I have to perform a cost estimation of our helium cryogenic plant design. I based it on the formula discussed in the following article “THE COST OF HELIUM REFRIGERATORS AND COOLERS FOR SUPERCONDUCTING DEVICES AS A FUNCTION OF COOLING AT 4 K” by M. A. Green:

C(M$) = 2.6 [R(kW)]^0.63

This is an updated version of the one included in “ECONOMICS OF LARGE HELIUM CRYOGENIC SYSTEMS: EXPERIENCE FROM RECENT PROJECTS AT CERN.”

Nevertheless, this formula includes only:
– Compressors
– Heat exchangers
– Turboexpanders
– Minimal amount of connecting piping

I would to know how can I estimate the cost for the other components of the plants, such as:

– Vacuum jacketed transfer line (containing four pipes with MLI, two with ScHe at 4.5 K and two with GHe at 80 K);
– LHe cryostat with submerged plate fin heat exchangers;
– valve box
– 20 bar warm helium storage tanks
– 10 kW LN2 refrigerator
– warm piping
– etc.

For the helium storage tank at 20 bar I took an indicative cost of $330 per kg of helium to be stored. Is that a reasonable value?
For the vacuum jacketed transfer line I took a cost of $8000 per meter. Is that a reasonable value?

Any advice in plant costs estimation is welcome.