Overview
ISO 24490:2025 - "Cryogenic vessels - Centrifugal pumps for cryogenic service" specifies the minimum requirements for the design, manufacture and testing of centrifugal pumps used with cryogenic fluids. It excludes reciprocating pumps and does not cover operation or maintenance. The standard also provides guidance on installation design for cryogenic pump systems and references material and compatibility requirements in related ISO documents.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability: Applies to centrifugal pumps for cryogenic service; requirements take precedence over general pump standards when conflicts arise.
- Materials and low-temperature behavior: Selection of materials that maintain toughness at cryogenic temperatures; metallic materials with ductile–brittle transitions must meet ISO 21028‑1 or ISO 21028‑2 toughness criteria.
- Corrosion resistance: Materials must resist or be protected from atmospheric corrosion; corrosion allowance where necessary.
- Oxygen and oxidizer compatibility: Detailed guidance for materials contacting oxygen or oxidizing fluids (see ISO 21010); avoid aluminium alloys in energy‑exposed wetted parts and consider material ignition temperature, thermal conductivity and heat of combustion. CGA G‑4.7 is noted for liquid oxygen guidance.
- Hydrogen compatibility: Consider hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen‑induced cracking for liquid hydrogen service (see ISO 21010 and ISO 11114 series).
- Design features: Requirements for pressure‑containing parts, clearances, prevention of rubbing, fastenings, warm and cold bearings, bearing lubrication, shaft seals, purging, particle contamination control, protection against over‑pressurization and motor considerations.
- Testing and verification: Prototype and production tests including design evaluation, performance evaluation, hydrostatic pressure tests, mechanical running and performance tests, and cryogenic tests.
- Cleanliness and marking: Requirements for pump cleanliness for cryogenic service and mandatory marking information.
- Installation guidance: Practical recommendations for pump placement, piping and special considerations for oxygen service installations.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 24490:2025 is intended for professionals and organizations involved in the lifecycle of cryogenic centrifugal pumps, including:
- Pump manufacturers and OEMs designing pumps for LNG, LOX, LH2, N2O and other cryogenic fluids
- Cryogenic system designers and plant engineers specifying pumps and installations
- Procurement and quality assurance teams ensuring compliance with cryogenic pump requirements
- Inspection, testing and certification bodies performing prototype and production testing
- Safety and materials engineers assessing oxygen and hydrogen compatibility
Use cases include LNG processing, cryogenic storage and transfer, aerospace and hydrogen infrastructure, and industrial gas plants.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 24490:2025, cryogenic centrifugal pumps, cryogenic service, oxygen compatibility, hydrogen embrittlement, cryogenic pump testing, materials at low temperature, pump installation design.
