What is a chiller in MRI?
What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging technology that can clearly display the internal structure of the human body. Therefore, it is often used to observe lesions in the human brain, spine, joints, and soft tissues, helping to detect tumors, inflammation, vascular abnormalities, and other problems at an early stage. The principle of MRI is to use strong magnetic fields and radio frequency waves to make hydrogen atoms in human water and fat generate resonance signals, and generate high-resolution images through receiving coils and computer processing.

MRI generates heat
MRI generates heat when it is running. Because its internal high-energy magnet system and electronic system consume a lot of electrical energy during operation, part of which is converted into heat energy. The main components that generate heat are:
• Excitation coil: The excitation coil is a coil used to transmit radio waves in MRI. Its function is to activate the hydrogen atoms in your body and make them start to respond so that the machine can receive signals and form images. The excitation coil generates a certain current when it is working, and this current makes the coil heat up.
• Gradient coil: The gradient coil is used to change the direction of the magnetic field to achieve spatial encoding and thus locate the signal. High-frequency current switching causes the resistor to heat up.
• Transmitter: The transmitter is used to transmit radio wave signals, and the excitation coil is an important part of the transmitter. In addition, the power amplifier is used to amplify the radio signal, and it will generate heat when the power is high.
What will happen to MRI without a chiller?
If there is no MRI chiller, the temperature of the MRI will rise too high. When it gets too high, the protection mechanism of the equipment will be triggered to automatically shut down, which will affect normal use. In addition, when the temperature of the coil and electronic components is too high, the stability of the signal will be reduced, resulting in blurred or inaccurate imaging. Prolonged high temperatures will damage the coil and electronic components of the MRI and shorten the service life of the equipment.
An MRI with a magnetic field strength level of 1.0 T (measured in Tesla) to 1.5 T costs approximately $ 1 million to $ 2 million in the United States, while MRI systems with a magnetic field strength level of 3.0 T and above typically cost more than $ 2 million. Whether the equipment is shut down or damaged, it will bring great economic losses.

Chillers ensure stable operation of MRI
Remove heat
Chillers exchange heat with coolant (DI water/glycol-water mixture/oil) by compressing and evaporating refrigerant. The cooled coolant indirectly contacts the MRI parts that need to be cooled through the pipes, taking away their heat and effectively preventing the internal temperature from being too high.
Maintain constant temperature
Temperature fluctuations will affect the imaging quality of MRI. MRI chillers have a constant temperature function and high-precision, which can ensure the stability of the internal temperature of MRI.
Extend service life
MRI is expensive, and so are its spare parts. Any damage to the parts will lead to unplanned purchases and replacements. After the chiller takes away the heat inside the machine, the risk of damage to the parts is also reduced, extending their service life.
Kontinuierliche Arbeit
The MRI cooling system is highly automated. After connecting it to the MRI, you only need to set the target temperature on the touch screen of the chiller, and it can monitor the temperature of the parts in real time, and automatically adjust the speed of the compressor, fan (luftgekühlte Kältemaschine) and the opening of the expansion valve to keep the internal temperature of the MRI at the set temperature. It can help MRI work continuously for a long time.
Motor failure
Aging of the internal coil of the motor of the chiller system, eccentric rotor or improper speed regulation of the inverter will cause it to emit continuous electromagnetic sound.
How to select MRI chiller?
Chillers for MRI usually have the following features:
Stable temperature control
The chiller must keep the cooling water temperature stable, usually with an accuracy of ±1°C, to avoid temperature fluctuations affecting MRI imaging quality.
Low noise
MRI is very sensitive to environmental vibration and noise, so the chiller must be extremely quiet and not interfere with the magnetic field and scanning process.
Continuous operation
MRI equipment needs to run continuously, and the chiller must also be able to run stably for a long time and support 7×24 hours of work.
Cleanliness and corrosion prevention
The cooling water system needs to be clean and pollution-free to prevent scale and corrosion from affecting the cooling effect and equipment life.
Compact and energy-saving
MRI chillers need to be placed indoors, so their size cannot be too large. In addition, in order to reduce hospital operating costs, it is best to choose a low-energy, high-efficiency chiller.
Strong compatibility
The chiller must meet the cooling needs of MRI of different models and magnetic field strengths.
Schlussfolgerung
The service life of a high-performance MRI chiller is about 15 years, and some models are more than 20 years. It can effectively prevent MRI from overheating and reduce the high costs caused by downtime and maintenance.
If you are looking for a suitable chiller for MRI, LNEYA is happy to provide you with selection suggestions and quotations. We have established close collaborations with renowned institutions and companies, including the China Academy of Engineering Physics and Heraeus.
We look forward to becoming your trusted partner.
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