Heat Leak Measurement Facility

Heat leak measurements of superconducting magnet suspension systems, and multi-layer insulation (MLI) systems are important for the optimum design of magnet cryostats. For this purpose, a versatile cryogenic test facility was developed having a functional end in which test components of differing geometrical configurations could be installed and evaluated.This paper details the test facility design and operating parameters. Experimental results of heat leak measurements to 4.5 K obtained on a post type support system having heat intercepts at 10 K and 80 K are presented. Included are measurements obtained while operating the 10 K intercept at temperatures above 10 K, i.e., in the 10–40 K range. Also reported is a description of the test facility conversion for a heat load study of several MLI systems with variations of MLI installation technique. The results of the first MLI system tested are presented.