The project consists of upgrading a liquid helium (LHe) to gaseous helium (GHe) conversion and compression system. This type of system falls under “other load category” and according to table G3.1 Section 12, receptacle and other loads typically assume the process load to be the same from the baseline system to the proposed system, except as specifically authorized by the rating authority. We are requesting approval to show the process load reduction achieved by upgrading the existing system to the new pumping system with the table G3.1 Section 12 exception of variations of power requirements from baseline to proposal.

Existing System
The LHe to GHe conversion and compression system consists of LHe to low pressure gas conversion using fan-driven ambient air vaporizers and a multi-stage compression system multiple low and high-pressure GHe compressors to achieve a combined flow capacity of 1,800 SCFM at 6,000 psi.
The west end of the project is referred to as the low-pressure liquid end. It consists of a low-pressure gas conversion system and three 200 hp, air-cooled, multi-stage, low-pressure compressors. The east end of the project is referred to as the high-pressure gaseous end. There are five 100 hp high-pressure compressors and three 200 hp high-pressure compressors. The existing system consists of 1,700 hp of compressing power.

Upgraded System
The existing system will be modified/upgraded as part of the facility upgrades (and LEED certification) from a gaseous helium compression system to a liquid helium pumping system to reduce energy consumption. The new system will be a fully automated helium conversion and supply system using three 60 hp LHe pumps with liquid helium pumping technology for compression of LHe to the high-pressure GHe with passive ambient vaporizers to meet existing capacity requirements. Utilizing the liquid helium pumping technology allows for the LHe to convert to a gas without undergoing a reduction in pressure to near ambient conditions, which must then be boosted to the usage pressure of 6,000 psi.

Summary
A tremendous reduction in power required will be achieved by upgrading to the new liquid helium pumping technology. An estimated reduction of 1,520 hp will be achieved from the existing 1,700 hp by the migrating to the new technology which in turn is roughly an 89% reduction in power required towards achieving LEED points. This is a significant reduction in power and will help the environment greatly.