With cryogenic engineering (or cryogenic temperature engineering) it is possible to generate extremely low temperatures and utilise them for physical effects such as the liquefaction and separation of gases. As opposed to refrigeration engineering, cryogenic engineering covers the temperature range from roughly -150 °C to -271.5 °C.
From a technical point of view the temperatures which correlate with the boiling points of nitrogen (77.4K/-195.8°C), hydrogen (20.4K/-252.9°C) and helium (4.2K/-268.9°C are relatively easily accessible. Lower temperatures are achieved through decompression and the accompanying changes to the boiling points.
For years RAK Industrial Consulting has focussed on the planning, engineering and construction of cryogenic refrigeration plants, as well as cryogenic plants for the liquefaction of helium and hydrogen. Our expert customer service with its wide range of repair, maintenance and servicing specialties makes us the ideal partner for successful and efficient cryogenic plant operation – with 24-hour standby availability for malfunctions and emergencies.
RAK troubleshooting/ error diagnostics in cryogenic plants
RAK offers you professional error diagnostics support in your cryogenic plant. For anything from loss of power to a total breakdown, we provide comprehensive assistance in the analysis and rectification of the error/malfunction and offer you the entire range of error diagnostics for all components:
- error diagnostics in processing plants,
- analysis of power losses and defective components,
- rotating equipment,
- sensors and actuators,
- vessels and heat exchangers,
- and control components;
our approach when searching for errors is systematically analytical and structured. The following always precede the taking of any action:
- plant data (trend charts, operating manuals) is collected to obtain data;
- an advance error analysis and preparation of a repair concept;
- coordination with the client regarding work on location, implementation, required materials and spare parts,
- performance of error diagnostics and repairs at the customer location,
- and re-commissioning of the plant
Comprehensive mechanical supervision
- Installation sequence & scheduling with MS Project;
- interface between the parties involved in the project, maintenance, operation, and construction as well as the hired external companies/contractors;
- support in compliance with and the implementation of deadlines, construction and project meetings;
- construction and installation management;
- piping inspections according to PID;
- supervision and implementation of pressure & leak tests,
- process room conditioning, removal of foreign gases,
- functionality tests and test runs
Commissioning cryogenic plants
- Commissioning and re-commissioning of cryogenic plants;
- working through IBS checklists including loopcheck and the testing of hard-wired safety shutdown systems;
- recording and documentation of operating data, speed, pressure, temperature, current, etc.;
- adjustment of operating parameters;
- client training,
- performance tests and acceptance procedures
- Performance of various repairs on refrigeration plants, ranging from the replacement of an IO module on PLCs, to the replacement of a heat exchanger;
- removal of impurities from the process room;
- see also removal of oil contamination
Cryogenic repairs
Professional support for modifications and retrofitting
- Preparation of concepts for modernisation and performance enhancement in existing plants;
- supervision of the implementation;
- migration of the S7-300 and S7-400 PLCs to the new S7-1500 PLC;
- migration of hardware and software – competent and reliable and all from one provider;
- optional: modernisation of control systems including wear components
- Analysis of power losses and defective components,
- rotating equipment (turbines, cold pumps and compressors),
- sensors and actuators,
- vessels and heat exchangers,
- control components
Error diagnostics in existing process plants
Support for cryogenic operations
- Operational support and optimisation of process engineering plants;
- assistance with stable plant operation;
- adaptation of operating parameters for cleaning and experimental operation
Technical training, technical support, training sessions and courses:
Technical training, technical support, training sessions and courses for:
- pressurised tanks and fittings that maintain pressure,
- mechanical and electrical components,
- compressing machinery,
- expansion turbines,
- cold compressors and pumps,
- pressure checks and leak detection,
- cryogenics,
- cryogenic and liquefied gasses;
- commissioning of industrial and research plants;
- auxiliary devices: compressed air, cooling water, and others
Cryogenic maintenance work
- Support in carrying out maintenance work on your refrigeration plant;
- replacement and changeover of adsorption and filter materials;
- replacement of sealing kits;
- inspection of rotating parts;
- preparation of technical reports;
- materials and wear parts
- Performance of pipe inspections using endoscopy in cases of unexpected pressure loss or unusual plant behaviour;
- summary of the actual condition for the process room for documentation purposes;
- utilisation of state-of-the-art inspection technology;
- endoscopy of pipelines up to 50m including high-resolution photo or video recordings;
- inspection of component interiors, valves, filters, vessels, etc.;
- determination of the extent of oil contamination; preparation of a repair concept;
- performance of the pipe and component cleaning work utilising state-of-the-art technology
