Expertise

Cryogenic facility at the Institute of Physics

Institute of Physics is the only institution in Croatia with the expertise in cryogenics dating over half a century. The expertise in cryogenics at the Institute includes collecting, recycling and liquefying helium gas which is then used as liquefied helium for low-temperature scientific research. Cryogenic facility at the Institute of Physics is the central supplier of liquid helium for several large scientific institutions in Croatia. Main users are Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science of the University of Zagreb and Ruđer Bošković Institute.

Cryogenic facility at the Institute of Physics presently has “Cold Box” helium liquefier M1410 (Koch Process systems, Inc.-USA) and two 1410 compressors with total power of 50 kW and with water cooling. The capacity of the central piece of helium liquefier with accompanying compressors is 20 or 10 litres per hour, depending on whether liquid nitrogen is used for precooling. The liquefier has an incorporated gas purifier and the system includes liquid helium storage dewar with 280 l capacity. Additional components of the liquefier are compressor in recovery line with balloon which serves for collecting of the helium gas, helium gas purity analyser, batteries for the storage of the pressurized helium gas and the system for passive cooling of the water.

Cryogenic facility at the Institute of Physics is managed by Dr. Nikolina Novosel, a scientist and a research associate at the Institute of Physics. The helium liquefaction, regular service of the liquefier and support to users is supplied by senior technician engineer Josip Pogačić and technician engineer Žarko Vidović.

More on history of helium liquefaction at the Institute of Physics can be found on the following link.