Overview
ISO 24490:2016 - Cryogenic vessels - Pumps for cryogenic service specifies minimum requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of pumps intended for cryogenic service. It is primarily applicable to centrifugal pumps but can be applied to other pump types (for example, reciprocating pumps) where relevant. The standard also includes informative guidance on installation design (Annex A) and lists acceptable materials for liquid oxygen (LOX) service (Annex B). ISO 24490:2016 covers technical safety and conformity aspects but does not specify operational or maintenance procedures.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 24490:2016 addresses the following core technical areas relevant to cryogenic pumps:
- Scope and applicability
- Minimum requirements for pumps for cryogenic service (mainly centrifugal pumps).
- Materials
- Selection for low-temperature mechanical performance and toughness (references ISO 21028-1/2).
- Atmospheric corrosion resistance and allowances.
- Oxygen and oxidizing-fluid compatibility (requirements per ISO 21010; special materials guidance for LOX).
- Hydrogen compatibility and risk of embrittlement (references ISO 11114 series).
- Design requirements
- Pressure-containing parts designed for nominal outlet pressures.
- Hydraulic performance and duty-point considerations.
- Clearances, prevention of rubbing, and fastenings.
- Bearing design (warm and cold bearings), bearing lubrication, and shaft seals.
- Purging, prevention of particle contamination, flammable-liquid-specific provisions, and over‑pressurization protection.
- Pump motors and integration with system installations.
- Testing and verification
- Prototype testing: design evaluation, performance evaluation, cryogenic tests.
- Production testing: hydrostatic pressure tests, mechanical running and performance tests (reference ISO 5198 for hydraulic performance testing).
- Cleanliness and marking
- Cleanliness requirements specific to cryogenic systems (see ISO 23208).
- Mandatory marking information and traceability.
- Installation guidance and LOX material lists
- Annex A: guidance for installation design.
- Annex B: acceptable materials for centrifugal pumps used with liquid oxygen.
Practical applications
ISO 24490:2016 is directly applicable to equipment and systems handling cryogenic fluids such as liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen, LNG and other industrial cryogens. Typical applications include:
- Industrial gas production and distribution
- Cryogenic storage and transfer systems
- Aerospace and rocket propellant handling
- Research laboratories and cryogenic test facilities
- Petrochemical and LNG plant pumping systems
Who should use this standard
- Pump manufacturers and designers of cryogenic equipment
- System engineers and plant designers for cryogenic installations
- Procurement and specification writers
- Quality assurance, testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Safety and compliance officers responsible for cryogenic plant standards
Related standards
Relevant referenced documents include ISO 21010, ISO 21028-1/2, ISO 5198, ISO 23208, ISO 11114 series, and guidance standards for cryogenic fluids (ISO 21029‑1, ISO 20421‑1, ISO 21009‑1). These support material compatibility, toughness, cleanliness and test procedures for cryogenic service.