A Retrospect on the Successful Commissioning of the Linde 18kW Refrigerators for the LHC Particle Accelerator at CERN

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the characteristic features of four new identical refrigerators, like the low power input, which was honored by CERN with a bonus for the performance, the excellent process stability, as well as the remarkable compact design. A call for tender for four new identical refrigerators was published by CERN, the European laboratory for particle physics. Within the tender, an exergetic equivalent capacity of 18 kW at 4.5 K per unit was specified. Finally CERN split the scope between the two bidders and LINDE KRYOTECHNIK AG got the order for two units. The acceptance of the two Linde LHC 18kW refrigerators by CERN in 2003 was a milestone in the huge project of the cryogenic system for LHC. The Linde Kryotechnik AG further has an order for four pre-cooling and purifying systems which are provided for the upgraded LEP 12kW refrigerators. Finally, to complete the series, an order for the upgrade of two Linde-LEP 12kW refrigerators is expected for 2005. There will be stuff for further contributions in future conferences.