AMPO POYAM VALVES HAS DELIVERED HIGHLY ENGINEERED CRYOGENIC CONTROL AND ON-OFF ANGLE VALVES DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT 2K (-271,15ºC) FOR CHINA’S CIADS PROJECT

AMPO POYAM VALVES, a worldwide leader in cryogenic valve solutions since 1964, continues to strengthen its position in highly demanding cryogenic applications with the successful completion of a new project linked to the Testing Bench of the China Initiative Accelerator Driven System (CIADS)—a pioneering initiative led by the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The CIADS project is currently developing a 10 MWth prototype facility in Guangdong (China), aimed at demonstrating high-power coupled transmutation technology. The installation includes several key test platforms, such as a 500 MeV superconducting linear accelerator (sc-Linac), a high-power lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) target test facility, and a subcritical reactor core test assembly designed to reach a 2.5 MW beam-target coupling.

Within this context, AMPO POYAM VALVES has successfully delivered a total of 15 highly engineered cryogenic control and on-off angle valves. These valves have been installed in a dedicated test bench operating under extreme conditions, specifically at cryogenic temperatures of 2 K (-271,15ºC) using liquid helium. Their main function is to precisely control flow under these challenging parameters.

Engineered for the most severe conditions

The technical requirements of this project place it among the most demanding applications AMPO has faced. The valves have been designed to operate reliably in a combined cryogenic and vacuum environment, where exceptionally low leak rates are critical—not only under pressure but also under vacuum conditions. In addition, the valves will be exposed to radiation, which introduces further complexity. To ensure performance and durability, AMPO has incorporated special sealing materials and a remote positioning system, as conventional electronics cannot operate under such conditions.

Another key feature is their extremely small size: with a DN2 passage diameter, these valves represent the smallest ever manufactured by AMPO, marking a significant milestone in the company’s engineering capabilities.

Advanced engineering

As is common in this type of control valve applications, the customer defines the process conditions, while the valve manufacturer is responsible for determining the optimal valve sizing. In this project, AMPO has leveraged its advanced engineering tools, including cutting-edge sizing software, to ensure precise and reliable performance.

Driving complex projects and making a new energy era possible

The project has also been supported by AMPO Service and AMPO’s local team in China, who participated in the installation phase in October, contributing their expertise to ensure the successful integration of the valves into the test bench.

This collaboration highlights AMPO’s capability to successfully tackle highly complex and demanding projects, pushing the boundaries of valve engineering in extreme environments. Expertise developed in applications involving liquid helium at temperatures as low as 2 K demonstrates a deep understanding of cryogenic performance under the most challenging conditions.

This know-how is directly transferable to emerging energy applications, including hydrogen, where similar challenges in terms of temperature, tightness, and reliability must be addressed. By mastering these extreme conditions, AMPO reinforces its role in enabling new energy solutions and actively contributing to the energy transition—making a new energy era possible.