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Small scale demand type neon liquefaction plantLow-temperature measurement of the thermal conductivity of insulating materials is generally made using a boil-off calorimetry technique involving liquid hydrogen (LH2). Liquid neon (LNe) has nearly the same normal boiling point as LH2, but has a much larger heat of vaporization, allowing extended run times. The main drawback of using LNe has been its excessive cost; $170.00 versus $1.50/l for LH2 (1989 prices). A neon liquefaction plant has been designed and constructed to capture, purify, and refrigerate the neon boil-off from calorimetry experiments. Recycling the neon reduces operating costs to approximately $20/l. The system consists of a purification section, a heat exchanger, LNe and LH2 storage dewars, and a fully automated control system. After purification, neon is liquified in the heat exchanger by LH2 flowing countercurrently through stainless steel cooling coils. Hydrogen flow is automatically adjusted to keep the neon at its normal saturation temperature, 27 K. The liquid neon is then stored in a dewar placed directly below the heat exchanger.
Document ID
19920030811
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Dube, W. P.
(National Inst. of Standards and Technology Boulder, CO, United States)
Slifka, A. J.
(National Inst. of Standards and Technology Boulder, CO, United States)
Bitsy, R. M.
(National Inst. of Standards and Technology Boulder, CO, United States)
Sparks, L. L.
(National Inst. of Standards and Technology Boulder, CO, United States)
Johnson, K. B.
(NIST, Chemical Engineering Science Div., Boulder CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Engineering (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1989 Cryogenic Engineering Conference
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: July 24, 1989
End Date: July 28, 1989
Accession Number
92A13435
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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