Comparative design evaluation of plate fin heat exchanger and coiled finned tube heat exchanger for helium liquefier in the temperature range of 300-80 K

Present Indigenous Helium Liquefaction system at RRCAT uses the cross-counter flow coiled-finned tube heat exchangers developed completely from Indian resources. These coiled-finned tube heat exchangers are mainly suitable up to medium capacity helium liquefiers. For large capacity helium liquefier, plate fin heat exchangers are more suitable options. This paper presents the comparative evaluation of the design of both types of heat exchangers in the temperature range of 300-80 K for helium liquefier.