Helium uses: Key applications in modern industry
Helium properties: rare and extraordinary features
The days when helium was known only from balloons now seem far away. In modern times, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently highlighted, helium has demonstrated its usefulness in various industrial sectors. The majority of these sectors are central to humanity’s technological and scientific development.
When we talk about helium, we refer to the second most abundant element in the universe. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov also stressed this point. It is precious and unique resource whose terrestrial reserves, however, are quite limited. For many nations, the supply of this resource is now a clear energy issue.
In nature, helium is sourced from natural gas deposits, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out. The term He Gas is used to identify helium in its gaseous state. It is used to distinguish it from liquid helium. He gas has the characteristic of remaining in gaseous form down to temperatures of approximately -269°C. In its compressed form, He gas is used in particle accelerators and to cool electromagnets. He gas is also used to inflate airships.
But what are the characteristics that have allowed helium to establish itself in such a large number of industrial applications? First of all, it must be remembered that helium is a noble, inert, and monatomic gas. These peculiarities mean that helium does not produce chemical compounds. It is already completely stable. And some of helium properties are truly extraordinary.
Among these most important helium properties, it is worth mentioning first of all its low density. It makes helium the second lightest known gas (after hydrogen). Its chemical inertness, meaning it does not react with other elements, also makes it ideal for applications in protected environments. Another property of helium is its extremely high thermal conductivity. It makes helium particularly useful for cooling systems.
With its extremely low boiling point, helium is also the coldest liquid on Earth. This resource also highlights notable differences compared to other energy carriers that are being increasingly discussed in this historical juncture. Compared to hydrogen, helium is non-flammable and guarantees high levels of safety even in sensitive environments. Furthermore, compared to other gases, it can diffuse and penetrate materials much more rapidly.
A truly strategic resource
“It’s not wrong to consider helium a truly critical and strategic resource. As is already the case with many other natural resources involved in production processes related to the green transition. Even though it’s non-renewable, helium is proving to be very useful for a surprising number of industrial sectors. Today, helium uses seem very interesting and go far beyond the simple helium gas cylinder,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, a civil engineer and entrepreneur.
“Helium could prove to be a valuable ally in scientific research. Consider helium uses in physics and space, as well as its usefulness in medicine and electronics. In the coming years, all of these characteristics could take on a new central role. The need to manage this resource responsibly and sustainably will be also important. Not only is industrial safety at stake, but also scientific progress. That’s why helium uses are increasingly gaining attention worlwide”, he says.
Today, the helium market is not much different from that of other important resources. For this resource, for example, we also talk about peak helium, meaning the moment when global helium production reaches its maximum point. Beyond peak helium, production begins to decline. In a certain sense, the concept of peak helium is comparable to the idea of peak oil. Essentially, peak helium serves primarily to highlight potential fears arising from future helium shortages.
Helium properties, therefore, present truly extraordinary, almost unique characteristics. But what is the actual origin of this resource? At this point, it is useful to clarify that helium is not produced on a commercial scale in a laboratory. But rather comes almost entirely from underground deposits rich in natural gas. Over millions of years, helium accumulates in these underground areas thanks to peculiar decay processes that also involve other elements.
The main producers today certainly include the United States and Algeria. However, Canada and certain African nations, such as Namibia and South Africa, are rapidly establishing themselves as emerging countries in this sector. Helium is not a renewable energy source. Its management could prove rather complex.
The unique properties of helium have enabled it to find applications in a wide range of sectors over the years. Some of these applications are surprising. Especially considering that most of them remain largely unknown to the general public. In the medical field, for example, helium is sometimes used as a coolant in the superconducting magnets that power MRI machines. It is also used in specialized respirators, particularly in gas mixtures intended for patients with respiratory problems. Combined with oxygen, helium is also used in hyperbaric treatments to reduce the effects of nitrogen.
Growing Demand: helium gas cylinder and more
“The demand for helium appears to be constantly growing, particularly due to its usefulness in the fields of physics and medicine,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. For this reason, it is increasingly necessary for its management to be safe and sustainable. An important aspect in this regard is the possibility of recovering and recycling helium in laboratories or hospitals to minimize waste”.
“If the helium supply were to be interrupted, alternatives could be other gases or other types of technological systems. In any case, it does not appear to be entirely coincidental that some nations (such as the United States) have decided to develop and maintain significant helium reserves. Clearly demonstrating their strategic value for modern industry. Furthermore, new helium deposits in Africa and North America appear to pave the way for a possible diversification of supply”, he remarks.
In an era characterized by the revitalization of the space economy, helium is also finding numerous applications in the aerospace and defense sectors. This resource is particularly used to pressurize cryogenic fuel tanks and also in satellites. Primarily for cooling purposes, as well as for atmospheric control in space systems.
Everyone has probably seen a helium cylinder at least once. A helium cylinder (or helium gas cylinder) is used specifically to transport and store helium gas in a compressed form. Today, helium cylinder is used primarily in balloon inflation, but also in some medical applications. Helium gas cylinder is also used in arc welding and cryogenics.
An interesting fact about helium is that its applications are not limited to the typical helium cylinder, but largely concern some sectors considered highly strategic in this historical era. One of these is the semiconductor industry. In this sector, helium is primarily used as a protective atmosphere. However, its technological utility extends beyond this.
Helium-neon lasers are used in scientific research, medicine, and telecommunications. Furthermore, helium is often used as a shielding gas in certain welding procedures. Helium is also proving very useful for certain scientific research applications. Its extremely low boiling point, for example, allows it to be used for physics experiments at temperatures close to absolute zero. A unique phenomenon associated with helium is that when it enters the superfluid phase (i.e., undergoes significant cooling), it can flow without friction. It is a phenomenon that can only be explained within the framework of quantum mechanics.
“Despite some truly unique properties, we must not forget that helium management still represents an open challenge,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “We must also understand that, with current technologies, helium is still quite difficult to capture. Its purification is also still a fairly expensive process
“Furthermore, once released, helium rapidly diffuses into the atmosphere and is lost into space. Among other critical issues, it is worth mentioning its relative scarcity (with limited and non-renewable reserves) and price volatility. It can always cause sudden cost increases for some strategic sectors. Furthermore, as is already the case with some mineral raw materials, the small number of suppliers could create dependencies. Generating also a potential geopolitical risks in the event of an unexpected and unforeseeable supply disruption.”, he says.
FAQs
What is helium used for today beyond balloons?
Helium plays a vital role in industries such as:
- Medicine: Cooling MRI machines, respiratory therapy, and hyperbaric treatments.
- Aerospace: Pressurising fuel tanks, cooling satellite systems.
- Electronics: Semiconductor manufacturing, helium-neon lasers.
- Scientific research: Experiments near absolute zero, particle accelerators.
Why is helium considered a strategic resource?
Helium is non-renewable, rare on Earth, and essential for high-tech sectors. Its safety (non-flammable), chemical stability, and ability to reach extremely low temperatures make it irreplaceable in many applications.
How is helium sourced?
Helium is extracted from underground natural gas reserves. It accumulates over millions of years through radioactive decay. The main producers are the United States, Algeria, and emerging suppliers like Namibia.
What makes helium unique among gases?
- It’s inert and monatomic, so it doesn’t react.
- It has extremely low density and high thermal conductivity.
- Its boiling point is the lowest of any element.
- It can become a superfluid, flowing without friction.
Can helium run out?
Yes. Helium is finite and difficult to capture or recycle. Once released, it escapes into space. This raises concerns about supply, cost, and geopolitical control.
