Helium gas is one of the lightest and lightest industrial gases, and plays an important role in advanced cooling, leak test, and specialized welding and aerospace industry; since it has unique properties such as high thermal conductivity, very low boiling point (~4.2 °K at atmospheric pressure), and inflammability. Helium was first detected in the sun's spectra in 1868 (yellow line), and then was introduced as a new element. Its name is taken from the Greek word for the sum. Although helium is the most abundant element after hydrogen in the world, its share in the atmosphere is negligible and is mainly extracted with natural gas and purified by further separation. (countries with good resources: the United States, Canada, Al Jazeera, Russia, Qatar). Helium is supplied in compressed form in standard cylinders or as cryogenic liquid in Doer/tanks.
Applications of Industrial Helium Gas
Cryogenic and Medical Imaging (MRI/NMR)
The unique boiling point of liquid helium makes it an ideal option for cooling superconductor magnets in MRI/NMR; field stability, reduced noise, and safe operation of cooling systems are the direct result of this feature.
Leak Test and Pipeline Purging
The low density and high permeance of helium have made it the best tracer gas for leak test of tanks, exchangers, vacuum lines, and high-pressure systems; Furthermore, it is used for purging and substitution of reactive gases. Where merely “inerting” and drying are considered, industrial nitrogen gas will be more economical.
Professional Welding and Stable Arch (TIG/MIG/Laser)
Helium is used as a protective atmosphere in welding alloys with high thermal conductivity (copper, aluminum, magnesium) to achieve deeper penetration and a more stable pool. The choice of a He/Ar mixture depends on the surface material and quality; industrial Ar gas is a cost-effective base protector for many alloys, and the rate and penetration will be optimized by adding helium.
Aerospace, Rocket, and High Temperature Powerplants
This gas is used for pressurizing fuel tanks, propulsion systems, purging, and as a quenching fluid in high temperature gas reactors, since it is an inert, noncorrosive, and stable gas at high temperatures.
Semiconductors, Optical Fiber, and Laboratory
Helium is used as a clean carrying gas in chromatography, a protective atmosphere in wafer/optic processing, and drying of vacuum equipment. In those processes where pH control or carbonation matters, industrial carbon dioxide would be a better choice.
Deep Diving and Respiratory Mixtures (Heliox/Trimix)
Since helium is an inert gas with low density, it is used in breathing mixtures to reduce nitrogen narcosis and improve respiration (according to safety protocols).
Balloon, Balloonometry , and Recreational/Scientific Applications
The lightness and inflammability of helium make it a safe gas for filling research balloons and show balloons.
Advantages and Constraints of Industrial Helium
Advantages:
• Completely inert, inflammable, and noncorrosive
• Very low boiling point → advanced quenching and cooling of superconductors
• Low density and high permeability → superiority for leak tests and purging
Constrains and Risks:
• Limited sources and price/supply sensitivity
• The risk of suffocation in confined places due to oxygen substitution
• Need for special cryogenic equipment for liquid helium and vaporization management
Accessories and Technical Considerations of Helium
• Helium compatible flowmeter/regulator
Helium Gas Cylinder
Industrial Helium gas is supplied in standard cylinders with common capacities:
• 5 Liter Helium cylinder
• 10 Liter Helium cylinder
• 20 Liter Helium cylinder
• 40 Liter Helium cylinder
• 50 Liter Helium cylinder
Safety, Storage, and Transportation
• Risk of suffocation: Monitoring oxygen at confined places, sufficient air conditioning
• Severe refrigeration (liquid helium): cryogenic self-protecting equipment, careful transportation, and vaporization control
• Safe storage: vertical and strained cylinder, away from heat sources/impacts, protective cap; periodic hydrostatic tests
Price and Terms of Purchase for Helium Gas
Effective parameters on price: Cylinder capacity or volume, charging pressure, grade/purity. Market fluctuations and worldwide supply limitations also affect the final helium price.
Purchase of Industrial Helium Gas
Contact us for updated Helium gas price.
| Helium (gas) |
|
HE |
| Purity |
Grade |
Type |
| 99.999 |
5 |
Laboratory |