The global cryogenic valve market size attained a value of USD 3.94 billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 6.68 billion by 2034. Cryogenic valves are essential components in industries where the handling of extremely low-temperature fluids—such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), nitrogen, and oxygen—is required. As the demand for cryogenic fluids continues to rise due to applications in energy, healthcare, chemicals, and food processing, the market for cryogenic valves is poised for robust growth. This post explores the various types of cryogenic valves, key market drivers, industry trends, and regional analysis that will shape the market over the next decade.
What Are Cryogenic Valves?
Cryogenic valves are specially designed valves used to control the flow of cryogenic fluids—those that exist at temperatures below -150°C (-238°F), including liquefied gases like LNG, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. These valves are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable transportation, storage, and distribution of these gases. Cryogenic systems are utilized across various industries, from energy generation to healthcare, where temperature-sensitive processes are essential. Given the high risks involved in handling cryogenic materials, these valves are engineered to withstand extreme conditions, offering reliability and precision in performance.
Market Segmentation by Type
Globe Valve
Globe valves are one of the most commonly used types of cryogenic valves. They consist of a spherical body, a disc, and a stem, which control the flow by moving the disc. Globe valves are favored for their ability to provide fine control over flow rates, making them ideal for regulating liquid or gas flow in cryogenic systems. They are extensively used in LNG storage tanks, industrial gas processing, and cryogenic fuel systems.
The demand for globe valves in cryogenic applications is largely driven by their efficiency in precise flow regulation. As industries such as energy and healthcare expand, the need for globe valves in controlling LNG, oxygen, and nitrogen flow will continue to grow.
Gate Valve
Gate valves are designed for full flow or no flow, making them ideal for applications where quick shut-off is required. They feature a sliding gate mechanism that provides minimal pressure drop when fully open, ensuring efficient fluid transmission. Cryogenic gate valves are widely used in LNG pipelines and energy plants, where they help control the entry or exit of cryogenic fluids.
In the context of the cryogenic valve market, gate valves are typically used in applications where high flow rates are needed without precise regulation. Their robust design and ability to handle large volumes of fluids make them popular in energy, chemical, and oil & gas sectors.
Check Valve
Check valves are essential for preventing backflow in cryogenic systems, ensuring that liquids or gases only flow in one direction. These valves are critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of cryogenic systems by protecting against pressure reversal, which could lead to accidents or system failure.
In the cryogenic valve market, check valves are widely used in LNG transport, oil and gas pipelines, and chemical plants. As the demand for safe transportation of cryogenic fluids increases, the role of check valves in preventing backflow and ensuring system reliability becomes even more important.
Ball Valve
Ball valves are well-suited for cryogenic applications due to their simplicity and durability. These valves consist of a rotating ball with a hole through its center, which controls the flow of the cryogenic fluid. Ball valves offer reliable sealing and are highly efficient in low-temperature conditions, making them ideal for applications in LNG terminals, food processing, and medical gas systems.
One of the major advantages of cryogenic ball valves is their ability to provide tight shutoff with minimal maintenance. As LNG and medical industries grow, the need for high-performance, low-maintenance valves like cryogenic ball valves will increase.
Other Valves
In addition to the primary types mentioned above, several other cryogenic valve varieties are utilized in specialized applications, such as pressure relief valves, needle valves, and butterfly valves. These valves serve niche roles in controlling pressure, fine-tuning flow rates, or isolating systems in certain industries, such as space exploration and hydrogen storage.
Market Segmentation by Gas
Nitrogen
Cryogenic valves used in nitrogen systems are essential in industries like healthcare, food processing, and electronics. Nitrogen, being an inert gas, is used in various applications, including cryopreservation, food freezing, and industrial cooling. Nitrogen cryogenic valves are key to maintaining safe storage and transportation of liquid nitrogen (LN2).
The increasing use of nitrogen in cryogenic applications, coupled with advancements in cryogenic technologies, will drive the demand for high-performance nitrogen cryogenic valves over the coming years.
Oxygen
Oxygen is another critical cryogenic gas, with widespread use in industries like healthcare, steel production, and aerospace. Cryogenic valves in oxygen systems are especially important for applications requiring precise flow control, such as in hospitals, where oxygen is vital for patient care. Additionally, cryogenic oxygen systems are integral to various industrial processes, including metal production.
As the healthcare sector continues to grow and industrial applications for oxygen increase, the demand for cryogenic valves in oxygen systems will continue to rise.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
LNG has become a key driver of the cryogenic valve market. The global shift toward cleaner energy sources has resulted in a rapid increase in LNG infrastructure, including storage tanks, terminals, and transportation systems. Cryogenic valves are integral to the storage, distribution, and transportation of LNG, ensuring the safe and efficient handling of this volatile fuel.
The booming demand for LNG, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific and Europe, is a major factor contributing to the growth of the cryogenic valve market.
Other Gases
Other gases, such as argon, helium, and hydrogen, also require cryogenic systems for storage and transportation. Hydrogen, in particular, is gaining significant attention as a clean energy source. Cryogenic valves are necessary for handling these gases at ultra-low temperatures, making them crucial for emerging energy markets, such as hydrogen-powered vehicles and fuel cells.
The increasing focus on hydrogen as a green energy alternative is expected to boost the demand for cryogenic valves in the coming years.
Market Segmentation by End Use
Energy and Power
Cryogenic valves play a significant role in the energy and power sector, particularly in LNG power plants and energy storage systems. The increasing demand for natural gas, along with a push for energy diversification, has led to a surge in LNG infrastructure projects, further driving the need for cryogenic valves.
Additionally, with the global shift towards more sustainable energy sources, cryogenic valves will be essential in integrating renewable energy systems, such as wind and solar, into the broader power grid.
Chemicals
The chemical industry extensively uses cryogenic valves in various applications, including the production of gases like nitrogen and oxygen, as well as in cryogenic distillation processes. The demand for cryogenic valves in this sector is expected to grow as chemical plants expand and modernize their operations.
Food and Beverage
In the food and beverage industry, cryogenic valves are used for food freezing, preservation, and packaging. Cryogenic technology enables faster freezing, which helps retain the food’s nutritional value and texture. The growing global demand for processed and packaged food is expected to boost the use of cryogenic valves in this sector.
Healthcare
Cryogenic valves are crucial in the healthcare industry, particularly for the storage and transportation of medical gases like oxygen. The increasing global healthcare infrastructure and the rising demand for cryopreservation techniques are expected to fuel the growth of the cryogenic valve market in this segment.
Other End Uses
In addition to the key sectors mentioned above, cryogenic valves are also used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries. As these industries grow and adopt more advanced cryogenic technologies, the demand for valves that can handle extreme conditions will rise.
Regional Analysis
North America
The North American cryogenic valve market is expected to experience steady growth due to the continued development of LNG infrastructure, power generation, and industrial applications. The U.S., in particular, is a major player in LNG production and export, driving demand for cryogenic valves in the energy sector.
Europe
In Europe, countries like Russia, the Netherlands, and Norway have significant LNG infrastructure projects, and the demand for cryogenic valves in the region is strong. Moreover, the European focus on sustainable energy and the growth of medical cryogenics will further support market expansion.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth in the cryogenic valve market, driven by rapid industrialization, the expansion of LNG infrastructure, and increasing investments in renewable energy. Countries like China, India, and Japan are key contributors to the demand for cryogenic valves in sectors like energy, chemicals, and healthcare.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa
Both Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets for cryogenic valves, with growing demand from energy, chemical, and healthcare industries. Increased investment in LNG infrastructure and energy diversification will drive growth in these regions.
Competitive Landscape
Key players in the global cryogenic valve market include Emerson Electric Co., Cryostar, Parker Hannifin Corporation, Swagelok, and Velan Inc. These companies are focusing on product innovation, expanding their global presence, and entering new markets to strengthen their competitive positions. As demand for cryogenic systems grows, leading manufacturers are continuously investing in the development of high-performance, environmentally friendly valves to meet industry standards.
