September 2, 2019—As featured in gasworld US edition
Business and Product Development Manager at Gardner Cryogenics
Thanks for taking 10 minutes out with gasworld, what does a typical day in your job entail?
A typical day for me at Gardner Cryogenics is all about making sure we meet customer needs by being responsive and on budget. This is done through extensive collaboration with product development and engineering, working on product enhancements and developing new products to meet future market needs.
What are some of the products you are particularly proud of?
Gardner Cryogenic has a long history in the storage and transportation of liquid helium and hydrogen. Our liquid helium ISO container used for transporting liquid helium is the market leader in reliability and low heat leak, two of the most important parameters for our customers. I am also particularly proud to be part of the team that brought to market our new Smartfuel® product for liquid hydrogen storage and transportation, which is enabling growth of the hydrogen economy and clean energy.
Can you explain some of your diverse cryogenic capabilities?
Gardener Cryogenics has a diverse portfolio of products for liquid helium and liquid hydrogen with storage containers ranging from 1,500 to 45,000 gallons; and transportation containers ranging from 1,500 gallons to 17,250 gallons. In addition to storage and transportable tanks, Gardner makes helium and hydrogen purifiers up to 20,000 standard cubic feet per hour.
What are your tanks typically used for, hydrogen and helium?
Gardner Cryogenics designs and manufactures equipment used in storing and transporting liquid hydrogen and liquid helium. These containers allow molecules to be moved from a production source to end customers in various industries such as electronics, metal fabrication, and construction. The temperature of liquid helium is only four degrees above absolute zero, so the engineering requirements are exceptional.
How has liquid hydrogen transport equipment developed in recent years?
In recent years, the hydrogen energy market has grown substantially. Gardner Cryogenics is on the forefront in designing equipment to transport liquid hydrogen safely for unloading and storage at fueling stations. Safety is our number one priority, and our long history of experience with hydrogen reflects this in our designs and customer support.
What’s the most exciting thing Gardner Cryogenics has worked on recently?
We recently introduced enhanced, higher volume semi-trailers to meet hydrogen energy needs. It is exciting to see our products in action, and to be part of an energy solution that will define the legacy for future generations.
Has your business changed, adapted, or been impacted by the recent helium shortage?
With growth in Asia and new sources of helium expected from 2022 to 2026, our business has been consistent. With tight supply, it is even more important to have reliable containers with long hold times that eliminate product losses.
Has there been any recent enhancements to Gardner manufactured helium tanks?
Our engineering department continues to push limits to improve heat leak and adapt to market needs. One example of this is our helium ISO enhancement for rail transport to access new sources of helium cost effectively.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Over the years, I have received good advice from many individuals that has enabled me to have an open mind and a positive focus. The best piece of advice I have received is to stay true to your character – under no circumstance should this be compromised.
What’s next for Gardner Cryogenics?
Gardner is a great place to work where every employee is proud of the products they manufacture. With new sources of helium coming on stream and the growing hydrogen energy demand, we will continue to support the market with the same high performance, reliability, and quality synonymous with the Gardner name.
For more information please contact Ravi Subramanian at rsubram@gardnercryo.com