Labarge liquid helium plant

New applications for helium have resulted in a significant growth in helium demand. This growth has contributed to development of larger, more efficient liquid helium production plants. The liquid helium plant at LaBarge is sized for 4,600 liters per hour of liquid helium production (dewar mass gain basis) using 2 purification/liquefaction plant trains. A liquid nitrogen forecooled refrigerator having a power consumption similar to the liquefier cycle would provide about 10,000 watts of refrigeration at liquid helium temperature. Operating experience with liquid helium production facilities has demonstrated reliable commercial operation. 1 ref., 7 fig