Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) organized an online guest lecture titled “Cryogenic Refrigeration Cycles for the Liquefaction of Gases” on May 15, 2021. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. K.V. Srinivasan, Low Temperature Facility, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. The session commenced with the novel and inspiring words from Dr. Adarsha H, HOD – Department of Mechanical Engineering, FET, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). The event organizer, Dr. Beemkumar N introduced the speaker to the audience.

The presentation started with the introduction of the basics of cryogenics and then enumerated and explained cryogenic properties such as superconductivity and superfluidity that occur only at cryogenic temperatures. Also, the essential techniques to obtain cryogenic temperatures, the methods of production, and storage were discussed. After that, the preliminary introduction of the thermodynamic process utilized in reducing the temperature of gases, and various methods adapted in the liquefaction of gases were discussed. The presentation also focused on the industrial cryogenic plants associated with the liquefaction of nitrogen gas and helium gas using the Stirling cycle and Claude cycle. The presentation covered the techniques of achieving ultra-low temperatures (below liquid helium temperature, 4.2 K) along with a glimpse of various applications of cryogenics such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in medical diagnostics, cryosurgery, cryo-treatment of materials, cryogenic engines for rockets, etc. The talk shed some light on the research of the application of cryogenics carried out in TIFR and the cryogenic set-ups in various laboratories. The objective of the lecture was to introduce students to the various cryogenic cycles followed in the industry to obtain a low-temperature facility.

Dr. Beemkumar N thanked the speaker and concluded the session. Dr. K.V. Srinivasan also thanked the department and expressed his openness for future collaborations. The event also included a feedback session for the participants, and the responses were mostly positive.