A Simulation Study for the Virtual Commissioning of the CERN Central Helium Liquefier

This paper describes the implication of dynamic simulation in cryogenics processes. The simulation aims to prepare plant commissioning and operation, and to validate the efficiency of the new process control logic. PLC programs have been tested on a process simulator integrating physical models of valves, heat exchangers, turbines, phase separator, and helium data. The model has shown the capacity to reproduce cold-box dynamic behaviour, from 300 K to 4.5 K.