Sino-French Cryogenic-based Joint Venture Set up on Science Island

A joint venture with an aim to independently develop, manufacture and sell integrated and cost-competitive helium cryogenic systems and offer related services, was set up on Science Island, Hefei.

A signing ceremony was held on January 8 on which their joint venture contract was signed in the presence of a group of top managers of both the two parts, Hefei Institutes of Physical science (or HFIPS) and Air Liquide Advanced Technologies (ALAT).

Under the contract, the two sides have reached a consensus that they will collaborate on technology research, technology transfer, technology consulting and technical services in the field of new energy, as well as the building of helium cryogenic plants and sales of ancillary equipment.

The efforts can be traced back to three years ago when, initiated by French Atomic and Alternative Energy Commission (CEA), Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP), HFIPS started talk with Air Liquide on Technology Day of cryogenics and magnetism in Fusion.

"These two pillars of world scientists and technology could only eventually meet each other,” said Alain Becoulet, the head of ITER engineering domain excitedly who joined the ceremony on line as a long-term ASIPP partner. “The new joint venture, will surely be a win-win for both ASIPP and Air Liquid."

The joint venture is not only a product of long time “deep and diverse cooperation between the two countries”, but also a reflection that “science and technology cooperation could boost economic growth”. According to SONG Yuntao, Vice president of HFIPS, highlighted in his speech on the signing ceremony.

"We are delighted to cooperate with Hefei Institutes of Physical Science to promote the localized production and application of helium refrigeration systems and jointly contribute to the evolution of Big Science," commented Nicolas Poirot, President & CEO of Air Liquide China, “Air Liquide will continue to integrate global resources and technologies, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with local enterprises and research institutions, and actively participate in the open innovation and economic and social development of Anhui Province and Hefei.”

Established in 1994, the Cryogenic Technical Division of HFIPS is based on the cryogenic Team of the Technique Centre and mainly responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the 2kW@4.5K large-scale helium cryogenic system for EAST. They focus on cryogenic engineering and technology and now is undertaking the design and construction of the cryogenic system for Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT).

  
As a world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen embody Air Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the company’s activities since its creation in 1902. In the past decades, Air Liquide has been strengthening its expertise in extreme cryogenics.

Petra  Pechova, GM of Air Liquide Advanced Technologies China shakes hands with SONG Yuntao, Vice President of HFIPS (Image by CAI Qimin)

A cryogenic-based joint venture was set up on science island, Hefei, Anhui province (Image by CAI Qimin)