Cryogenic Storage Tank Uses in Industrial Gas Plants

Cryogenic storage tanks play a critical role in industrial gas plants. Whether you are dealing with liquid oxygen (LOX), liquid nitrogen (LIN), liquid argon (LAR), or carbon dioxide (CO₂), having the right cryogenic liquid storage tank is essential for safe, efficient, and stable gas supply. This article explores the most common and strategic uses of cryogenic tanks in industrial gas production and distribution operations.

1. Bulk Storage of Industrial Gases

Industrial gas plants rely on cryogenic tanks to store large volumes of liquefied gases at ultra-low temperatures. These include LOX, LIN, and LAR, which are essential for supplying medical oxygen, food-grade nitrogen, and industrial-grade argon. Cryogenic tanks allow centralized gas handling, stable inventory control, and efficient vaporization during supply.

2. Continuous Supply for Air Separation Units (ASUs)

Air separation plants use cryogenic storage tanks to stabilize output and buffer storage during the liquefaction of air into oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. After separation, these gases are liquefied and temporarily stored in tanks before being pumped to downstream systems or filled into transport trailers. Tanks ensure uninterrupted supply during maintenance or power outages.

Related product: Air Separation Plant

3. Buffer Storage for Gas Distribution Systems

In large-scale distribution systems, cryogenic tanks act as buffer storage to regulate demand surges and supply inconsistencies. Gas plants that refill cryogenic liquid cylinders or load ISO tanks and semi-trailers benefit from short-term high-capacity storage provided by on-site cryogenic tanks.

Also read: ISO Tank Container, Semi Trailer Tank

4. On-Site Supply to Industrial Users

Gas plants often install cryogenic tanks directly at customer sites, such as steel mills, glass factories, chemical plants, and food processing facilities. These tanks serve as local reservoirs to meet daily production needs without frequent refills, reducing logistics costs and improving reliability.

5. Safety and Efficiency Enhancements

Using cryogenic tanks reduces the risks associated with high-pressure gas cylinders by storing gases in liquefied form at low pressures. This method is safer and allows for compact high-volume storage, making it ideal for industrial gas producers dealing with hazardous or high-purity gases.

6. Applications in CO₂ Recovery and Liquefaction

In gas recovery systems—especially in breweries, fertilizer plants, or ammonia facilities—cryogenic storage tanks hold recovered CO₂ after liquefaction. These tanks help stabilize quality and purity before CO₂ is reused or transported. Efficient cryogenic storage supports sustainability in closed-loop CO₂ systems.

7. Supporting Cryogenic Liquid Pumping Systems

To deliver liquefied gases to process points or trailers, cryogenic tanks are integrated with high-performance cryogenic liquid pumps. These pumps draw from the tank’s bottom and provide stable, high-pressure output for downstream applications or vaporization.

Conclusion: Reliable Storage for Critical Operations

Cryogenic storage tanks are the backbone of any industrial gas plant, ensuring stability, safety, and scalability of operations. Choosing a high-quality, fully compliant storage tank not only guarantees operational reliability but also enhances efficiency across gas production, distribution, and end-use systems.

If you are looking for durable and customizable cryogenic storage tanks for your gas plant, contact Chengde today. We provide turnkey cryogenic solutions trusted by energy, chemical, medical, and CO₂ recovery industries worldwide.

Explore more: Cryogenic Liquid Storage Tank Product Page