Speaker
Description
ABSTRACT- POSTER
Electric driven and low heat load valves for liquid helium applications
Leire Colomo, Ander Gabirondo 1)
1) AMPO Poyam Valves, ES- 20213 Idiazabal, Gipuzkoa, Spain
As the energy sector advances toward greener and more efficient technologies, liquid helium is playing a central role in enabling high-performance cryogenic systems. Its use is critical in superconducting applications for particle physics, fusion research, and high-tech industries such as semiconductors and quantum computing. However, the extreme sensitivity of liquid helium to heat makes low heat load valve design a fundamental requirement for system efficiency and reliability.
Even minimal heat ingress can cause significant helium evaporation, leading to increased consumption, higher refrigeration demands, and elevated operational costs. Therefore, low heat load valves are essential to:
• Minimize evaporation of valuable cryogenic fluid.
• Maintain ultra-low temperatures (around 4.2 K or -269°C) required for superconducting performance.
• Reduce refrigeration power, lowering energy consumption and environmental impact.
• Ensure system safety and stability, avoiding pressure build-up due to heat-induced boil-off.
• Enable precise flow control, critical for scientific and industrial cryogenic processes.
To meet these demands, AMPO POYAM VALVES has developed a next-generation cryogenic valve concept that combines advanced thermal design with smart electric actuation. The valve architecture includes:
• Optimized stem lengths, thin-walled components, and bellows to minimize conductive and radiative heat transfer.
• High-integrity sealing systems to reduce emissions and ensure tightness under extreme conditions.
• Optimized flow geometry for accurate and stable helium control.
• Boaflex-inset design for easier and more flexible piping integration.
• Parachute double sealing system either for gland other bellows sealed stems alternatively mountable in the same body
At the core of this innovation is AMPO’s electric actuation system, based on stepper motor technology with an integrated electronic fail-safe mechanism. This solution offers:
• Precise, repeatable positioning for accurate flow regulation.
• Low energy consumption, contributing to overall system efficiency.
• Plug-and-play integration, eliminating the need for complex pneumatic infrastructure.
• Enhanced safety, with electronic fail-safe functionality ensuring secure operation in case of power loss or system failure.
According to the EnEffAH study, traditional pneumatic systems operate at only 6–15% efficiency, with significant energy losses in compression and distribution. AMPO’s electric solution not only overcomes these inefficiencies but also reduces CAPEX and OPEX, while improving system compactness and maintainability.
This poster presents AMPO’s comprehensive approach to cryogenic valve design for liquid helium applications, addressing the full range of thermal, mechanical, and operational challenges. The result is a high-performance, electrically actuated valve that supports the future of sustainable, high-efficiency cryogenic systems.
Keywords: Valves, Liquid Helium, Low Heat Load, Fine Flow Control, Innovative Flex Inset, fail safe electric actuation
| Submitters Country | SPAIN |
|---|---|
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