Once turned on, the compressor splits the loop into a high-pressure side (discharge) and a low-pressure side (suction). Normal running suction pressure typically hovers around 0.40–0.60 MPa, while discharge pressure climbs to 2.0–2.3 MPa. Decontaminating and Charging Helium If pressures drop due to a minor leak, you must add helium.
The Sumitomo F-50 (including variants like the , , and F-50SH ) is a mid-size, water-cooled, three-phase helium compressor designed to power cryogenic cold heads and pulse tubes. 1. Technical Specifications
If the helium loop becomes contaminated with air, moisture, or oil due to a failed adsorber or improper servicing, you must perform a gas decontamination procedure.
Inspect protection circuit switches and reset if necessary.
Low cooling water flow, high inlet water temperature, or fouled heat exchanger scale. sumitomo f50 compressor manual
The compressor must be installed in a well-ventilated area within the specified ambient temperature range (5--35°C). 4. Maintenance Schedule and Procedures
Many operators rely on generic compressor knowledge, but the F50 has specific idiosyncrasies. The official manual provides:
: Strict instructions on the minimum bending radius of flex lines (300 mm) to avoid gas leaks or explosive failures. Power Requirements
Use clean, stainless steel flexible helium lines. Ensure the Aeroquip self-sealing couplings are free of debris before connecting. Always use two wrenches to tighten the couplings to prevent twisting the internal copper lines. 3. Standard Operating Procedures Pre-Start Checklist Verify cooling water valves are open and flowing. Once turned on, the compressor splits the loop
Connect a high-purity (99.999%) helium bottle equipped with a pressure regulator and a decontamination line to the compressor's charge valve.
Check the facility circuit breaker. Measure input voltages across phases. Reverse two input power leads if the phase monitor light indicates an issue.
Insufficient cooling water flow, high inlet water temperature, or a fouled internal heat exchanger.
Clean the self-sealing couplings with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol before connecting. Use two wrenches (one to hold the body, one to turn the nut) to prevent twisting and damaging the internal copper seals of the lines. Tighten to the torque specified in the manual. Electrical Wiring The Sumitomo F-50 (including variants like the ,
Every 20,000 operating hours or every 2–3 years (whichever comes first).
Solution: If static pressure drops below the safety threshold (typically < 1.3 MPa), the low-pressure cutout switch prevents operation. Check for leaks and top off with ultra-high purity helium.
Solution: Test incoming voltage across all three phases using a multimeter. Thermal protection switch tripped.
The F-50 compressor is designed for straightforward operation but requires monitoring of pressures and temperatures.
Turn off the cooling water supply and main electrical breaker. 4. Routine Preventative Maintenance
Once turned on, the compressor splits the loop into a high-pressure side (discharge) and a low-pressure side (suction). Normal running suction pressure typically hovers around 0.40–0.60 MPa, while discharge pressure climbs to 2.0–2.3 MPa. Decontaminating and Charging Helium If pressures drop due to a minor leak, you must add helium.
The Sumitomo F-50 (including variants like the , , and F-50SH ) is a mid-size, water-cooled, three-phase helium compressor designed to power cryogenic cold heads and pulse tubes. 1. Technical Specifications
If the helium loop becomes contaminated with air, moisture, or oil due to a failed adsorber or improper servicing, you must perform a gas decontamination procedure.
Inspect protection circuit switches and reset if necessary.
Low cooling water flow, high inlet water temperature, or fouled heat exchanger scale.
The compressor must be installed in a well-ventilated area within the specified ambient temperature range (5--35°C). 4. Maintenance Schedule and Procedures
Many operators rely on generic compressor knowledge, but the F50 has specific idiosyncrasies. The official manual provides:
: Strict instructions on the minimum bending radius of flex lines (300 mm) to avoid gas leaks or explosive failures. Power Requirements
Use clean, stainless steel flexible helium lines. Ensure the Aeroquip self-sealing couplings are free of debris before connecting. Always use two wrenches to tighten the couplings to prevent twisting the internal copper lines. 3. Standard Operating Procedures Pre-Start Checklist Verify cooling water valves are open and flowing.
Connect a high-purity (99.999%) helium bottle equipped with a pressure regulator and a decontamination line to the compressor's charge valve.
Check the facility circuit breaker. Measure input voltages across phases. Reverse two input power leads if the phase monitor light indicates an issue.
Insufficient cooling water flow, high inlet water temperature, or a fouled internal heat exchanger.
Clean the self-sealing couplings with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol before connecting. Use two wrenches (one to hold the body, one to turn the nut) to prevent twisting and damaging the internal copper seals of the lines. Tighten to the torque specified in the manual. Electrical Wiring
Every 20,000 operating hours or every 2–3 years (whichever comes first).
Solution: If static pressure drops below the safety threshold (typically < 1.3 MPa), the low-pressure cutout switch prevents operation. Check for leaks and top off with ultra-high purity helium.
Solution: Test incoming voltage across all three phases using a multimeter. Thermal protection switch tripped.
The F-50 compressor is designed for straightforward operation but requires monitoring of pressures and temperatures.
Turn off the cooling water supply and main electrical breaker. 4. Routine Preventative Maintenance