New Video: Spring Energized Seals for Cryogenic LNG Applications

Why Spring Energized Seals Are Ideal for Cryogenic LNG Applications

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) systems operate under some of the most extreme conditions in industrial engineering. At temperatures approaching -320°F, conventional sealing technologies quickly reach their limits.

Materials behave very differently at cryogenic temperatures. Elastomers lose elasticity, metals contract, and even small dimensional changes can compromise sealing performance. Because of this, LNG equipment requires sealing solutions specifically designed to maintain reliability in ultra-low temperature environments.

One sealing technology that has proven especially effective in cryogenic service is the spring energized seal.

Watch the Video

What the Video Covers

In this short overview, we explain why spring energized seals are widely used in LNG and other cryogenic applications.

First, the video looks at why traditional compression seals fail at extremely low temperatures. Elastomer materials harden and lose their ability to maintain sealing force, which can lead to leakage in cryogenic systems.

Next, we break down how spring energized seals work. These seals combine a PTFE-based polymer jacket with a metal spring energizer, allowing them to maintain consistent sealing force even at temperatures near -320°F.

The video also highlights several key design considerations for cryogenic sealing, including material selection, gland geometry, surface finish requirements for vapor-phase sealing, and spring design for low-pressure conditions.

Finally, we touch on the manufacturing capabilities at Gallagher Fluid Seals, where spring energized seals for demanding cryogenic applications are produced with tight tolerances and advanced CNC machining.

If you're designing equipment for LNG, liquid nitrogen, or other cryogenic processes, understanding these sealing principles is essential for achieving long-term reliability.