A 300 W 18K refrigerator and distribution system for the CERN superconducting RF particle separator

The refrigerator employs gas lubricated expansion turbines in parallel, and has been designed for a capacity of 300 W at 1.8K and 2 kW below 80K. A low loss system distributes the refrigeration to two cryostats located 90 m apart. The plant may also be used to provide refrigeration or liquefaction at 4.4K. All expansion turbines are interchangeable and one can be switched between two temperature levels, thus giving the plant a capacity of about 150 l hr/sup -1/ when used as a liquefier with liquid nitrogen. Process optimisation has resulted in an extremely compact coldbox. The main features of plant design and control are described. (6 refs).