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| Some interesting information on Ricor Cryocooler (K526S) Refill Device |
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| MrSheep:
I came across this interesting page which describes a custom fixture device for servicing a broken Ricor K526S Cryocooler. As I suspected it is a device that clamps the cryocooler down so it doesn't fly off while refilling under high pressure. The site contains 3D Models that can be rotated for better viewing. This is the first i've seen of an actual model of such device :0 https://m-labs.hk/software/solvespace/ |
| MrSheep:
Oh wow even better, while searching for Ricor K526S I found this GitHub page containing the fixture device and its 3D Files for creating such device :D. Maybe I can finally find a way to self service my cryocoolers. https://github.com/whitequark/ricor-k526s/tree/master |
| Fraser:
MrSheep, A great find and it matches my understanding of how such a unit is constructed :-+ I suppose it all comes down to creating an assembly to rigidly hold gas seals in place during the fill process and permit the operation of a “screwdriver” to seal the fill port at completion. There appears to be a single fill port on the assembly so presumably the cooler is first evacuated with a vacuum pump, then the various hoses and valves somehow flushed and purged of impurities with UHP Helium, then the cooler filled using the pressure regulated UHP Helium fill process. It sounds relatively straight forward but I found the required parts to be expensive in the UK. Anyone who already owns the vacuum pump, gas gauges, regulator and Lab grade Helium gas bottle fitting can do the task far more cheaply of course. Alas I do not think I can justify the cost of building such a setup. If you do succeed in this quest to refill cryo coolers, I will be very interested to hear about your experiences building and using the fill rig. :-+ Fraser |
| MrSheep:
Yeah this was the final piece of the puzzle. I have a general understanding of the plumbing involved. Basically it is a bunch of swagelok tubing, fittings and valves connected to both a vacuum pump and a UHP tank. Each having valves respectively for the vacuum and refill cycles. I already have the vacuum pumps and as for the UPH, while a bit on the expensive side, isn't too hard to get. And yes for sure, I will share my progress on here if I ever do decide to build this device. It is for one very interesting to me and it will keep my cameras going for years to come. |
| MrSheep:
Also I wonder what type of seal they use. Not sure if it is viton seals. I do recall orange looking seals for the cryocooler itself. Not sure what they are called but they are prob designed to withstand the pressures involved to contain the helium. Circled in the attached image are where the seals are probably meant to be. I will probably 3D print this later today, just for fun and have it as a desk model. As well as have a better way to visualize the device. |
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