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6 Helium Uses in Industry

Posted on by Alex
29
Jul

Helium, a colorless, odorless, and inert noble gas, plays a vital role in various industrial applications due to its unique physical and chemical properties. With a boiling point of -268.6°C and extremely low density, helium is unmatched in many high-tech and safety-critical environments. In this article, we explore the top 6 uses of helium in industry and introduce Yigas Helium Gas—a leading supplier known for its high-purity, reliable, and globally distributed helium products.

6 Helium Uses in Industry

Table of Contents

1. Helium in Cryogenics (MRI Machines)

One of helium’s most important industrial uses is in the field of cryogenics, especially for cooling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

Key Benefits:

  • Ultra-low boiling point: At -268.6°C, helium is ideal for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI scanners.
  • Non-reactive: Safe and stable under extreme conditions.
  • Efficient cooling: Ensures the magnet remains in a superconductive state.

Without liquid helium, many advanced medical imaging and diagnostic systems would not be able to function efficiently or safely.

2. Helium in Welding

Helium is commonly used as a shielding gas in arc welding applications, particularly for materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium.

Advantages:

  • Stable arc: Helium provides excellent arc stability at high temperatures.
  • Deeper penetration: Ideal for thick materials and high-speed welding.
  • Inert properties: Prevents contamination of welds by atmospheric gases.

In industries like aerospace and shipbuilding, helium-based shielding is vital for high-quality, high-strength welds.

3. Helium in Semiconductors and Electronics

Helium plays a crucial role in the production of semiconductors and other electronics. Its non-reactive and thermally conductive nature makes it indispensable for certain processes.

Applications:

  • Cooling gas: Used to cool components during chip manufacturing.
  • Plasma etching: Facilitates precision etching in microelectronic circuits.
  • Leak detection in vacuum systems: Ensures integrity in chip production chambers.

With the rise of AI, EVs, and IoT devices, helium demand in electronics is only expected to grow.

4. Helium in Leak Detection

Helium is used in leak detection systems because it’s inert, small in molecular size, and can quickly identify micro-leaks in sealed systems.

Industries that Rely on It:

  • Aerospace: Verifies tightness in fuel systems, tanks, and valves.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Ensures container closure integrity.
  • Refrigeration: Tests hermetically sealed units.

Helium leak detection enhances product safety, reduces waste, and improves long-term reliability in critical systems.

5. Helium in Lifting and Balloons

Helium is widely known for its use in inflating balloons and blimps due to being lighter than air and non-flammable.

Where It’s Used:

  • Weather balloons: Used in meteorology for upper-atmosphere data collection.
  • Advertising blimps: Floating platforms for aerial marketing.
  • Civilian balloons: Birthday parties, festivals, and public events.

Unlike hydrogen, helium is safe to use around the public due to its inert nature.

6. Helium in Breathing Mixtures

In specialized medical and underwater environments, helium is mixed with oxygen to create heliox—a breathing gas used to support respiration under high-pressure or restricted airway conditions.

Applications:

  • Deep-sea diving: Prevents nitrogen narcosis and oxygen toxicity in commercial and military dives.
  • Medical use: Assists breathing in patients with severe airway obstructions.

Helium’s low density helps reduce resistance in airways, making it easier to breathe under challenging conditions.

Yigas Helium Gas: Premium Industrial Helium Supplier

6 Helium Uses in Industry

Yigas Helium Gas is a premier supplier of high-purity helium for a wide range of industries. With a core focus on helium, Yigas serves clients globally with its extensive product portfolio and exceptional production capabilities.

Why Choose Yigas?

  • High Purity Grades: Options ranging from 99.999% to 99.9999% for precision-critical applications.
  • Versatile Forms: Cylinder helium, tube-trailer helium, and liquid helium solutions available.
  • Stable Global Supply: Backed by sources in Qatar and the United States, ensuring consistent delivery.
  • Certified Quality: Products meet ISO 9001:2008, EN 1253, CUPC, WATERMARK, and CE standards.
  • Advanced Infrastructure: The Zhongshan-based factory spans 13,000 m² with 300 tons annual liquid helium capacity.
  • Professional Support: Experienced international team and dedicated gas filling experts.

Yigas is trusted by industries across healthcare, manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace for their reliable supply, high-quality gas, and commitment to excellence.

Summary Table

Industrial Use Purpose Helium Benefit
Cryogenics (MRI) Cooling superconducting magnets Ultra-low boiling point
Welding Shielding gas for arc welding Stable arc, deep penetration
Semiconductors Etching and cooling chips Inert and thermally conductive
Leak Detection Identifying micro-leaks Small molecular size, inert
Lifting (Balloons) Inflation and aerial lift Non-flammable and lightweight
Breathing Gas (Heliox) Diving and respiratory therapy Low density, easy breathing

References

Alex