Attachment 1 - Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium SOW.pdf

IRA-25-0465

Statement of Work (SOW) Helium Recovery and Liquid Helium Generation System

Revision Date: 9 January 2025 Arnold Engineering Development Complex

Arnold AFB, Tennessee

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release: distribution is unlimited.

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Table of Contents

1. OBJECTIVES

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 Government Documents: None

2.2 Non-Government Documents: None

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General

3.2 AEDC Liquid Helium System

3.3 Equipment

3.3.1 Recovery Bladder

3.3.2 Recovery Compressor

3.3.3 Pre-purification Storage Cylinders

3.3.4 Purifier

3.3.5 Post-purification Storage Cylinders (Optional)

3.3.6 Liquid Helium Generation System

3.4 Controls

3.4.1 Recovery System Controls

3.4.2 Liquid Helium Generation System Controls

3.5 Warranty

3.6 On-site Technical Support

3.7 Submittals

3.7.1 Interface Documentation

3.7.2 Factory Test Reports

3.7.3 Installation, Operation and Maintenance (IOM) Manual

3.7.4 Warranty

3.7.5 Submittal Summary

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Factory Testing

4.2 AEDC Inspection

4.2.1 Visual Inspection

4.2.2 Dimensional Inspection

4.2.3 Operational Checkout

4.2.4 Purity Verification

5. PACKAGING

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5.1 Preparation for Delivery

5.2 Delivery

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1. OBJECTIVES

Provide a helium recovery and liquid helium generation system. The helium recovery portion should consist of an inflatable recovery bladder, recovery compressor, post compression storage cylinders, and a pre-liquification/reintegration purifier. The system shall also have a method of liquefying gaseous helium supplied by the helium recovery portion. The helium recovery and liquid helium generation system shall be delivered to Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC), Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee.

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2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 Government Documents: None

2.2 Non-Government Documents: None

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General

The helium recovery and liquid helium generation system will consist of two (2) major parts and should be considered a closed loop system in that there is little to no helium loss throughout.

The helium recovery portion will be designed to collect gaseous helium exhaust from facility liquid helium systems. The system should collect the gaseous helium in an inflatable recovery bladder so that AEDC systems are not affected by fluctuations in the helium recovery system. The system should then use a compressor to compress the gas and route it to storage cylinders. The system will then purify the gaseous helium using a helium purifier pulling from the storage cylinders. Another second group of storage cylinders to hold the helium after purification would be beneficial to operation, but this is not required.

The liquid helium generation portion of this system will be designed so that it can be supplied by the helium recovery system or the existing AEDC gaseous helium system. The liquid helium generation portion will consist of a pre-liquification compressor that will supply a pulse tube cryocooler that will generate liquid helium and deposit it in a vacuum jacketed dewar. The dewar should be equipped to supply AEDC systems with liquid helium through a vacuum jacketed transfer line.

This entire system should be capable of automatically adjusting to AEDC liquid helium system exhaust supply and liquid helium demand changes without impacting the system’s cooling performance. The system should be able to operate with custom helium line lengths so that equipment can be located in separate rooms throughout the facility. In general, operation should be automatic, requiring little supervision after the system is activated. All equipment should be manufactured in accordance with common manufacturer standards.

3.2 AEDC Liquid Helium System

• Exhaust Flowrate: 2 – 5 SCFM

• Average Liquid Helium Usage: 750 L / 30 days

3.3 Equipment

3.3.1 Recovery Bladder

• Footprint: ≤ 12 ft by ≤ 9 ft

• Height: ≤ 8 ft (fully inflated)

• Equipped with a pressure relief device

• Storage Pressure: Atmospheric

• Helium and Controls Line Length Between Adjoining Equipment: ≥ 50 ft

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3.3.2 Recovery Compressor

• Cooling: Air (ideal) or Water

• Pressure: Based on vendor system requirements

• Flowrate Capacity: ≥ 6 SCFM

• Shutoff limits so that the compressor does not pull a vacuum or over pressurize the system

• Voltage: 230 VAC, 3 Phase, 60 Hz

3.3.3 Pre-purification Storage Cylinders

• Cylinders grouped in a type of easily maneuverable rack

• Rack Footprint (with cylinders): ≤ 7 ft by ≤ 7 ft

• Rack Height: ≤ 7 ft (with cylinders)

• Total Storage Liquid Helium Equivalent: ≥ 60 L

• Pressure: Based on vendor system requirements

• Cylinders linked together so that the system can supply and pull from them all as needed

• Each cylinder equipped with a pressure relief device

3.3.4 Purifier

• Purification should be achieved in one self-contained, easily maneuverable unit

• Cooling (internal compressor): Air (ideal) or Water

• Pressure: Based on vendor system requirements

• Flowrate Capacity: Based on vendor system requirements

• Outlet Helium Purity: ≥ 99.999% (Grade 5.0 or higher)

• Purifying method will ideally not require liquid nitrogen

• Voltage: 230 VAC, 1 Phase, 60 Hz

3.3.5 Post-purification Storage Cylinders (Optional)

• Cylinders grouped in a type of easily maneuverable rack

• Rack Footprint (with cylinders): ≤ 7 ft by ≤ 7 ft

• Rack Height: ≤ 7 ft (with cylinders)

• Total Storage Liquid Helium Equivalent: ≥ 60 L

• Pressure: Based on vendor system requirements

• Cylinders linked together so that the system can supply and pull from them all as needed

• Each cylinder equipped with a pressure relief device

3.3.6 Liquid Helium Generation System

• Automatic operation in tandem with the recovery system

• Unit’s compressor capable of being ≥ 20 ft away from the cryocooler

• Liquification Method: Pulse Tube Cryocooler (low vibration)

• Post Liquification Helium Temperature: ≤ 4 K

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• Equipped with Post Liquification Dewar

• Post Liquification Dewar Capacity: ≥ 150 L (liquid helium)

• Post Liquification Dewar Output Pressure: ≤ 15 PSIG

• System equipped with a pressure relief device

• Operation capable while being supplied ambient temperature helium

• Custom vacuum jacketed transfer line connection to mate with AEDC equipment

3.4 Controls

3.4.1 Recovery System Controls

The recovery system should operate automatically after activation, however user interfaces for controlling the equipment may be localized for each individual piece. The system cannot use any kind of wireless communication. If any custom or commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) piece of equipment has wireless capabilities, then it must be removed prior to shipping to AEDC.

3.4.2 Liquid Helium Generation System Controls

The liquid helium generation system should have a localized control interface that allows the user to control and monitor the system while being some distance away from the equipment. This should be achieved by wired connections. The system cannot use any kind of wireless communication. If any custom or commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) piece of equipment has wireless capabilities, then it must be removed prior to shipping to AEDC.

3.5 Warranty

Prove at least a one-year warranty stating equipment will be free from defects in workmanship and material.

3.6 On-site Technical Support

Provide on-site technical support for the set-up and use of the helium recovery and liquid generation system at AEDC, after installation. Provide the services of a factory-authorized service representative to demonstrate equipment start-up and shutdown procedures, review preventative maintenance and servicing procedures, troubleshooting procedures, and other operation and maintenance information.

3.7 Submittals

3.7.1 Interface Documentation

Submit descriptions and drawings showing electrical, mechanical, and control interface types and their physical locations.

3.7.2 Factory Test Reports

Submit a test report showing and describing results of factory testing for applicable system equipment, specifically system compressors, the purifier, and liquification equipment.

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3.7.3 Installation, Operation and Maintenance (IOM) Manual

Submit an electronic and a single paper copy of the system installation, operation, and maintenance manual.

Manuals shall include, but not be limited to, the manufacturer’s name, model number and shall include, installation instructions, a parts list and a brief description of all equipment and specific operating features and operating instructions. Include a list of routine maintenance procedures, parts order list, possible breakdowns, repairs, troubleshooting guides, and recommended maintenance activities and frequencies.

The manuals shall include piping layout, equipment layout, and simplified wiring and control diagrams.

3.7.4 Warranty

Submit a one-year warranty, effective after successful start-up and commissioning of equipment at AEDC.

3.7.5 Submittal Summary

No. Paragraph Reference Submittal Description Due 1 3.6.1 Interface Documentation Within 4 weeks of contract award 2 3.6.2 Factory Test Reports Upon delivery of system to AEDC 3 3.6.3 IOM Manual 4 weeks prior to shipment to AEDC 4 3.6.4 Warranty Upon delivery of system to AEDC

4. VERIFICATION

4.1 Factory Testing

Conduct factory inspection and operation testing to ensure the helium recovery and liquid helium generation system meets all requirements listed.

4.2 AEDC Inspection

AEDC personnel will perform the following inspections upon receipt of the helium recovery and liquid helium generation system.

4.2.1 Visual Inspection

General condition of the system and evidence of good workmanship.

4.2.2 Dimensional Inspection

Dimensional check to ensure compliance with requirements.

4.2.3 Operational Checkout

An operational checkout of the new closed loop system.

4.2.4 Purity Verification

A helium purity check performed by AEDC Chemical Lab.

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5. PACKAGING

5.1 Preparation for Delivery

Provide all preservation, packaging, and packing to ensure safe delivery of the helium recovery and liquid helium generation system to AEDC.

5.2 Delivery

Deliver the helium recovery and liquid helium generation system to AEDC for off-loading by AEDC personnel.