Your country is not included? Please visit our global website Language Ultra-Clean Gas Mixtures for CERN’s LHC Experiments Why a world-leading nuclear research center relies on KNF diaphragm pumps For millennia humankind has been fascinated by the universe. Some of the most spectacular discoveries on the composition of the universe have come from particle detectors at CERN. The pumps that circulate specific gas mixtures through these particle detectors must be highly reliable and safeguard the gases from contamination. For decades, CERN has relied on KNF diaphragm pumps to meet these strict requirements. CERN – Researching the Nature of the Universe Buried deep underground, partly in Switzerland, partly in France, various circular and linear particle accelerators are used for experiments that have already brought several groundbreaking achievements, such as the discovery of the Higgs boson and the isolation of antimatter in the form of antihydrogen. LHC – Gaining Deeper Insights Into Matter When charged high-energy particles crash past noble-gas molecules, they leave a trail of ionization in their wake. These tiny signals can be amplified using electric fields and then measured electronically to reveal particle tracks with a high level of precision. From the results of these experiments, CERN scientists gain deeper insights into the structure of matter. Many Gases Involved in CERN A correct and stable gas mixture composition is key to the reliable operation of the LHC experiments. Gas mixtures for these particle detectors are composed of noble gases such as argon, xenon, helium, and other gases like tetrafluoromethane, tetrafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, isobutane, and carbonic dioxide. Furthering Higgs Boson Research The four main particle detectors at CERN are known as A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE), ATLAS, Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), and Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb). The CMS detector, where KNF diaphragm pumps are used to purify and circulate the specific gas mixtures, is 21 meters (68.9 feet) long, 15 meters (49.2 feet) wide, 15 meters (49.2 feet) high, and weighs 14,000 metric tons. Constructed in 15 sections, it is located in a hall 100 meters (328 feet) underground near Cessy, France. The CMS experiments are primarily aimed at advancing research into the Higgs boson, which was detected at CERN in July 2012. Gas Recirculation and Recuperation CERN’s EP-DT Gas Team is developing gas recuperation systems for the large experiment in addition to the already used gas recirculation systems. They are also developing a compact and flexible gas recirculation system for laboratory applications to eliminate any gaseous emissions from the detector activities. Recirculating and recuperating the gas mixtures also reduces CERN’s operating costs. CERN uses a multitude of gas mixtures that are composed of noble gases such as argon, xenon, helium, and other gases such as tetrafluoromethane, tetrafluoroethane, sulfur hexafluoride, isobutane, and carbonic dioxide. Why KNF Diaphragm Pumps? A third pump serves as a backup in case of any failure during an experiment. Since detector gas mixtures must be free of contamination and have unimpaired circulation, KNF process pumps have proven to be the ideal solution due to their cleanliness, gas-tightness, and reliability. Specially Customized Pumps for CERN The pumps in current use at CERN are the result of close collaboration and high level of customization. Based on a KNF N 0150, the pumps are equipped with the pump head geometry of a KNF N 1200. “Particle detectors are extremely sensitive to the presence of impurities in concentrations even below the ppm level. KNF pumps were tested, and they ensure this requirement is met.” Roberto Guido, Project Leader, EP-DT Gas Team The choice for KNF diaphragm pumps was made due to their outstanding cleanliness, gas-tightness, reliability and the ability to be customized to CERN's requirements. Get in Touch To Get Your Customized Pump Solution! Decades of expertise gained in successful collaboration with world leaders in a broad range of areas enable KNF to understand and deliver the products required for cutting-edge applications. Our KNF experts will be glad to answer any questions you have about your specific application and explain how you can benefit from KNF solutions. Do you want to find out more about our customized pump solutions and service opportunities? Get in touch with our local sales representatives.