Stirling Cryogenerators: The Core of Cryogenic Cooling Systems

The Cryogenerator Basics

Stirling Cryogenerators, also known as Cryocoolers or Stirling Process Coolers (SPCs), are based on the highly efficient reversed-Stirling thermodynamic cycle. These units are the fundamental components of all Stirling Cryogenics systems. With a heritage spanning over 70 years, we have designed and supplied more than 6,000 of these efficient cryogenic coolers worldwide, proving their reliability in a vast range of demanding operational environments from maritime to desert, mountaintop to underground, and industrial to laboratory.

These powerful cryogenerators provide cooling power from 50 to 6,000 Watts across a broad temperature range of to 18 K to 180 K (-258ºC to -93ºC)( -427ºF to -135ºF). To meet varied cooling power and temperature requirements, the units are available in 1 or 4-cylinder versions and can be configured as a single-stage cooler (achieving temperatures down to 40 K) or a two-stage cooler (reaching temperatures down to 18 K). Stirling Cryogenerators are highly versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into any cryogenic setup. They function as liquefiers for gases such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, Methane, Hydrogen, etc., or as coolers for circulating streams of cryogenic liquid or pressurized gas (Helium or Hydrogen for example). For high-capacity requirements, multiple units can be easily installed to operate in parallel. Stirling’s in house engineering department regularly designs customized cryogenic systems tailored specifically for challenging and unique cooling applications.

Stirling Cryogenerators are based on the reversed-Stirling cycle. These Cryogenerators, also known as Cryocoolers or Cryo-refrigerators, are named SPC’s (Stirling Process Coolers) and are the heart and key component in all that Stirling does.

For more than 65 years, Stirling Cryogenics has been designing and supplying these high efficient, low temperature coolers. Over these years more than 6,000 machines have been supplied world-wide, in a wide range of demanding circumstances and different applications.

Stirling Cryogenerators provide cooling power in the range of 50 to 6,000 Watt in the temperature range of 18 to 180 Kelvin (-258 to -123°C or -433 to -190°F). Depending on the temperature and cooling power requirements, Stirling Cryogenerators are available in either a 1 or 4-cylinder version and in a one-stage (down to 40K) or two-stage configuration (down to 18K). Stirling Cryogenerators can be integrated into any kind of (customer) cryogenic system, be used as liquefiers for Nitrogen, Oxygen, Methane, Argon, Neon, etc., or as cooler for a Helium or Hydrogen gas flow or cryogenic liquid flow.

Stirling Cryogenerators can be installed to function in parallel to reach a higher capacities. Stirling has an in-house engineering department to design specific configurations to customise its cryogenic system so that it can be used in many different applications.

 Technical Features of Stirling Cryocoolers

• Highest efficiency possible (through reversed Stirling Cycle technology) leading to low electricity consumption
• Fully automated and PLC controlled
• Process specific heat exchanger integrated in the cold head
• Flexible process integration
• Robust design with proven reliability: some Cryogenerators are over 40 years in operation
• All rotational and reciprocating seals work at ambient temperatures
• Maintenance friendly
• Annual inspection and cleaning can be done by customer’s engineer at site
• Worldwide service available; mostly with nearby local service engineer
• Various options available such as capacity control, ATEX, maritime version etc.
• Supply according to all applicable coding, power grid and requirements of the customers’ site.

Product specifications

SPC-1 Cryogenerator
SPC-4 Cryogenerator
SPC-1T Cryogenerator
SPC-4T Cryogenerator

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