Helium Liquefaction
The Walther-Meißner-Institute (WMI) operates a helium liquefaction plant and supplies the two Munich universities and some other Munich research institutions with liquid helium. Here, we provide basic information on our helium liquefaction plant, our pumping systems used to transfer liquid helium into transport containers, some useful general facts on helium, and the team operating the liquefaction plant.
Present Liquefaction Plant Based on a VL 100 Liquefier
The present WMI Liquefaction Plant is based on the VL 100 helium liquefier from Vorbuchner GmbH.
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Submersible Pump for Liquid Helium
Since 1988, liquid helium has been transferred from the 5,000-liter liquid helium storage vessel at WMI into the transport containers delivered to the customers by a liquid helium transfer pump developed by Doll, Wiedemann, and Berndt of WMI (patent Nos. DE3715216A1, EP0289980A3, US4948348 (1988). This approach considerably increased the efficiency of the helium liquefaction systems, as flash gas losses during the transfer of liquid helium between the storage vessel and the mobile transport containers are strongly reduced. At the same time, a liquefier with an ejector system is required to liquefy into an unpressurized liquefier tank.
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Some Facts on Helium
Helium is an important resource for low-temperature research. We have assembled some facts on helium, ranging from the historical background on its discovery and its physical properties to its most common usage. We also discuss where helium is coming from, and address its worldwide resources and their accessibility, as well as the history and status of helium production.
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Helium Liquefaction Team & Information for LHe Users
The WMI helium liquefaction plant is operated by a team of three experienced technicians headed by a cryo engineer.
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