Performance of Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre superconducting cyclotron liquid nitrogen distribution system

Area of Science:

• Cryogenics
• Superconducting magnet technology
• Particle accelerator systems

Background:

• The K500 superconducting cyclotron at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre uses liquid nitrogen for cooling.
• Liquid nitrogen is supplied from a pressurized dewar to thermal shields and cryopanels.
• Direct flow measurement in operational cryogenic systems is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To indirectly estimate liquid nitrogen flow and heat load.
• To develop a mathematical model for liquid nitrogen distribution.
• To validate the model with operational data.

Main Methods:

• Indirect estimation of total flow and heat load via liquid nitrogen tank level monitoring.
• Development of a mathematical model to simulate liquid nitrogen flow in parallel branches.
• Comparison of model-generated flow distribution with measured data.

Main Results:

• A mathematical model was successfully developed to evaluate liquid nitrogen flow.
• The model generated flow distribution for various operational settings.
• Model predictions for total flow showed good agreement with measured data.

Conclusions:

• The indirect method of monitoring liquid nitrogen tank levels is effective for estimating system flow and heat load.
• The developed mathematical model provides a reliable tool for analyzing liquid nitrogen distribution in the cyclotron.
• This approach aids in optimizing the performance and efficiency of the cryogenic system.