Helium
Helium
Helium, a noble gas with a low- temperature liquefaction properties, is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the universe behind Hydrogen. Under normal atmospheric pressure, it cannot be solidified by lowering the temperature due to its very low boiling point, causing it to transition directly from liquid to gas. Beyond its association with party balloons for festive occasion and events, helium serves multifaceted applications across different industries, technologies and scientific advancements. Its non-reactive, non-corrosive and non-flammable nature makes it an ideal tracer gas for precise leak detection in various intricate systems such as pipelines, refrigeration units and vacuum chambers.
Industries and Applications
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Helium is often mixed with Argon and other active gases to create shielding atmosphere that protects the weld area from contaminants and oxidations. As such, its high heat transfer capability aids in better heat distribution and deeper weld penetration into metals, thus enhancing cutting efficiency and ultimately boosting productivity in welding operations.
Healthcare
In the field of medical imaging, liquid Helium is indispensable in the functionality and performance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) scans for effectively cooling superconducting magnets to cryogenic temperatures, required for operational safety and detailed diagnostic imaging of body tissues and organs.
Electronics
With its ability to reach and maintain extremely low temperature, Helium is used in cryogenic cooling systems for specialised electronic devices such as particle accelerators, quantum computers and infrared detectors, enhancing their precision and reliability in detecting signals and data.
Aerospace
From propulsion and cryogenics to testing and safety applications, the aerospace industry soars with helium in the advancement of aerospace engineering and exploration efforts. Due to its lighter-than-air characteristics, it provides buoyancy in balloons and airships, without the safety concerns associated with hydrogen. In rocketry, helium underscores its significance in purging and pressurising fuel systems as well as cooling rocket engines, preventing cavitation and achieving reliable operational conditions crucial for successful launches and missions.
Diving
In technical and commercial diving, trimix breathing gas mixture, replacing nitrogen in standard air with helium, mitigates the risk of nitrogen narcosis at deeper depths. This substitution enables divers to operate with clear thinking and in safer conditions, facilitating the execution of tasks while adhering to safety protocols beyond recreational limits.
