Building Code Glossary
Cryogenic Vessel: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define cryogenic vessel, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Cryogenic vessel is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Cryogenic Fluids. The code's own words are: “A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents in a liquid phase.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Cryogenic Vessel — IFC 2009, Cryogenic Fluids:
A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents in a liquid phase.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Cryogenic Vessel is defined once in this corpus, in the Cryogenic Fluids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents in a liquid phase.
Where cryogenic vessel is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms cryogenic vessel is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what cryogenic vessel covers:
- Design Pressure — IFC 2009: The maximum gauge pressure that a pressure vessel, device, component or system is designed to withstand safely under the temperature and conditions of use expected.
- Pressure Vessel — IFC 2009: A closed vessel designed to operate at pressures above 15 psig (103 kPa).
- Cryogenic Fluid — IBC 2009: A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).
- Venting — IRC 2009: Removal of combustion products to the outdoors.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
Cryogenic Vessel: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Cryogenic Fluids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Design Pressure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Pressure Vessel | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Cryogenic Fluid | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Pressure Vessel: Building Code Definition
- Design Pressure: Building Code Definition
- Cryogenic Fluid: Building Code Definition
- Venting: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of cryogenic vessel?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Cryogenic Fluids as: “A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents in a liquid phase.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on cryogenic vessel?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Cryogenic Fluids in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is a cryogenic vessel?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Cryogenic Fluids: “A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents in a liquid phase.” It is defined in IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is a cryogenic container?
Container is a separate defined term. The IFC 2009 defines it as: “A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials. Pipes, piping systems, engines and engine fuel tanks are not considered to be containers.” That is not the same as cryogenic vessel, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A pressure vessel, low-pressure tank or atmospheric tank designed to contain a cryogenic fluid on which venting, insulation, refrigeration or a combination of these is used in order to maintain the operating pressure within the design pressure and the contents …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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