Analysis of thermo-mechanical pipe-strength for the LHC helium relief system and corresponding helium flows following a resistive transition of the magnets.

The LHC cryogenic system will contain of about 100 tons of helium mostly located in underground elements of the machine. The amount of helium stored in the magnet cold masses located in one sector of the LHC machine will be of about 6400 kg. In case of a simultaneous resistive transition (quench) of the magnets of a full sector of the accelerator, the helium will be relieved to a dedicated relief system. The system will comprise header D, quench lines connected to medium pressure tanks, vent line open to environment and accessories. We analyse a dynamic behaviour of the system with respect to its thermo-mechanical properties and overall capacity. Spatial and time distribution of pressure, temperature, velocity, density and flow rates in the system elements are presented. Thermo-mechanical stresses in the critical pipe sections have been calculated.