Table of Contents
- Introduction to Helium Gas
- What is the Gas Code for Helium?
- Helium Classification Codes (CAS, UN, DOT, EINECS)
- Helium Supply by YIGAS GROUP
- Common Industrial Uses of Helium
- Helium Gas Safety and Regulations
- Tips for Buying Helium Gas
- Summary Table
Introduction to Helium Gas
Helium (He) is a colorless, odorless, and inert gas widely used in scientific, medical, and industrial applications. As the second most abundant element in the universe and a non-renewable resource on Earth, helium is highly valued for its unique properties—low boiling point, non-flammability, and ability to escape from containers due to its small atomic size.
What is the Gas Code for Helium?
The term “gas code” typically refers to various standardized identifiers used to distinguish gases in shipping, handling, and regulatory contexts. Helium has several such identifiers depending on the context:
- UN Number (United Nations): UN1046 – used for compressed helium gas.
- CAS Number (Chemical Abstracts Service): 7440-59-7 – used in scientific and regulatory documentation.
- DOT Label: Non-flammable gas, Class 2.2 (U.S. Department of Transportation).
- EINECS Number: 231-168-5 – used in the European Union for chemical inventory.
In summary, the gas code for helium in most industrial shipping and labeling scenarios is UN1046.
Helium Classification Codes (CAS, UN, DOT, EINECS)
1. UN1046 – Transportation and Shipping Code
- Assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
- Required for all international transport documentation and packaging of helium gas cylinders.
2. CAS 7440-59-7 – Scientific Identifier
- Used by chemists and regulators to uniquely identify helium in mixtures and research.
- Required for SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and compliance documents.
3. DOT Classification
- Class: 2.2 – Non-flammable, non-toxic gas.
- Label: Green label indicating a compressed gas.
4. EINECS 231-168-5 – European Chemical Inventory
- Part of REACH compliance within the European Union.
- Ensures traceability of helium used in products or processes.
Helium Supply by YIGAS GROUP
YIGAS GROUP is a leading supplier of industrial gases, including helium, in China and internationally.
About YIGAS GROUP
- Established in 1993; rebranded as YJIA GROUP in 2012.
- Total assets exceed RMB 500 million.
- Serves over 5,000 customers across China and abroad.
- Network covers the Pearl River Delta and beyond.
- Certified by ISO9001 and OHSMS18000.
- Repeatedly honored as a company that “Honors Contracts and Keeps Promises.”
Available Gases:
YIGAS GROUP’s helium supply is compliant with global safety and transport standards, including proper labeling with UN1046 codes and documentation to ensure legal compliance during transit and usage.
Common Industrial Uses of Helium
- Medical Imaging: MRI machines use helium to cool superconducting magnets.
- Welding: Acts as a shielding gas in arc welding processes.
- Balloon Inflation: Preferred for safety due to its non-flammable properties.
- Cryogenics: Used for low-temperature scientific research and superconductors.
- Leak Detection: Its small atoms penetrate tiny cracks, revealing system weaknesses.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Maintains inert environments in chip production.
Helium Gas Safety and Regulations
Although helium is non-toxic and non-flammable, it must be handled with care:
- Storage: Keep cylinders in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Transportation: Use only cylinders labeled with UN1046 and appropriate DOT/EU standards.
- Usage: Never inhale helium. It can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation.
- Pressure Handling: Always secure cylinders to prevent tipping and leaks.
Regulatory Certifications to Check:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 22000 (Food Safety if used in food-grade helium)
- OHSMS 18000 (Occupational Health and Safety)
Tips for Buying Helium Gas
When sourcing helium, consider the following:
- Purity Level: Higher purity (>99.999%) is essential for lab and medical applications.
- Compliance: Ensure suppliers use proper codes like UN1046 and provide necessary SDS documents.
- Supplier Reputation: Choose certified suppliers like YIGAS GROUP with a solid track record.
- Volume Requirements: Identify how much helium you need (bulk tanks, small cylinders, etc.).
- Safety Services: Does the supplier provide handling instructions or training?
Summary Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Gas Name | Helium (He) |
| UN Code | UN1046 |
| CAS Number | 7440-59-7 |
| DOT Classification | Non-Flammable Gas (Class 2.2) |
| EINECS Number | 231-168-5 |
| Supplier Example | YIGAS GROUP |
| Industrial Uses | Medical imaging, welding, cryogenics, ballooning, leak detection |
| Safety Certifications | ISO9001, OHSMS18000 |
