Speaker
Description
Oil contamination is a re-occurring issue in cryogenic helium applications resulting in reduced performance and eventually the need for thorough cleaning of the coldbox internals. Main sources are the oil-injected recycle gas screw compressors. Although the systems are equipped with oil removal systems, mal-operation, improper design, and particularly the carry-over of the residual content of a few ppb will result in accumulation of oil in the coldbox over a longer period of operation. In cooperation with Kaeser, Linde Kryotechnik has modified helium screw compressors for operation with ionic liquids. Ionic liquids exhibit similar tribological properties as for example Breox oil, but are characterized by negligible vapour pressures.
The presentation will show the consequences on liquid carry-over into the coldbox, on equipment sizing of coalescers and adsorbers, as well as on efficiency and power consumption.