Sumitomo FA-20L User manual

FA-20L Helium Compressor
Operating Manual
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America, Inc.
1833 Vultee Street
Allentown, PA 18103-4783
U.S.A.
Revision C: March 2023 280682A

TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
Page
SAFETY………...............................................................................................................1
SERVICE…….................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 7
Helium Compressor, Model FA-20L.................................................................... 7
PRINCIPLES of OPERATION........................................................................................9
DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... 11
Components .....................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................13
FA-20L Compressor (low voltage model)...........................................................13
Electrical Characteristics ................................................................................. 13
Power Consumption ........................................................................................ 13
Compressor Control ........................................................................................ 14
Front Panel Connections...................................................................................14
Front Panel Mounted Items ...............................................................................14
Environmental Requirements ............................................................................14
Mounting Position..............................................................................................15
Heat Rejection to Room ....................................................................................15
Helium Gas Pressures ..................................................................................... 15
Refrigerant Quality ........................................................................................... 15
Color Codes ......................................................................................................15
Required Spacing for Airflow.............................................................................15
Optional Spacing...............................................................................................15
Maintenance Intervals .......................................................................................16
Noise Level .......................................................................................................16
Dimensions .......................................................................................................16
Weight ..............................................................................................................16
General Operating Conditions...........................................................................16
Supplier Name and Address..............................................................................16
Product End of Life Instructions.........................................................................16
Regulatory Compliance.....................................................................................17
INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................... 21
Introduction .......................................................................................................21
Receipt Inspection Instructions..........................................................................21
Unpackaging and Product Inspection Instructions ........................................... 22
Compressor Location ....................................................................................... 24
Electrical Supply Connection – Field Wiring Instructions....................................25
Compressor Checkout ..................................................................................... 26
Install the Gas Lines......................................................................................... 26
Install the Cold Head Cable(s).......................................................................... 28
Remote On/Off cable (Optional Accessory)...................................................... 28
Prestart Check...................................................................................................29

Table of Contents
ii
Page
OPERATION ............................................................................................................. 31
Starting ............................................................................................................ 31
Stopping .......................................................................................................... 31
Restarting After a Power Failure ...................................................................... 31
MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................... 33
Adsorber Replacement......................................................................................33
Adsorber Removal.............................................................................................33
Adsorber Installation..........................................................................................38
Used Adsorber Venting and Disposal............................................................... 38
Charging or Venting.......................................................................................... 38
Charging Procedure ......................................................................................... 39
Venting Procedure to Adjust Equalization Pressure.......................................... 40
Gas Cleanup .................................................................................................... 40
Fuse Replacement ........................................................................................... 42
Heat Exchanger Cleaning................................................................................. 43
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................ 45
PARTS ........................................................................................................................ 51
Ordering............................................................................................................51
Installation Tool Kit............................................................................................51
Adapter Fittings.................................................................................................51
Cables ..............................................................................................................52
Spare Compressor Parts...................................................................................52
ILLUSTRATIONS LIST
Figure 1 Compressor Flow Diagram .............................................................. 9
Figure 2 FA-20L Compressor, Front View.................................................... 19
Figure 3 FA-20L Compressor, Dimensions...................................................19
Figure 4 Required Space for Compressor Unit .............................................24
Figure 5 Connect Mains Power Supply Cable to Mains Power Receptacle...25
Figure 6 Attach Identification Label...............................................................27
Figure 7 Connect Gas Line to Compressor or Cold Head.............................27
Figure 8 Compressor Cover Panel Removed............................................... 33
Figure 9 Disconnect Self-Sealing Coupling...................................................34
Figure 10 Disconnect Adsorber from Base..................................................... 34
Figure 11 Remove Supply Coupling Locknut..................................................35
Figure 12 Remove Adsorber.......................................................................... 35
Figure 13 Install Lock Washer on Adsorber ....................................................36
Figure 14 Install Adsorber.............................................................................. 36
Figure 15 Install Supply Coupling Washer and Lockout..................................37
Figure 16 Connect Self-Sealing Coupling ...................................................... 37
Figure 17 Leak Check Aeroquip Couplings.....................................................38
Figure 18 Fuse Holders on FA-20L Front Panel..............................................43
Figure 19 Clean Heat Exchanger....................................................................43
Figure 20 FA-20L Compressor Wiring Diagram..............................................49
Figure 21 FA-20L Compressor Wiring Schematic...........................................50
Figure 22 Adapter Fitting, 8F with Valve.........................................................51
FK P/N 280682A

SAFETY
1
GENERAL
SCAI equipment is designed to operate safely when the installation, operation and servicing are
performed in accordance with the instructions in this technical manual. For Service Center
locations, see the Service section of this manual.
SPECIAL NOTICES
Three types of special notices -- WARNINGS, CAUTIONS and NOTES are used in this
technical manual.
WARNINGS call attention to actions or conditions that can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTIONS call attention to actions or conditions that can result in damage to the equipment or
in abnormal performance.
NOTE
NOTES give important, additional information, explanations or recommendations related to the
appropriate topic or procedure.
WARNINGS and CAUTIONS, like other safety instructions, appear within rectangles in the text
where they are applicable. Because of their importance, they are summarized in this Safety
section and in the General Technical Manual, and should be read first.
NOTE
Changes to this manual since the previous issue are identified by parallel
lines (||) in the right margins.

Safety
2
WARNINGS
AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. This equipment must only be connected to a supply mains switch
with protective earth. All electrical supply equipment must meet applicable codes and be
installed by qualified personnel.
If this equipment is modified, appropriate inspection and testing must be conducted to ensure
safe use of equipment.
Disconnect the power to the compressor before troubleshooting the electrical components.
All electrical supply equipment must meet applicable codes and be installed by qualified
personnel. Permit only qualified electrical technicians to open electrical enclosures, to perform
electrical checks or to perform tests with the power supply connected and wiring exposed.
Failure to observe this warning can result in serious injury or death.
AVOID INJURY. Never use compressed helium gas from a cylinder without a proper regulator.
Overpressure can cause serious injury if the system equipment ruptures.
During operation, some surfaces under the compressor’s cover become hot. Allow the
compressor to cool for 1/2 hour after shutdown before removing the cover for maintenance.
Always wear eye protection when handling pressurized gas lines and other pressurized
equipment. Never apply heat to a pressurized gas line or other pressurized components.
Disconnect gas lines only when the compressor is stopped. Disconnecting the cold head while
it is cold can create excessively high internal pressure as the gas warms. Material failure and
uncontrolled pressure release can cause serious injury.
Use two wrenches when disconnecting a gas line coupling to avoid loosening the cold head or
compressor coupling. Gas pressure can project the coupling with enough force to cause
serious injury.
The compressor is charged with helium gas. Except when disconnecting the adsorber or the
gas lines, vent both supply and return Aeroquip couplings to atmospheric pressure before
disassembly. Uncontrolled pressure release can cause serious injury.
Always vent a gas-charged component before beginning to disassemble its couplings. Gas
pressure can launch a loose coupling with enough force to cause serious injury.
The adsorber is charged with helium gas. Follow the used adsorber venting procedure for safe
disposal of the used adsorber.
The compressor’s elapsed time meter contains a lithium battery. Do not remove the battery.
Do not recharge, disassemble, mutilate, wet or dispose of the meter in fire. Contact local
environmental authorities for proper disposal of the lithium battery.

Safety
3
CAUTIONS
PRESERVE YOUR WARRANTY. Modification to equipment without the consent of the
manufacturer will void the warranty.
Specifications require the use of 99.999% pure helium gas. Using a lesser quality of helium can
damage the system and void the warranty.
AVOID GAS LEAKS. Check the condition of the gasket face seal on the male half of each
Aeroquip coupling. Be sure the gasket face seal is in place and the sealing surfaces on both
the male and female halves are clean before connecting. Replace the gasket face seal if it is
damaged or missing.
Keep the gas line couplings aligned when making or breaking a coupling connection. Leaks can
occur due to the weight of the gas line or due to a sharp bend near the connection.
AVOID CONTAMINATION. When checking the compressor for shipping damage, do not
connect the gas lines and the cold head. The components may become contaminated with
compressor oil.
Follow the charging or venting procedures to prevent reversed flow of system gas. Do not
charge through the supply coupling. Do not vent through the return coupling. Reversed flow
can contaminate the system with compressor oil.
Do not attempt to repair a leaking coupling on an adsorber in the field. Consult a Service
Center. Venting the adsorber will introduce contaminants to the system, which cannot be
removed in the field.
PREVENT EQUIPMENT DAMAGE. Damage to gas lines can result from crimping by repeated
bending and repositioning.
Use properly rated commercial equipment for lifting or moving the compressor. Make sure
compressor is held in a balanced and stable position. Follow all applicable safety procedures
for overhead material transport.
Never pull a vacuum on the compressor or cold head. The motors will short circuit if started.
AVOID A MALFUNCTION. Repeatedly charging the system with helium gas rather than
locating and repairing gas leaks can cause a malfunction. Impurities are introduced at an
abnormal rate and can freeze in the cold head.
Do not allow air to get into the helium gas refrigerant of the system. Moisture from the
atmosphere can seriously degrade cold head performance
AVOID EQUIPMENT FAILURE, CONTAMINATION OR A NUISANCE SHUTDOWN. Do not
tip the compressor greater than 5 degrees from horizontal, to avoid flowing oil into unwanted
places.
Use SHIG adsorber P/N F300138A only. Use of non-SHIG spare parts will void the warranty.

4
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SERVICE
5
U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America, Inc.
1833 Vultee Street
Allentown, PA 18103-4783
Sales and Parts
TEL: [phone]
or
[phone]
FAX: [phone]
Service
TEL: [phone]
or
TEL: [phone]
SERVICE CENTERS
Central
U.S.A Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America, Inc. 150 Innovation Dr., Suite #C
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Europe Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of Europe, Ltd.
3 Hamilton Close
Houndmills Industrial Estate
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG21 6YT
United Kingdom
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of Europe, GmbH
Daimlerweg 5a
D-64293 Darmstadt
Germany
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Asia Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Service Section
Cryogenics Division
2-1-1 Yato-Cho Nishitokyo-City
Tokyo 188-8585
Japan
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics Korea, Co., Ltd.
3F, 280-3, Saneop-ro
155beon-gil, Gweonseon-Gu
Suwon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do
South Korea
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics Shanghai, Ltd.
Building 15, Lane 333
Zhujian Road, Minhang District
Shanghai 201107
People’s Republic of China
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics Taiwan Co., Ltd.
4th Floor, No.3
Lane 216, Gongyuan Rd.
Hsinchu City 300
Taiwan ROC
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

6
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INTRODUCTION
7
Helium Compressor, Model FA-20L
The compressor is designed to deliver high-pressure, oil-free, helium gas to cryogenic
refrigerators. Cold head cables are used with the compressor to supply electrical power to cold
heads. Self-sealing gas couplings allow for easy connection to and disconnection from the rest
of the closed-cycle cryogenic refrigeration system.
The information in this manual pertains only to the FA-20L (low voltage model) Compressor.
Other components used to form an operating system are described in separate technical
manuals.
Pressures are stated as gauge, not absolute. Pressure units are bar and pounds per square
inch (psig). For reference: 1 bar = 14.5 psig.
1 MPa = 10 bar
Definition of Symbols used in this manual and on equipment:

8
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PRINCIPLES of OPERATION
9
Figure 1 Compressor Flow Diagram
Key
TSG Helium discharge temperature switch
ARV Atmospheric relief valve
IRV Internal relief valve
SV Solenoid valve
PG Pressure gauge
The compressor continuously draws low-pressure helium from the system return line. It
compresses, cools and cleans the gas, then delivers it through the system gas supply line to the
cold head. See Figure 1.

Principles of Operation
10
When helium gas leaves the compressor capsule, the gas contains heat and compressor
lubricant. Both must be removed. From the compressor capsule, the hot gas with its entrained
oil flows out of the shell and through the bulk oil separator. The gas next flows through one
circuit of a two-circuit, air-cooled, heat exchanger, where it is cooled. Next, the gas passes
through the final oil separator and the adsorber for oil and moisture removal. From the adsorber,
the high-pressure helium gas flows to the cold head through the gas lines.
Through the system gas return line, low-pressure gas from the cold head flows into the
compressor.
A gas line containing an internal relief valve (IRV) connects the high-pressure line to the low-
pressure line. The relief valve will open to prevent overloading the motor when the system gas
lines are not connected to the compressor.
Oil is separated from the gas in three stages. The first stage is by gravity when the gas passes
through the bulk oil separator. The second stage is in the final oil separator whose element
collects oil mist from the gas; oil is agglomerated and returned to the compressor. The third
stage is the adsorber that removes any remaining oil the gas is carrying.
Oil collected in the oil separators flows back to the compressor capsule through capillary tubes
and orifices. The differential gas pressure across the system is the moving force, and the
restriction size limits the amount of gas bypassed. The small amount of oil collected in the
adsorber remains there and is removed only by replacing the adsorber.
Before being returned to the compressor capsule, the oil separated in the bulk oil separator
flows through the heat exchanger where it is cooled. It is then injected into the low pressure
side of the compressor capsule to adsorb heat and lubricate the compressor capsule.

Description
11
Components
50/60 Hz Toggle Switch - This switch on the front electrical panel is used to select different
phasing circuits for RDK-101D cold head operations at 50 or 60 Hz.
Accessory Receptacle and optional Remote ON/OFF cable - The accessory receptacle on
the front electrical panel is a 4-socket connector for supplying remote ON/OFF capability. The
remote ON/OFF cable is available as an option.
Adsorber - The adsorber removes any oil and moisture the gas is carrying which did not drop
out in the separator. The adsorber has a finite life and must be replaced at regular intervals.
Atmosphere Relief Valve [ARV] – The pressure relief valve prevents the compressor from
operating at an unsafe pressure by venting to the atmosphere.
Bulk Oil Separator - Removes much of the entrained oil from the gas stream. This unit needs
no servicing or replacement.
Circuit Breaker – A 20 A circuit breaker is mounted on the front electrical panel. This device
provides a means to disconnect the mains power supply and protects the compressor from
electrical overload.
Cold Head Receptacle - A 28-socket receptacle on the front electrical panel and a cold cable
supplies electrical power from the compressor to the cold head. The compressor can be
supplied with cables for operating CH Series or RDK-101D cold heads.
Compressor Capsule - Helium, scroll compressor with a hermetically sealed motor.
Compressor High Temperature Motor Protector Switch - Located inside the compressor
motor, the switch senses compressor motor temperature and stops the motor if the temperature
is too high. The switch resets after cool down.
Elapsed Time Meter - Located on the front electrical panel, the ETM has a battery-operated
LCD digital display that shows the compressor's cumulative running time in hours.
AVOID INJURY. The compressor’s elapsed time meter contains a lithium
battery. Do not remove the battery. Do not recharge, disassemble, mutilate, wet
or dispose of the meter in fire. Contact local environmental authorities for proper
disposal of the lithium battery.
Electrical Chassis - The electrical box contains electrical components and connections and
distributes power to all system circuits.
Fan – Moves air through the heat exchanger to helium and oil.
Final Oil Separator - Removes most of the remaining entrained oil from the gas stream. This
unit needs no servicing or replacement.
Fuses – Four (4) time delay, 5 x 20 mm fuses, located on the compressor front electrical panel,
protect the control circuit and the cold head supply circuit.

Description
12
Gas Equalization Solenoid Valve – This solenoid valve opens when the compressor shuts
down, allowing helium gas pressure to equalize and prevent oil from moving into low pressure
side of compressor.
Gas Supply and Return Couplings - Located on the compressor front electrical panel, both
are self-sealing, size #8, male bulkhead couplings and are the points of connection for system
gas lines.
Heat Exchanger - Uses an air-cooled HX to cool the high-pressure helium refrigerant and the
compressor’s lubricating oil.
Helium Charge Coupling - A size 4, male (4M) coupling located on the front of the compressor
is used for charging or venting helium gas refrigerant.
Helium Discharge High Temperature Switch [TSG] – Senses helium discharge gas
temperature and shuts the compressor off if the temperature of the high-pressure helium from
the compressor is too high.
Internal Relief Valve [IRV] - The internal relief valve opens to allow the compressor to be
operated in the stand-alone mode or when the system gas lines are disconnected, to avoid
overloading the motor.
Mains Power Receptacle - A screw-mounted rectangular connector located on the front
electrical panel and optional mains power supply cables, provide mains power supply to the
compressor.
Oil Capillary - The capillary returns oil collected in the oil separator sump to the compressor for
recycling.
Oil Filter - Filters in the oil lines protect the oil return capillary and the orifices.
Oil Injection Orifices - These orifices are installed in the oil return lines and control the flow
rate of oil returned to the compressor.
ON/OFF Switch – Located on front electrical panel, switch is local control for starting and
stopping compressor.
Pressure Gauge - Indicates gas pressure in the supply line. When the compressor is not
running, the gauge located on the compressor’s front panel shows the equalization pressure.

SPECIFICATIONS
13
FA-20L Compressor
There are two electrical voltage variations:
Compressor P/N Mains Voltage
280504D18N 208-230 VAC +/- 10%, V~ 60 Hz and
200 VAC +/
-
10%, V~ 50 Hz
280504D27N 220 - 240 VAC +/- 10%, V~ 50 Hz
265 VAC +/
-
10%, V ~ 60 Hz
Electrical Characteristics
Service required: 2 poles, 3 wires (single phase plus protective ground.)
Mains Power Receptacle: Heavy Duty Power Connector, HAN I0E, Harting 09330102602
Power Consumption
Variation Frequency
[Hz]
Voltage Operation
[kW]
Compressor
RLA [A]
Compressor
LRA
[A]
MCA
[A]
MOP
[A]
18N 60 220 2.6 12.0 56 15.0 30.0
50
200
2.4
12
.0
15.0
30.0
27N 50 230 2.25 10.0 43-47 13.0 25.0
60
265
2.4
10.0
13.0
25.0
RLA = rated load current MCA = minimum circuit ampacity
LRA = locked rotor amps MOP = maximum overcurrent protection
Mains Power Supply Cable: 12 AWG, 3 conductor, 300V cordage with Phoenix connector and
NEMA L6-20P (2 pole, 3 wire, 20A, 250 V~) locking plug, P/N 280112C10
Circuit Protection:
Input: 20A, 250V circuit breaker
Control Circuit: (2) FU1 & FU2, 1.0A Slo Blo, 5 x 20 m fuses
Cold Head Valve Motor Circuit: (2) FU3 & FU4, 1.0A Slo Blo, 5 x 20 mm fuses
All fuses are located on front control panel
Class 1: Grounded equipment
Ingress Protection: IP2X
See Compressor wiring diagrams, Figures 20 and 21

Specifications
14
Compressor Control
ON and OFF switch with run light for local operation of compressor and cold head.
Remote Start/Stop capability (using optional accessory cable, P/N 280368B20).
Automatic restart upon restoration of power after power interruption.
Automatic shutoff for the following system faults. Operator correction is required before
restart.
High helium gas discharge temperature [TSG] when > 93° C (200° F)
High compressor motor windings temperature.
FA-20L P/N Switch Opens Switch Resets
280504D18N 145° C
(293° F)
69-87° C
(156
-
189° F)
280504D27N 120° C
(248° F)
52-70° C
(126
-
158° F)
Open control circuit/valve motor fuse(s)
Front Panel Connections (See Figure 2.)
Helium gas connections: size 8, male (8M) couplings, high-pressure supply (red) and
low-pressure return (green).
Helium fill port: size 4, male (4M) coupling.
Cold head receptacle: Amp CPC 17-28 socket
Mains power receptacle: Heavy Duty Power Connector, HAN E 10, Harting
09330102602
Accessory receptacle: Amp CPC 11-4 socket
Front Panel Mounted Items (See Figure 2.)
Supply pressure gauge (0-600 psig, 0-40 bar, 0-4000 kPa)
Main power circuit breaker (set at 20 A)
ON/OFF rocker switch with run light
Fuses
Elapsed time meter (ETM)
50/60 Hz Toggle switch (for operation with RDK-101D cold head only)
Environmental Requirements
Operating Storage
Ambient Temperature 4° C to 40° C
(40° F to 104° F)
-20° C to 65° C
(
-
4
° F to
150
° F)
Relative Humidity 20% to 80%
(non
-
condensing)
10% to 90%
(non
-
condensing)
Atmospheric Pressure 70 kPa to 106 kPa 20 kPa to 106 kPa
Magnetic Field Limits
≤
1
50 Gauss
NOTE
Operating the equipment out of specifications may void the warranty.

Specifications
15
Mounting Position
Compressor must be mounted base down and level within 5 degrees of horizontal.
Heat Rejection to Room
60 Hz 2.75 kW
50 Hz
2.35 k
W
Helium Gas Pressures
Application Flex Gas Line Equalization Pressure
at 20° C (68° F)
RDK-101D Cold Head, 50/60 Hz ؽ ” x 3m-20m (10ft – 65ft)
①
210 psig
CH-104 Cold Head, 50/60 Hz ؽ ” x 3m-20m (10ft – 65ft) ② 240 psig
CH-202 Cold Head, 50/60 Hz ؽ ” x 3m-20m (10ft – 65ft) ② 230 psig
CH-204 Cold Head, 50/60 Hz ؽ ” x 3m-20m (10ft – 65ft) ② 240 psig
CH-204-N Cold Head, 50/60 Hz ؽ ” x 3m-20m (10ft – 65ft) ② 240 psig
① Recommended flex gas line is P/N 268112Bxxx (has #4F couplings at one end)
② Recommended flex gas line is P/N 263058Bxxx
Mass of helium refrigerant in compressor at 1.65 MPa (240 psig): 34g (0.07 lbs.)
Refrigerant Quality
Required refrigerant for charging is 99.999% pure helium gas with a dew point temperature less
than -60° C (-76° F) at 20.7 bar (300 psig).
PRESERVE YOUR WARRANTY. Specifications require the use of 99.999%
pure helium gas. Using a lesser quality of helium can damage the system and
void the warranty.
Color Codes
The compressor helium connections are color-coded to match color labels provided with the gas
lines.
SUPPLY (red) - Helium high-pressure gas supply from the compressor to the cold head.
RETURN (green) - Helium low-pressure gas return to the compressor from the cold head.
Required Spacing for Airflow
See Figure 4
Optional Spacing
Allow 600 mm (24") space in front of the compressor for access to electrical and gas
connections. Allow 600 mm (24") space on the left side (when facing the front) of the
compressor for maintenance of the adsorber.

Specifications
16
Maintenance Intervals
Compressor adsorber: 30,000 operating hours
Noise Level
< 70 dB(A) at 1m
Dimensions
See Figure 3.
Weight (approximate)
Compressor: 101 kg (222 pounds)
General Operating Conditions
Normal pressure and temperature data are listed above. User should record monthly the
operating conditions in a logbook. Keep this record of data for reference and later comparisons.
Supplier Name and Address
Sumitomo (SHI) Cryogenics of America, Inc.
1833 Vultee Street
Allentown, PA 18103-4783
U.S.A.
[phone]
NOTE
SHIG will provide circuit diagrams, component part lists, descriptions and
calibration instructions to assist qualified service personnel in parts repair
.
Product End of Life Instructions
1. Depressurize helium refrigerant gas to atmospheric pressure.
2. Drain oil.
3. Dispose used equipment in accordance with local laws and requirements.