Our story

John Graham has worked in the cryogenics sector for over 35 years both in research and industrial applications.

Severed as an engineering apprentice at Oxford University, specialising in cryogenic applications and affiliated to the in-house Helium and Nitrogen production facilities. Moving into industry working for Cryophysics Ltd primarily to design a range of cryostats for sale around Europe but with a secondary role providing technical support for Helium liquefiers manufactured by Process Systems International Inc, later to become part of the Linde Group.

During this time, he had shared responsibility for the installation of three industrial superconducting magnets used for mineral separation, each magnet having a dedicated Helium refrigerator.

Since 2002 he has run his own company, initially to take over direct responsibility for running and maintaining industrial mineral separation magnets but also to provide technical services both in design and maintenance for Helium liquefaction and gas recovery systems. Projects include work for both industry and research establishments in the UK and around the world.

John Graham is an active member of the UK CryoUsers group (now affiliated to the British Cryogenics Council). Created in 1994, CryoUsers is a group dedicated to bringing together operators and users of cryogenic Helium, Nitrogen and Oxygen systems. He currently occupies the role of Secretary and is Co-organiser of the Biennial CryoUsers conference.

Leeds University

Part 1. From 2016 - To assess feasibility of relocating the existing Helium Liquefier and Helium recovery equipment to the new Physics building.
Part 2. From 2018 - Design Helium recovery system for the new Physics building also capable of recovering Helium from external departments. Prepare technical specifications for a formal tender and be part of the panel to assess tender returns and advise on awarding supply contracts.
Part 3. From 20019 Specify criteria for a new Helium Liquefier and prepare technical documents for a formal tender process. Part of panel to assess tender returns and advise on awarding supply contracts.
Part 4. From 2022 Currently formally in the role of Principle Designer for CDM regulations overseeing the safe installation of the new Helium Liquefier and recovery plant in Physics. Completion April 2023.
Imerys Minerals

Technical support and maintenance/commissioning services for High Intensity Magnetic Separation (HIMS) systems used for removing iron from kaolin – system included three Helium refrigerators and three superconducting magnets.
Technical Services provided since 1994 when I was involved with the installation of the first Helium liquefier. In total I have installed three Helium liquefiers and later decommissioned two when they reached the end of their operational life.
Recent projects include:
– On-site rebuild of 84” bore 3 Tesla magnet to replace G10 support ring
– Capture of Helium gas and transport to alternative site for re-liquefaction.
– Design of external liquid nitrogen cooled Helium purifier (in conjunction with Kelvin International)
– Report into the feasibility of replacing/upgrading the remaining Helium liquefier.
Deep See Recovery

Part of a joint commercial and grant funded project that included Southampton University to provide proof of concept for remote controllable subsea buoyancy systems using Liquid Nitrogen as the stored buoyancy medium. First stage of concept successfully levitated 11000kg load below surface using the controlled vaporisation of liquid Nitrogen to maintain depth.
Kelvin International Inc

KIC manufacture Nitrogen and Oxygen systems and Helium purifiers primarily for military applications and clean room environments. Primary role is to provide technical design and project management services as and when required.
Most notable projects I have provided services for are:
– NAVAIR (US Naval Air Force) - High pressure Oxygen systems
– Pharmaceutical – Self contained production of LN2 and LOX
– Sample environment testing – Helium leak testing system at low temperature
Diamond Light Source and ISIS

The design and operation of site wide Helium recovery systems including the transfer of Helium gas between DLS and ISIS facilities. Identification and qualification of suitable equipment and service providers to affect the installation and operation of the system.
Clarendon Laboratory

Assessment of the efficiency of the Helium liquefier withing the Clarendon Laboratory. Including study into the efficiency of the Helium gas recovery network throughout the Oxford University science area.
Creation of tender specifications for the upgrade of the Helium liquefier and recovery facilities.
On-going regular technical support for the Cryogenics group including assistance with the Linde TCF20 Helium plant.
STFC – RAL Logistics

Technical support for the logistics team inspecting and maintaining site wide Liquid Nitrogen distribution equipment including maintenance of Written scheme of Examination procedures for compliance with PSSR regulations.
STFC – RAL ISIS Facility

Study into maintenance procedures for the operation and up-keep of the Helium liquefier located in the ISIS facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Principle aims to improve efficiency and Helium recovery rates. Written scheme of examination and maintenance procedure created and implemented for Helium liquefier and medium/high pressure gas handling system.
Vorbuchner GmbH

Vorbuchner is a relative newcomer to the business of manufacturing Helium Liquefiers but in a very short space of time have demonstrated their ability both in design and implantation of medium sized Helium liquefiers and recovery systems.
Having identified Vorbuchner as a very credible designer and manufacture of Helium liquefier plants I am collaborating with Vorbuchner on the installation of a new 35 litres.