FRIB Capability
FRIB’s vertically integrated approach—with on-site helium liquefaction, cryoplant operation, and end-to-end design capabilities—enables seamless transition from concept to execution. The approach supports rapid innovation and implementation in helium liquefaction, distribution, recycling, and purification.
Advancing cryogenic engineering
To meet the stringent cooling requirements of its superconducting components, FRIB built and operates a state-of-the-art helium cryogenic plant—one of the most reliable and energy-efficient in the nation. Operating at 4 kelvin (K), which can be further cooled to 2 K, the plant distributes liquid helium through large cryogenic lines to cool superconducting radio frequency resonators and superconducting solenoid magnets that cannot function without this ultra-cold environment.
The helium cryogenic plant utilizes the patented Ganni Floating-Pressure Process Cycle, which automatically optimizes system performance. It provides the highest efficiency and reliability for a wide range of capacities and operating modes.
FRIB’s integrated design and controls are central to its success. With on-site helium liquefaction, cryoplant operation, and full-spectrum design capabilities, FRIB streamlines every step—from concept to implementation. This vertically integrated structure not only ensures operational efficiency but also accelerates innovation in cryogenic systems, enabling rapid testing and deployment of advanced solutions.
FRIB’s cryogenic expertise has become a magnet for collaboration. As a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, FRIB hosts engineers and researchers from industry, government laboratories, and academia who work together to advance cryogenic technologies. Its advanced infrastructure and expert leadership support a growing knowledge base essential to sustaining and evolving this critical field.
The FRIB cryogenic plant uses a unique process, the patented Floating Pressure—Ganni Cycle process, which automatically optimizes the operation of the cryogenic system.
FRIB engineers developed a helium recovery system that captures and purifies helium during superconducting quench events, significantly reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.
FRIB’s helium liquefaction capabilities enhance American competitiveness by advancing domestic production of critical cryogenic systems and fostering innovation in the design and fabrication of essential components for emerging industries.
FRIB has the in-house capability to design and fabricate small to large-scale cryogenic system components including transfer lines and distribution systems.
FRIB’s vertically integrated cryogenic system—spanning on-site helium liquefaction, purification, distribution, and full-spectrum design and controls—enables seamless system integration from concept to execution.
FRIB’s two cryogenic cold boxes (the upper and lower cold boxes) work in tandem to cool helium to extremely low temperatures.
FRIB’s integrated design of the cryogenic refrigeration, distribution, and cryomodule systems is key to energy-efficient and reliable operations.
The main compressor system compresses ambient-temperature helium and supplies it to the main cold box, serving as the primary source of energy for the entire cryogenic plant. Its performance plays a key role in supporting the overall efficiency of the system.
Running 10 meters underground and stretching the length of two football fields, the cryogenic distribution system supplies FRIB’s linear accelerator with ultra-cold helium making the magnets within the cryomodules (green boxes) superconducting. This allows them to operate with zero electrical resistance and maximum efficiency.
At FRIB, students receive hands-on training with world-leading experts on world-unique systems, gaining critical skills and real-world experience. This training helps them win prestigious awards and contribute to a skilled workforce, lead in emerging industries, and drive national competitiveness.
Jonathon Howard (PhD): 2021 CEC Klaus & Jean Timmerhaus Scholarship Award Recipient. Presently working as a Cryogenic Process Engineer at FRIB Cryogenics Department
Duncan Kroll (PhD): 2022 ASME IMECE Heat Transfer Division Award Recipient. Presently working as a Cryogenic Process Engineer at FRIB Cryogenics Department
Duncan Kroll (right) receives the Heat Transfer Division Award at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 2022 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition.
Joined the laboratory in August 2016
Joined the laboratory in 2018.
Publications
Analysis and Management of Thermal Energy Release During Quench in a Superconducting MagnetN. Hasan et al., Proc. of ASME 2022 IMECE, Volume 8: Fluids Engineering; Heat Transfer and Thermal Engineering (2022). | Cryogenics for Superconductors: Refrigeration, Delivery and Preservation of ColdV. Ganni et al., Advances in Cryogenic Engineering 57, American Institute of Physics, New York, 15-27 (2012). |
Optimal Design and Operation of Helium Refrigeration Systems Using the Ganni CycleV. Ganni et al., Advances in Cryogenic Engineering 55, American Institute of Physics, New York, 1057-1071 (2010). |
This article details the design of the cryogenic distribution and quench management system for FRIB’s target and fragment pre-separator as part of a spotlight on one of the Cryogenic Society of America's Corporate Sustaining Members.
