Overview
EN ISO 24490:2025 - Cryogenic vessels: Centrifugal pumps for cryogenic service specifies the minimum requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of centrifugal pumps intended for cryogenic service. Endorsed by CEN as EN ISO 24490:2025, this standard focuses exclusively on centrifugal pumps (it excludes reciprocating pumps) and provides guidance for the design of installations. It does not set requirements for operation or maintenance.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers technical topics essential to safe, reliable cryogenic pump design and qualification, including:
- Materials and low-temperature properties
- Mechanical toughness and material selection for service at cryogenic temperatures
- Corrosion resistance and compatibility with oxidizing fluids and hydrogen
- Design requirements
- Pressure-containing parts and dimensional/clearance criteria
- Performance expectations and prevention of rubbing or mechanical interference
- Fastenings, shaft seals, warm and cold bearing design, and lubrication strategies
- Purging, particle contamination prevention and protection against over-pressurization
- Specific provisions for flammable cryogenic fluids and pump motor considerations
- Testing and validation
- Prototype testing: design evaluation, performance testing, initial and cryogenic tests
- Production testing: hydrostatic pressure tests and mechanical running/performance tests
- Cleanliness and marking
- Cleanliness criteria for cryogenic service and mandatory pump identification/marking
- Installation guidance
- Practical guidance on pump installation design, including additional considerations for oxygen service
Normative references cited in the document include ISO 21010, ISO 21028‑1/2 and ISO 23208. The standard also notes related material standards such as ISO 21029‑1, ISO 20421‑1 and ISO 21009‑1 for general material requirements in cryogenic fluid service.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 24490:2025 is applicable where centrifugal pumps are used to handle cryogenic fluids (for example, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, LNG and other low‑temperature liquids). Typical users include:
- Pump manufacturers and designers developing cryogenic centrifugal pumps
- Cryogenic equipment and system integrators (storage tanks, transfer systems)
- Installation and commissioning engineers responsible for cryogenic plant layout
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies conducting prototype and production tests
- Asset owners and procurement/specification teams in energy, aerospace, industrial gas and research sectors
Adopting EN ISO 24490:2025 helps reduce technical risk, demonstrate regulatory compliance and improve safety and performance of cryogenic pump installations.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 24490:2025, cryogenic vessels, centrifugal pumps, cryogenic service, pump design, pump testing, materials compatibility, installation guidance.
