BRUGG Pipes has supplied two vacuum-insulated cryogenic pipelines to a European aerospace company for a test facility for innovative propulsion systems. The project underscores BRUGG Pipes’ long-standing expertise in highly demanding industrial and cryogenic applications.
BRUGG Pipes is not only known in Europe for its district heating pipe systems. The company is also active in other technical fields where reliable pipe systems are required under demanding conditions. A recent contract from the European aerospace sector illustrates this point: BRUGG Pipes supplied two flexible, vacuum-insulated cryogenic pipelines for the expansion of a test facility for innovative propulsion systems.
Monitored special-purpose pipes for applications down to -200 °C
The two pipe runs connect an elevated tank for cryogenic media to a lower-level engine test facility. In such applications, cryogenic media must be transported safely and with as little loss as possible, even under demanding thermal conditions. Two pipe systems were supplied, with external diameters of 98 and 174 mm respectively and a length of 185 metres each. Both systems are equipped with a redundant leak monitoring system and are designed for temperatures down to -200 °C. A distinctive feature of the project lay in the manufacture of the piping: BRUGG Pipes produced single lengths of 90 and 95 metres. This meant that only a single joint was required per pipe. The small number of joints simplified installation whilst reducing potential weak points. This is a particularly important factor for leak-tightness and operational safety in cryogenic applications.
X-ray inspection of the welds
Particular attention was paid to the project’s cleanliness requirements. Although no traditional cleanroom production facilities were available, the company states that the project-specific requirements were met through adapted manufacturing processes and a strictly controlled quality assurance regime. All welds were subjected to X-ray testing both at the factory in Wunstorf (DE) and on site. This non-destructive testing ensured that the requirements for leak-tightness and safety were met.
Planning, manufacturing and installation from a single source
In addition to production, BRUGG Pipes also took on the technical planning, preparation, installation and laying of the pipework. The route between the tank and the test facility required precise coordination of the individual work stages. The laying process benefited from the system’s flexibility. Compared to rigid pipework, the installation could be carried out with less effort. The reduced number of connection points also helped to shorten the installation time. Martin Rigaud, CEO of BRUGG Pipes, sums it up: “This project demonstrates that our piping systems can also be used in demanding cryogenic applications. The key factors here were precise planning, manufacturing in long single lengths and consistent quality assurance throughout all project phases.”
Examples of applications beyond district heating
For BRUGG Pipes, the project also demonstrates that the company’s expertise is not limited to traditional district heating applications. The company’s piping systems are also used in data centres and other cryogenic applications, such as the transport of liquefied natural gas. The contract from the aerospace sector demonstrates just how versatile vacuum-insulated piping systems are today — particularly in areas where technical precision, controlled manufacturing and coordinated installation are crucial.