Cryogenic & LNG Pipe Clamps for -196 °C Service
Austenitic stainless clamps with thermal insulation kits for LNG, LIN, LOX and liquid hydrogen distribution.
At -196 °C ordinary carbon-steel clamps embrittle and crack on the first cooldown. NIBRO cryogenic clamps use 316L austenitic stainless (no ductile-to-brittle transition) combined with polyurethane foam insulation cradles to support LNG, LIN, LOX and liquid hydrogen lines without cold-bridging.
Why ferritic steel fails cryogenically
Carbon and low-alloy steels transition from ductile to brittle behaviour at around -20 to -100 °C depending on grade. A bolt that snaps under torque at -100 °C is the most common cryogenic clamp failure mode.
Austenitic stainless (304, 316) retains its ductility down to -253 °C (liquid hydrogen) and is the universal cryogenic clamp material.
NIBRO cryogenic clamp system
• Clamp body: 316L (V4A), ductile to -253 °C.
• Fasteners: A4-80 cold-tested cap screws + DIN 985 self-locking nuts.
• Insulation cradle: PUR foam (40 kg/m³, k = 0.024 W/m·K) — fills the gap between pipe and clamp, eliminates cold-bridge to support structure.
• Vapour barrier: aluminium foil + butyl tape per section.
• Thermal-cycle validated to 200 cycles -196 °C ↔ +20 °C without insulation degradation.
Applications
LNG regasification terminals · Liquid hydrogen mobility filling stations · Industrial gas plants (N₂/O₂/Ar) · Spaceport propellant transfer lines · Cryogenic biobanks · Superconducting magnet cooling loops.
Take this spec sheet into your next design review
NIBRO-branded A4 PDF — printable, with QR back-link and recommended products table.
Frequently asked
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