Graham Corporation

Cryogenic Pumps

Barber-Nichols' Cryogenic Pumps Are Highly Beneficial For Four Reasons

First, it is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to prevent mechanical seals from leaking in a cryogenic environment. Therefore, BN’s hermetically designed pumps completely eliminate mechanical seals and thereby eliminate this problem. Second, thin-walled pump shafts, thin-walled shaft housings, and anti-convection/radiation heat shields all work together to minimize conductive and convective motor heat leaking into the cryogenic fluid. Third, Barber-Nichols’ extensive experience with unique, high-speed bearings allows it to design pumps that can operate at suitably high speeds for long periods of time between scheduled maintenance. Operating a pump at a higher speed increases the pump’s hydraulic efficiency further minimizing the heating of the process fluid. Finally, BN pioneered the development of cryogenic pumps with vacuum housings. This allows maintenance personnel to remove the pump from a cryostat without breaking the cold box vacuum.