|

CRTech tools are routinely used to model the complexities
of Joule-Thomson or JT cooling systems, as either blow-down systems or
closed cycles (e.g, Linde-Hampson). Because
they provide compact and vibration-free cold heads,
such coolers are popular for cooling of sensors and
electronics including cryogenic and MEMS (microcooling)
applications.
The
combination of SINDA/FLUINT
and Sinaps® is used
for system-level schematics, or SINDA/FLUINT plus FloCAD®
(an optional Thermal Desktop® module) for detailed
modeling of cold heads and other heat exchangers.
Key
features relevant for analyzing JT cooling systems include:
- Real-gas
and saturation dome properties readily available for
the most commonly used fluids including hydrogen,
helium, nitrogen, argon, CO2, methane, and propane.
Additional and custom fluids (e.g., mixed gas coolers)
descriptions can be created by CRTech or the user.
- Complex
heat exchangers in cold heads and in multi-stage coolers
(regenerators, recuperators, intercoolers)
- Transient
analyses including tank blow-down and structural cool down
(start-up analyses)
- Expansion
into the dome including two-phase heat exchange. See
also Two Phase Analysis.
- Arbitrarily
complex control systems (PID etc.) applied to valves,
compressors, etc.
- Access
to parametric modeling and Advanced
Design Modules (optimization and sizing, automated
model calibration to test data, reliability and statistical
design, etc.)
Joule-Thomson Cold Finger Design and Analysis
A sample model is available to illustrate the application of SINDA/FLUINT, Sinaps®, and Thermal Desktop®/FloCAD® to the modeling of the Joule-Thomson cycle. These examples demonstrate:
- JT cryostat analysis
- Modeling of gas labyrinth seals (even though they purposely leak in this application)
- Modeling of heat exchangers in general, at both the system and detailed levels
The models with documentation are available for download.
Click here to download an Overview of the JT Modeling Example
Click here to download JT Modeling Example
Sinaps Network of JT Model (click images for larger version)

|
FloCAD Geometric JT Model

|
Temperature Profiles During Transient Cooldown

|
Customization
and Consulting
CRTech
also provides consulting and
custom software solutions to specifically meet your
needs.
|