Design and analysis of cold box and its internal component layout for kW class Helium Refrigerator/Liquefier

Abstract

The indigenous HRL will have option for upgrading its cooling capacity upto ~2 kW at ~4.5 K. The cold box containing all cold equipment is designed considering strength and thermal aspects. Component layout inside the chamber is decided to maintain a temperature gradient through the length of the chamber. So, the chamber can be thought of two chambers; one 4 K part and another 20 K part. Stiffening rings, covers, gasket and saddle supports are designed. Strength analysis of the cold box is done in ANSYS. Piping and flexibility analysis is done in CAEPIPE. Support structures for all components are designed for permissible heat conduction as per HRL requirement. Entire cold box with its components is modeled in CATIA.