MRI Quench Vents

EMERGENCY EXHAUST SOLUTIONS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) MACHINES
MRI machines use liquid helium to keep the magnets cool. During an emergency shut down, the magnets heat up and cause the liquid helium to boil. The expanding gas erupts from the system and into the quench vent where it barrels through the pipe to the exterior discharge point.
The Quench Vent system must be capable of venting the large volume of gas (generated at the approximated expansion ratio of 1:700 as it changes from liquid to gas) and the drastic shift in temperature from that of liquid helium (-452.2 °F) to ambient within seconds. The exhaust system is critical for the safe operation of the magnet.
The Quench vent exhaust assembly must be non-magnetic stainless steel, such as type 304. Stainless steel bellows or flexible sections are provided according to specifications to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction. The weight of the vent system must be supported to the building. Support guides maintain proper alignment of the system during thermal expansion and contraction.
Jeremias will provide calculations that meet all requirements for the design and pressure drop according to the specifications provide