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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

DIY Liquid nitrogen for about $500!

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Jan 13, 2010
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Hello guys!

So for the longest time I've always wanted to play with liquid nitrogen. With no access to any labs, welding shops ect which might sell me some, I looked into alternative solutions.

MarioMaster told me that there was a guy selling these little tiny cryogenic coolers on another forum a WHILE back for about $500 USD. I don't believe they came with drivers/psu's so the price was a stretch plus these were very tiny and wouldn't produce much. To top it all off they weren't available anymore.

So I started doing some research online which led me to finding some pretty large cryogenic cooler heads that required 220, were helium cooled and needed a special helium compressor. So this wasn't ideal since it would be far too bulky and expensive for my needs.

Next I came across a blog from a guy named Ben Krasnow. Many of you probably have seen his videos on youtube. His channel is now named Applied Science. If you have not seen his videos, I suggest you check them out even if you aren't interested in technical stuff. This guy is brilliant. Not much else to say. His channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCivA7_KLKWo43tFcCkFvydw

Now the blog for these type of Cryocoolers can be located here - Ben Krasnow: DIY liquid nitrogen generator This blog was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I suggest if you're interested in getting into this sort of thing, read it.

Finding a cryogenic cooler like the one I'm using isn't easy. Especially if you don't have $500 to spend. I spent a little less but these things are getting hard to find.

What you want to look for are "Superconductor technologies Superfilters" on ebay. These are filters for some sort of RF application. I don't know the exact specifics. I'll post a few links at the bottom for you guys to shop. (EXPECT TO PAY AT LEAST $500!)

Once you get yours, you'll need the following to get running:

* A 0-110V Variac/Autotransformer (I recommend if buying a variac, you get one rated for 1.5KW of power which is 0-110V @ 15A) is helpful but you can probably use the control board. The problem with the control board that comes with the unit is they use 28VDC. So you'll need some sort of meanwell power supply rated for a few amps. The CRYO heads are rated for 100W so you'll want a meanwell power supply that runs at about 5A or better if using the control board. (BE SURE TO TEST YOUR COOLER'S INPUT VOLTAGE! THERE ARE DIFFERENT MODELS AND SOME USE DIFFERENT INPUT VOLTAGES! Mine wants about 17VAC before it will start producing liquid nitrogen which takes about 11A of current. MarioMaster's runs on 110VAC at a few amps.!

* A multimeter (Always useful)

* A housing for your newfound cryogenic head.

* A dewar or vacuum flask for nitrogen collection. Thermo's are the cheapestoption, It's what I use.

* A 24VDC power supply for the cryogenic cooler head.

So with all that said, You should be all set for making liquid nitrogen! Photos and pictures below! Let me know if there is anything you guys would like to see or know.

Here is a picture of the cryogenic cooler without the fan shroud. (You'll want to keep that shroud if yours comes with it to help pull the air over the head and keep it running cool)

20130625_165229_zpsd9d1d150.jpg


Here is a photo of my setup. I've since replace my Variac with a larger one because it was too small to handle the current draw. (I'm running my Cryognic cooler at around 200W which far exceeds the ratings. I do NOT suggest running yours at this range!)

20130627_181932_zps29b80188.jpg


If there is enough interest I'll add video.
Jeff
 
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Here are some links to some units that should have working Cryogenic coolers in them. There could be other models that contain small Cryo heads but I don't know for sure.

Please note, thhere were about 20 of these for sale last year, then they were gone! They have recently popped up within the past month. I suggest if you're interested and have the cash, jump on these while they're available as I don't know when and if they will pop back up again in large quantities. There have been some other sellers but their prices were >$800 and usually didn't include free shipping.

This is the same model I bought.
850A2RV20 Superconductor Tech Cryocooler Superfilter Omni Var Gain Option Bypass | eBay

850A2RR23 Superconductor Tech Cryocooler Superfilter Omni Var Gain Option Bypass | eBay

850A2RB Superconductor Tech Cryocooler Superfilter Omni Var Gain Option Bypass | eBay
 
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Very nice! There's a thread on 4HV called "fractional distillation of air" where a brilliant user completely DIYed a LN2 and LO2 condenser.
 
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@Sig, I'll have to have a read up on that thread. Though I just bought this to toy around with. I have no intention in doing anything useful with it.
 
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Perfect. I've wanted to do some LN2 work for a bit now. Mostly because I want to supercool myself an orange laser.

Now to find other reasons to justify $500...

Thanks for the references Jeff!

P.S. - I am working on your Omni 150 situation. I'll PM you if I find anything.
 

ru124t

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Overclock my computer to the ultimate! As well as oc my videocards and ram! moo ha ha ha!
 
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Overclock my computer to the ultimate! As well as oc my videocards and ram! moo ha ha ha!

please tell me you're not serious? few of those computers last very long due to thermal shock....and it throws the timings off as well generally, it works....but its not a good idea.
 

ru124t

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I spent 3 grand plus on this! I would never harm my baby! Maybe my old computer though!
 
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yeah its admittedly fun to experiment with old equipment, but I definitely wouldn't do it to anything new. It royally jacks up the circuits fast.
 
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Nice find , would love one of these cryocoolers , but 500USD to ship to the UK :/ .

I remember when I got the first i3 series on the LGA1156 socket to overclock , 5Ghz @ -12 C , Liquid nitrogen would have been fun xD
 
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