Petroleum Analyzer Cryocooler: The Coolest Technology!

Project: Petroleum Analyzer
Cooling Approach: Free Piston Stirling Cooler
Demand: PAC, a leading manufacturer of lab and process analyzers, seeks cutting-edge technology for its latest product, an automated analyzer for cold filter plugging points of fuels. The analyzer requires precise temperature control using a Stirling Cryocooler from ARCTIC, ensuring accurate measurements for petroleum analysis according to industry standards. (-34C to -50C within 2 minutes and 30 seconds and maintain it for 20-30 minutes. Then dropped from -50C to -67C in 2 minutes and 30 seconds)
Recommended products: Stirling Cryocooler RS100

ARCTIC company’s Stirling Cryocooler RS100 is specially designed for automated analyzers used to determine the cold filter plugging point of diesel and heating fuels. It adheres to ASTM D 6371, EN 116, and similar industry standards.

What’s Stirling Cryocooler?

The Free Piston Stirling Cryocooler is a compressor-less cooling system that compresses and expands helium gas. This method of cooling is environmentally friendly as helium is a safe gas. ARCTIC Cryocoolers find applications in various fields such as bio-science, military, laboratory devices, analytical instruments, and vaccine storage at low temperatures. Leveraging Stirling engine technology, these cryocoolers can rapidly reach temperatures as low as -120°C within minutes, making them ideal for small-scale and deep-freezing applications.

How Does Stirling Cryocooler Work?

The Stirling cryocooler operates by employing the Stirling cycle to transform electrical energy into heat movement from the cold end to the heat rejecter. An electrically driven linear motor propels the piston, inducing motion in the displacer, thereby facilitating the Stirling cycle.

This cycle repeats at a frequency of 60 times per second. Consequently, the Stirling RS100 cold tip under optimal conditions achieves temperatures as low as -100°C (-148°F) in a vacuum within 3 minutes.

Background

PAC, a prominent manufacturer of lab and process analyzers, seeks advanced technology for its automated analyzer designed to determine cold filter plugging points in diesel and heating fuels. In line with this objective, PAC integrates ARCTIC company’s Stirling Cryocooler RS100 into its product. This cryocooler operates without a compressor, utilizing the Stirling cycle to cool by compressing and expanding helium gas.

Renowned for its eco-friendliness and widespread application in bio-science, military, laboratories, and vaccine storage, ARCTIC’s cryocoolers leverage Stirling engine technology to achieve rapid cooling. Capable of reaching temperatures as low as -120°C within minutes, the RS100 meets PAC’s requirements for precise temperature control essential in petroleum analysis.

With this partnership, PAC gains access to cutting-edge cryogenic technology, enhancing the performance and efficiency of its analytical instruments, thereby meeting the evolving demands of its customers in various industries.

Petroleum Analyzer Cryocooler Standards

1. Cryocooler Net Weight: 4.0 kg
2. Petroleum Specimen volume: 45 ml
3. Measuring range: ambient to -100 °C
4. External Size: 132 × 132 x 336 mm (Length x Width x Height)
5. External chiller temperature: +15 °C (for -34 °C), -15 °C (for -51 °C), -40 °C (for -67 °C)
6. Temperature control: stepwise (-34 °C, -51 °C, and -67 °C) or linear with programmable cooling rate. (-34C to -50C within 2 minutes and 30 seconds and maintain it for 20-30 minutes. Then dropped from -50C to -67C in 2 minutes and 30 seconds)

Stirling Cooler in Petroleum Analyzer Video

Solution

100W STIRLING CRYOCOOLER

Model: RS100

• Input power: 24V DC
• Working current: 6A
• Noise: ≤48dB
• External Size: 132×132x336mm(LxWxH)
• Temp Range in Cold Fin (Cold part): -150℃~ 0℃

Features and Benefits

Stirling Cryocoolers offers several features and advantages in petroleum analyzer applications:

1. Precise Temperature Control: Stirling Cryocoolers provide precise temperature control, essential for maintaining the required temperatures during petroleum analysis, such as determining cold filter plugging points.
2. Compressor-less Design: Unlike traditional compressor-based cooling systems, Stirling Cryocoolers operate without compressors, reducing maintenance requirements and noise levels while improving reliability.
3. Rapid Cooling: Stirling Cryocoolers can achieve rapid cooling rates, allowing petroleum analyzers to reach and maintain low temperatures required for accurate measurements quickly.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Stirling Cryocoolers typically utilize helium gas as the working fluid, which is safe and environmentally friendly compared to other refrigerants used in conventional cooling systems.
5. Compact and Lightweight: Stirling Cryocoolers are often compact and lightweight, making them suitable for integration into portable or laboratory-based petroleum analyzers without adding significant bulk or weight.
6. Versatility: Stirling Cryocoolers can be designed to operate over a wide range of temperatures, making them versatile for various petroleum analysis applications that require different temperature conditions.

Overall, the features and advantages of Stirling Cryocoolers make them well-suited for use in petroleum analyzers, where precise temperature control and rapid cooling are essential for accurate and efficient analysis.

ARCTIC Cryocooler Working Principles

The Advantages of Stirling Cryocoolers in Petroleum Analysis

Petroleum refineries are prioritizing productivity and higher quality standards, with freezing point measurement of aviation jet fuel playing a vital role in refining processes. Traditional analyzers relying on external chillers and Peltier systems face maintenance challenges and environmental concerns.

ARCTIC’s FPSC-RS100 Stirling Cryocooler offers a groundbreaking solution. Compact and efficient, it eliminates the need for external chillers, achieving temperatures as low as -160°C. Utilizing non-lubricated STAR™ motors and acoustic Stirling coldheads, it ensures minimal maintenance and environmental impact.

This sealed helium-based system enables continuous freeze point measurements directly in hazardous areas, delivering real-time quality control within 8–15 minute cycles. ARCTIC’s advanced cryocooler sets a new standard for cryogenic technology in petroleum analysis, enhancing refinery efficiency and addressing critical industry concerns.