AMMRL: Bruker cryoprobe annual service (summary of responses)

From: Todd Rappe <rapp0006_at_umn.edu>
Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:49:53 -0600

Thank you to all that responded to my inquiry about cryoprobe service. I
think the key factor that must be emphasized is that if you do the coldhead
replacement yourself or through a third party, you bear the risk of
potentially irreparable damage to your cryoprobe.

Most responders still use Bruker to provide the service. Three responders
do their own coldhead replacement with coldheads purchased from either
Sumitomo through an exchange program or Independence Cryogenic Engineering
http://www.cryopumper.com/ . I've copied their responses below.

My personal experience: Before it was decommissioned, I.C.E did the
coldhead exchanges for our Varian cold probe several times and trained me
to do it and we never had a problem. The only time we had them do a Bruker
system, it was fine for ~6 months, at which point were unable to complete a
cooldown. We ended up having Bruker come in to check it out. Bruker
replaced the coldhead, and because we had taken a coldhead out of their
rotation, we were charged for a new cold head, as well. That experience
has made me reluctant to try again, but the latest price increase could
potentially change our risk tolerance calculation.

---
Personally I do my own 10K services and I get my cold heads from
Independence cryogenic engineering.  I do believe these guys will also
service your cryoplatforms as well if you need them to.
---
I assume you’re talking the cold-head annual refurbishment?
If it’s the Sumitomo RDK-408s you can either pay your OEM or enter the
Sumitomo exchange program and replace it yourself if you gather the right
tools, equipment, and people able to do it.
4.5k USD for the exchange refurbishment program….but you take all the
liability on yourself.
Cold-head is ~ 10k hours of run
Adsorber ~30k hrs replace (~$1.5k USD)
He compressor refurb (adsorber is included) Sumitomo says 10k hrs we
usually do ~30-50k. Compressor exchange 4.5k USD with $3.25k USB for
capsule replacement so 7.75k USD
Remember if you or a 3rd party makes a mistake and you lose the entire cold
probe system with oil contamination and it’s a write off.
---
i found no 3rd party service for Bruker cryoplatforms.
But i make the cryoservice by myself for our facility.
If you have a technician and a coldhead its not a big deal to change
the coldhead.
_____________________________________
Todd Rappe
Minnesota NMR Center <http://www.umn.edu/nmr>
612-625-9147 (office)
651-321-TODD (rings office and mobile)
612-624-8892 (magnet lab)

Received on Wed Feb 26 2020 - 06:50:10 MST