New technology to meet market demands

Gardner Cryogenics on how it meets specific configuration requirements
By Molly Burgess

March 4, 2021—As featured in gasworld US edition

The US cryogenic tank market was estimated at $1.2bn last year with the US accounting for a 22.56% share in the global market, according to research from Research and Markets, which projects that by 2027 the global cryogenic tank market will reach a revised size of $7.9bn, growing a CAGR of 5.8%.1

This increased demand of course comes with the need for new innovations and keeping up with customer requests, something which Pennsylvania-based Gardner Cryogenics is working around-the clock to achieve within its extensive product line.

Gardner’s story started 60 years ago, but then gained momentum when it developed new and crucial products for the cryogenics industry. Fast forward to the present day, and
the company now boasts a diverse portfolio of products for liquid helium and hydrogen with storage containers ranging from 1,500 to 45,000 gallons, and transportation containers ranging from 1,500 to 17,500 gallons. In addition to its storage and transportation tanks, Gardner also manufacturers helium and hydrogen purifiers up to 20,000 standard cubic feet per hour.

“Understanding that customers have different needs, Gardner also custom designs smaller and larger units to fit specific configuration requirements,” Ravi Subramanian, Business Manager for Gardner Cryogenics told gasworld.

“The Gardner team is focused on customer satisfaction and creating superior equipment by reaching beyond mechanical production into the realm of technical artistry, elevating our
technology into a class by itself.”

Subramanian continued, “Other Gardner innovations include the largest hydrogen semitrailer (66,245 L/17,500 gal); the most versatile UN Portable tank in 40 ft ISO frame for maximum pressure gas (175 psig) and liquid yield application; and the most reliable and highly efficient multi-line vacuum jacket piping for liquid helium distribution.”

It is such drive from the company, and its employees, that has led Gardner to achieve many industry firsts including the first 11,000-gallon tank container, the first 45-day tank container, the first portable helium customer stations, the first double shielded tank container for helium, and the first dual hydrogen/helium container. These wins have allowed Gardner to develop into the business it is today, standing as a well-respected player in its industry with a growing global footprint.

“We take great pride in the fact that we have produced more than 2,000 liquid helium and hydrogen tanks and containers since 1973 and our first container is still in operation today,”
Subramanian explained.

“But more than that, Gardner is proud of our reputation for providing the safest, most reliable containers and vacuum lines for transporting and storing helium and hydrogen.
Gardner is ISO 9001 certified and also recognized as an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star participant, serving as a model for what employers, workers, and unions can achieve by working cooperatively to develop and operate excellent safety and health management programs.”

Subramanian added, “Our experienced team of diverse cryogenics specialists has internationally recognized expertise in extreme cryogenics, precision welding, insulation, and vacuum technology.”

Maintenance
As with almost any technology for any application, maintenance is key when it comes to ISO containers and semi-trailers. With tanks and trailers, maintenance lets a distributor maximize liquid product, extend asset life, and maintain container code requirements. Modifying, upgrading, vacuum reconditioning, and rehabbing a tank or trailer will also reduce total ownership cost of your fleet.

“Gardner includes quality trained technicians with a combined experience of more than 250 years, dedicated engineering support staff and dedicated independent third-party code
inspectors,” Subramanian explained. “Trusting your container maintenance and repair to a Gardner code-certified facility guarantees adherence to critical worldwide standards, including ASME, DOT, UN Portable, CSC, IMDG, ADR, and European Standards. Gardner continues to focus on new technologies to meet the global market demand for helium and hydrogen, as well as the growth in hydrogen for mobility, and has increased fabrication floor space to do so in view of meeting our customers’ global hydrogen expansion,” Subramanian continued.

As well as innovation-focused growth for 2021 and the years to come, Subramanian also told gasworld, “We have, and continue to seek, various country-specific regulatory approvals, including regulatory approvals in several Asian countries.”

“To meet the criteria for these regulatory approvals, Gardner liquid hydrogen products are designed and configured to meet the maximum payload requirements of the specific countries. Business in 2021 will be driven by our continued focus on hydrogen and helium technology and commitment to supporting our customers in these global markets. Our
focus has been and will continue to be on the hydrogen mobility market by providing the right product for storage and transportation for our customers globally.”

REFERENCE

  1. www.globenewswire.com