About the Cryogenic Plant
The Cryogen Operation provides the below products and related services to teaching and research units within the College of Chemistry and the Physics Department.
Plant Contacts
Steven Williams
Facilities Engineer
(510) 643-4220
swilliams5117@berkeley.edu
Kinfe Lita
Development Technician 5, Plant Technician
(510)-642-4165
kinfel@berkeley.edu
Cryogenic Plant Price List
Online Helium Order Desk
Nitrogen Liquid
Dispenser
- Liquid nitrogen is available to authorized personnel from a dispenser on the B level at the confluence of Latimer, Hildebrand, Giauque, and Tan Halls. The product is dispensed into customer-owned dewars.
- Teaching/research units receive recharge billing monthly for liquid nitrogen received from the dispenser. The current recharge rate is shown on the Cryogenic Plant price list. For billing problems, call Ext. 2-4165.
- For problems with the dispenser, call Ext. 2-4165 or Ext. 3-3169. Other Emergency contact numbers are posted on the door to the Nitrogen Dispenser.
Authorization requires:
- Completion of Cryogenic Safety Training.
- Possession of a Cal 1 access card issued by the College.
- Prerequisite training to be completed prior to sending email request for training and getting access programmed.
See the Cryogenic Safety Training Process section on this page for complete instructions.
Bulk
Bulk liquid nitrogen is provided to the Physics Department and is recharged to that Department. The current recharge rate is shown on the Cryogenic Plant price list.
Nitrogen Gas
- Nitrogen gas is piped into many teaching and research laboratories in the College. For problems with this piping, call Ext. 2-4165 or Ext. 3-3961
- Teaching/research units receive recharge billing monthly for nitrogen gas based on monthly meter readings. Some meters are shared by groups and the charges are prorated. The current recharge rate is shown on the Cryogenic Plant price list. For billing problems, call Ext. 2-4165.
Helium Liquid
- Liquid helium is available to teaching and research laboratories in the College and the Physics Department by placing orders at the Cryogenic Plant at BG9 Giauque, by calling Ext. 2-4165, or by ordering with the online Helium Order Desk. The liquid helium is available in 60, 100, 250, or 500-liter dewars. Orders must be placed at least 24 hours in advance.
- Teaching/research units receive recharge billing monthly. The current recharge rate is shown on the Cryogenic Plant price list. For billing problems, call Ext. 2-4165.
Warm Helium Dewar Cool Down Charge
In some cases, a warm helium dewar cool-down charge may apply. For billing problems, call Ext. 2-4165.
Helium Recovery Credit
- Helium recovery credit is available to participating teaching and research laboratories in the College and the Physics Department who purchase liquid helium from the Cryogenic Plant. For information about how to participate, call Ext. 2-4165.
- Teaching/research units receive recovery credit monthly. The current recharge recovery rate is shown on the Cryogenic Plant price list. For billing problems, call Ext. 2-4165.
Cryogenic Plant Price Lists (Effective 07/01/2024)
| Helium Products (20% service fee) | Price |
|---|---|
| Liquid Helium (per liter) | $30.20 |
| Helium Dewar Cool-down (per dewar) | $50.00 |
| Helium Recovery Credit (per liter) | ($15.10) |
| Nitrogen Products (59% service fee) | Price |
|---|---|
| Gaseous Nitrogen (Net cu. ft.) | $0.0142 |
| Liquid Nitrogen (per liter) | $0.58 |
| Bulk Nitrogen (per liter) | $0.58 |
Cryogenic Safety Training Process
In order to have dispenser access you must complete:
- the UC Learning Center Online Cryogenic Safety Training
- the Hands On Training
COMPLETE the below steps A & B first, THEN for step C email Steven Williams at swilliams5117@berkeley.edu for a Hands On Training session.
Step A: Online Training
Go to the UC Learning Center online and complete the EHS 109 Cryogens Safety Training. (There are two Cryogen Safety Trainings, please make sure you complete the EHS 109, the UCP course is not required.)
Step B: Get your Certificate
Once you have completed the online training, go into the Transcripts and Certificates icon online and download the certificate then either email swilliams5117@berkeley.edu or print a copy of the certificate and bring it to the Hands On Training.
See this PDF for an example of the UC Learning Center interface and how to print your certificate.
Step C: Hands On Training Appointment
If you have completed steps A & B, you can email Steven Williams for a Hands On Training appointment. The Hands On Training typically takes 10-15 minutes and is held between 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. At the time of training your information will be entered into the system.
- Email swilliams5117@berkeley.edu to set up a training time.
- Bring your Cal 1 ID card.
- Bring your speedtype so the nitrogen you fill will be charged to the appropriate group. (Ask someone in your group if you do not know this, or have the name of someone in your group so I can look it up.)
- Training location: The training is done in the four corners area, at the College of Chemistry Nitrogen Dispenser.
(At the confluence of Latimer, Hildebrand, Giauque, and Tan Halls adjacent to the Tan Hall freight elevator.)
