The challenge
The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility uses a nitrogen-blanketed, 5,000-cubic-foot enclosure to capture residual beam energy. The original vent system allowed outside air to back-draft into the enclosure, causing oxygen levels to rise above acceptable thresholds.
The 360 solution
A 360 Siphon Vent Cap was installed and related sealing work was completed to improve draw through the vent stack.
Documented outcome
The facility observed a major improvement in airflow and purge effectiveness. Follow-up measurements found significantly higher flow and an oxygen reading at the lower limit of the meter.
“Gents, Last week, after the electricians sealed up the electrical box on the N2 pump and facilities installed the new vent cap on the stack, I made a couple measurements at the dump vent stack for flow and O2. The flow was significantly higher than it had been in the past (there was a mild breeze blowing, and the effect of the gusts of wind could clearly be seen, drawing the gas up the vertical stack). The manufacturer of the cap says that even a 1 mph wind will establish a positive draw and the measurement confirmed that. The O2 level is at the lower limit of what the meter could read (essentially 0% oxygen). This is a great improvement, and indicates that we are getting an effective purge (better than the design goal). I want to confirm this with a measurement from inside the hall. Thanks to everyone for your support.”
Supporting proof
Documents and related resources
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