Fermilab's satellite refrigerator expansion engines

This chapter examines the use of Koch Model 1400 expanders and Gardner-Fermi engines in satellite refrigerators. Each of Fermilab's 24 satellite refrigerators includes two reciprocating expanders, a ''wet'' engine and a ''dry'' engine. Each engine has inlet and exhaust pressure gages, a cylinder pressure transducer, inlet and exhaust vapor pressure thermometers with gages, and an hour meter. Topics considered include thermodynamic performance (efficiency, mass flow rate and power) and mechanical performance. It is suggested that with a well-organized engine monitoring and maintenance program and one eight-hour shift each week for inspections and greasing, engine reliability will not be a problem for accelerator operations