require reliable supplies of liquid oxygen and other cryogenic products for medical and specialized applications. Supply continuity, equipment suitability, applicable medical-gas requirements, and backup arrangements are important considerations.
Food Processing
Cryogenic gases are used in food freezing, chilling, modified-atmosphere processes, packaging, and other food-processing applications. The appropriate storage configuration depends on gas consumption, production capacity, and operating requirements.
Semiconductor and Electronics Manufacturing
Electronics manufacturing may require high-purity nitrogen and other industrial gases for controlled processing environments. Storage capacity, gas purity, supply reliability, and downstream distribution should be considered together.
Metal Fabrication and Welding
Oxygen and argon are widely used in cutting, welding, and metal-processing applications. The appropriate storage solution depends on equipment demand, operating schedules, peak flow, and required gas pressure.
Research and Laboratories
Laboratories may use liquid nitrogen, helium, oxygen, and other cryogenic products. Dewars, microbulk tanks, or larger storage systems can be considered according to laboratory size, application, and consumption.
Equipment Used in Cryogenic Storage Solutions
A complete cryogenic storage solution may incorporate different equipment depending on the gas service and project configuration.
- Cryogenic Storage Tanks: Stationary vacuum-insulated vessels provide the main liquid storage capacity for bulk applications.
- Microbulk Tanks: Compact cryogenic tanks provide on-site liquid storage for smaller- and medium-demand users.
- Cryogenic Dewars: Dewars provide smaller-volume storage for laboratory, medical, research, and specialized applications.
- Vaporizers: Convert cryogenic liquid into gas when gaseous delivery is required.
- Pressure Control Equipment: Pressure-building and regulation equipment helps maintain the required operating conditions and downstream supply pressure.
- Cryogenic Valves and Piping: Connect storage, transfer, vaporization, regulation, and distribution equipment.
- Instrumentation and Monitoring: Pressure, level, temperature, and other operating parameters can be monitored according to the system configuration.
- Safety Equipment: Pressure-relief devices, isolation valves, alarms, emergency shutdown equipment, and other protective devices can be incorporated according to the application and applicable requirements.
For a detailed explanation of how these components work together, visit our Cryogenic Storage Systems Guide.
Discuss Your Cryogenic Storage Project
Tell us your gas type, daily consumption, required storage capacity, operating pressure, and installation location. DSW can help evaluate a suitable cryogenic storage and gas supply configuration for your application.
Cryogenic Storage Solutions vs. Cryogenic Storage Systems
The terms are closely related, but they describe different aspects of a project.
| Cryogenic Storage Solutions | Cryogenic Storage Systems |
|---|---|
| Focuses on customer requirements and application needs | Focuses on system engineering and operation |
| Helps determine the appropriate storage configuration | Explains how the equipment works together |
| Compares bulk, microbulk, Dewar, LNG, and custom options | Covers tanks, vaporizers, pressure control, safety, and distribution |
| Emphasizes gas demand, storage capacity, and supply requirements | Emphasizes components, process flow, and system architecture |
| Supports solution selection and project planning | Supports technical and engineering understanding |
For a detailed technical explanation of system architecture, components, design considerations, and operation, visit the Cryogenic Storage Systems Guide.
Cryogenic Storage vs. Cryogenic Transportation
Cryogenic storage and transportation serve different functions within the gas supply chain.
Cryogenic storage focuses on holding liquefied gas at a facility and supplying it to the application.
Cryogenic transportation focuses on moving liquefied gas between production facilities, terminals, filling stations, and customer locations.
Storage solutions may include:
- Bulk cryogenic tanks
- Microbulk tanks
- Dewars
- LNG storage tanks
- Associated vaporization and supply equipment
Transportation solutions may include:
- Cryogenic tanker trailers
- ISO tank containers
- Cryogenic transport equipment
For transportation-related requirements, see our Cryogenic Transportation Guide.
Engineering Standards and Project Requirements
Cryogenic storage equipment is pressure equipment and must be designed and manufactured according to the requirements applicable to the gas, vessel, installation, and destination market.
Depending on the product and project, requirements may involve:
- ASME
- PED and applicable European requirements
- EN standards
- ISO standards
- GB / GB/T standards
- Other local or international requirements
The applicable standard should be confirmed according to the actual equipment, gas service, installation location, and regulatory requirements.
DSW can support project-specific documentation, inspection, testing, and certification requirements according to the agreed equipment specification.
DSW Cryogenic Storage Solution Support
DSW supports customers from initial configuration through equipment manufacturing and project delivery.
Depending on the project, support can include:
- Cryogenic storage solution selection
- Preliminary configuration
- Storage capacity planning
- Cryogenic tank manufacturing
- Microbulk equipment
- Dewar supply
- Vaporizer integration
- Pressure-control equipment
- Cryogenic valves and piping
- Instrumentation
- Safety equipment
- Inspection and testing
- Certification and documentation
- Project-specific configuration
- Export and delivery support
The equipment and configuration are selected according to the actual gas, capacity, pressure, consumption, installation conditions, and applicable requirements.
DSW Cryogenic Storage Equipment
Equipment for Industrial Gas Storage
Explore cryogenic tanks, microbulk systems, Dewars, and vaporizers that can be supplied individually or configured for specific storage and gas supply applications.
Liquid Nitrogen Cryogenic Tank
DSW liquid nitrogen cryogenic tank solution for reliable LN₂ storage and distribution.
Vacuum-insulated LNG Cryogenic Tanks
DSW supplies LNG cryogenic tank solutions for reliable LNG storage, handling, and distribution.
LCO2 Cryogenic Bulk Tank
DSW offers an LCO₂ cryogenic tank solution for reliable liquid CO₂ storage and distribution.
TECHNICAL FAQs
About Cryogenic Storage Solutions
Cryogenic storage solutions are engineered systems for storing and supplying liquefied gases at very low temperatures. Depending on the application, they may include vacuum-insulated storage tanks, microbulk tanks, Dewars, vaporizers, pressure control equipment, monitoring systems, and safety devices.
Cryogenic storage systems can be configured for gases such as liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid argon (LAr), liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2), LNG, helium, and other suitable cryogenic media, subject to the applicable equipment design and operating requirements.
Selection depends on the gas type, required storage capacity, daily and peak consumption, operating pressure, supply method, installation conditions, applicable standards, and destination-market requirements. DSW can configure the equipment based on these project parameters.
Bulk storage is generally suited to medium- and high-volume users requiring larger on-site inventories. Microbulk systems provide a compact continuous supply for small- to medium-volume users, while Dewars are commonly used for smaller-scale, laboratory, medical, and flexible applications.
DSW can supply and configure cryogenic storage equipment for integrated gas supply applications. Depending on project requirements, the configuration may include storage tanks, pressure-building equipment, vaporizers, pressure regulation, valves, instrumentation, monitoring, and safety devices.
Yes. DSW can supply and configure cryogenic storage equipment including storage tanks, microbulk systems, Dewars, vaporizers, pressure-control equipment, valves, instrumentation, and related safety equipment according to the project requirements.
Related Cryogenic Resources
EExplore DSW’s technical resources for more detailed information about cryogenic storage equipment, engineering, and applications.
Cryogenic Tanks & Vessels
Need a Cryogenic Storage Solution for Your Application?
Choosing the right cryogenic storage system depends on the gas, capacity, consumption rate, operating pressure, installation conditions, and required supply configuration. DSW can help configure the appropriate combination of storage, vaporization, pressure control, monitoring, and safety equipment for your project.
Tell us your gas type, required capacity, operating pressure, application, and destination market, and our engineering team can evaluate the appropriate cryogenic storage configuration.
