# Conductors, Joints, and Coils for Cryogen Free Whole Body 3 T MRI systems (Renewal)

> **NIH NIH R01** · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $431,462

## Abstract

Summary
 Most presently installed full-body MRI systems are based on 1.5 T liquid-He-
cooled NbTi magnets, but the rate of installation of 3.0 T systems is rapidly increasing.
However, the increasing cost of helium is well documented, and this leads to increases
in the life cycle cost of MRI systems, which could limit ready access for traditional
patient groups, and limit the ability to expand availability to traditionally less well
served patient groups. The root cause of the problem is the growing shortage of helium
worldwide. The major MRI magnet manufacturers (Siemens, GE, and Phillips) each
have development programs focused on converting the 1.5T solenoid coils from liquid
helium bath cooling to dry (cryogen free) conduction cooling. Indeed, freedom from
the need for liquid-helium cooling (i.e. cryogen free, conduction-cooled, operation) is
becoming more and more important. While NbTi designs have been explored for 1.5 T
systems, the much higher demands of 3 T systems makes that route untenable. The larger
thermal margin of MgB2 and affordability makes MgB2 based 3 T systems the most
feasible.
 Even beyond the liquid cryogen issues for MRI, the development of cryocooled MRI
magnets could allow for new geometries and MRI applications, opening up new treatment
possibilities. However, we must focus where the industry can transition this new
technology commercially. Accordingly, the proposed program focuses on developing the
technology to enable cryogen free 3 T systems using a cryocooled mode. We proposed to
do this by (1) Continuing to increase MgB2 Je in ranges appropriate to 3 T MRI (4-10
K, 0-6 T), but focus on a protectable conductor with n > 30 guaranteed over long
lengths, (2) Optimizing our present magnet models (FEM/numerical) targeting
reduced peak fields on the wire in order to reduce required conductor length and
structural support (making present proof-of principle competitive and highly
attractive), (3) Demonstrating reliable and higher performance persistent joints as well
as a persistent switch, both working in conjunction with a full size segment coil, (4)
Demonstrating a react and wind coil segment with 3 T design performance and an
integrated active protection scheme with high reliability (as shown experimentally with
coil operating in persistent mode), (5) Developing alternative magnetic/mechanical
designs for specialty applications including image guided applications.
1

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9887913
- **Project number:** 2R01EB018363-05
- **Recipient organization:** OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Michael D Sumption
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $431,462
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9887913

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9887913, Conductors, Joints, and Coils for Cryogen Free Whole Body 3 T MRI systems (Renewal) (2R01EB018363-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9887913. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*