Current Gas Systems

Gas Systems for the LHC experiments

The gas systems extend from the surface building where the primary gas supply point is located to the service balcony on the experiment following a route few hundred meters long.

The primary gas supply point is located in the surface building (SG). However, a typical gas system is distributed over three levels (Fig. 1 shows the typical layout of a closed-loop gas system): the surface room (SG), the underground service room (UGC) and the experimental cavern (UXC). The final gas distribution system to the detectors is located in UXC, where also the experiment is installed.

Given the large detector volume and the use of relatively expensive gas components, for technical and economical reason most of the systems are operated in closed loop gas circulation with a recirculation fraction higher than 90-95 %.