uantum

Quantum Technology Corp.

3200 University Blvd
Squamish, BC V8B 0N8 CANADA
Tel: +1-604-222-5539 Fax: +1-604-677-5826
quantum@quantum-technology.com

QHRLS - AM
This solution termed as All-Metal, or AM is a full closed-loop system, recovering the entire boiloff
when and where it occurs. As stated in the name, the system can be designed as an all-metal cycle, without
plastic or equivalent connections. Boiloff from all parts of the system (dewars, customer devices, etc.) is
taken by a high-capacity compressor, which either sends it to a medium pressure storage tank, or directly to
the helium liquefier.
The QHRLS-AM system has the following advantages:
The system is compact, as it does not require plastic gasbags which are volume-consuming, diffuse
air in- and helium out of the system and may develop leaks in time. In addition, lab scale liquefiers
are sensitive to gas contamination (moisture, oxygen, etc.) leading to persistent losses in
productivity.
Low rate of helium loss from the system: when operating normally loss is close to zero (rates of
over 95% are common).
As a close, all-metal loop, the Quantum Technology system reduces significantly the need for liquid
nitrogen for purification. While a regular helium recovery system needs traditionally around 0.5-1
liter of nitrogen/liter of helium lique ed, under normal circumstances (no open valves, leaks, etc.)
the Quantum Technology system will use the additional purification only during start-up of the
system perhaps a couple of times a year. This way, the savings can amount to thousands of
dollars per year.
The above features ensure the highest possible gas purity through the entire system, particularly at
the liquefier inlet. This will maximize the running time of the liquefier and reduce the down time
for maintenance. The high purity is created and maintained by combining a cryogenic purifier and
an all-metal system to prevent O2 or H2O contamination.
The system is intended for operation where the volume of gas fluctuates, by using a combination of
storage tanks and direct access to liquefier. This means that the liquefier can be shut down when
not required and the gas can still be recovered into the storage tanks.
The system is equipped with a number of safety features to prevent any over pressure from
occurring including safety shutoff and relief valves.

http://www.quantum-technology.com

uantum

Quantum Technology Corp.

3200 University Blvd
Squamish, BC V8B 0N8 CANADA
Tel: +1-604-222-5539 Fax: +1-604-677-5826
quantum@quantum-technology.com

System Operation:
Boiloff is captured both from liquid transfers and quiescent boiloff of the cryostats, and is piped
back to the recovery manifold. If the boiloff rate is sufficient to supply the liquefiers needs, it is
diverted straight through the purifier (when needed gas purity meter will indicate the purification
needs, if any) and on to the liquefier. If the boiloff rate is too low, the flow into the liquefier is
supplemented with the gas held in the storage tanks.
Only when the boiloff rate is too great for the liquefier (during transfers for example), the recovery
compressor automatically turns on, stores the excess gas, then detects when there is no more gas to
recover and shuts down. This operating philosophy minimizes the amount of time the compressor is
running, thus reducing the operating costs.

http://www.quantum-technology.com

uantum

Quantum Technology Corp.

3200 University Blvd
Squamish, BC V8B 0N8 CANADA
Tel: +1-604-222-5539 Fax: +1-604-677-5826
quantum@quantum-technology.com

Figure 1. QHRLS - AM - All-Metal Recovery, purification and liquefaction system

http://www.quantum-technology.com