Helium, with the chemical symbol He and atomic number 2, is the second lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, and non-toxic gas with the lowest boiling point of all elements, at -268.3°C. On Earth, it remains in a gaseous state at most temperatures and pressures. While helium is often associated with inflating balloons, its unique properties make it essential for numerous scientific, industrial, and medical applications.
Helium is most commonly known for inflating balloons due to its low density. Its lighter molecules allow balloons to stay airborne for extended periods, often lasting several days depending on the size and type. It is used for a variety of events, stored in pressurised cylinders for easy on-site inflation. Beyond balloons, helium plays a crucial role in medical equipment, particularly in MRI machines. The gas is utilised to cool superconducting magnets to nearly absolute zero, reducing electrical resistance to zero and allowing these machines to operate with greater efficiency. MRI machines typically require around 2,000 litres of liquid helium, and reclamation units have been introduced since the 1990s to recycle helium, preventing shortages.
Another important use of helium is in cryogenics, particularly for preserving biological materials like sperm, eggs, and tissues. It also supports scientific research by cooling instruments to ultra-low temperatures, and it serves as a super coolant in applications such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and particle accelerators.
Helium’s properties make it suitable for welding, where its high thermal conductivity ensures precise and efficient results, leading to cleaner welds. Though helium can be more expensive than other gases, the higher weld speeds and improved quality often justify the cost. Additionally, it allows plasma arc welding of exotic metals, including those used in the aerospace industry.
In the field of leak detection, helium’s small molecular size and inert nature make it an ideal choice. It can detect even the smallest leaks in industries such as aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing. This is achieved through helium leak tests using a mass spectrometer to identify escaped helium.
Helium is also indispensable in space exploration, where it is used to inflate airships and weather balloons. It is preferred over hydrogen due to its non-combustible properties. In spacecraft, helium is used to pressurise fuel tanks and cool instruments, playing a critical role in preventing the collapse of fuel systems in rockets.
In deep-sea diving, helium-enriched breathing gas is used to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis. Its low solubility in water and blood minimises the build-up of nitrogen, which can cause complications. Helium is non-flammable, non-toxic, and doesn’t corrode diving equipment, making it safe for deep-water use.
Helium is also a key component in lasers, particularly helium-neon lasers, which emit a visible red light. These lasers are stable and coherent, making them valuable for applications ranging from barcode scanners to scientific research. Lastly, helium is used in thermal spraying, where it acts as a cooling gas to maintain process stability and improve the quality of protective coatings applied to materials.
Helium’s versatility and unique properties extend far beyond inflating balloons. It plays a vital role across various industries, from medical imaging and space exploration to advanced welding techniques and cryogenics, highlighting its indispensable role in modern technology.
Pulsar Helium Inc (TSXV:PLSR) is a leading primary helium exploration and development company. Its flagship Topaz Project in Minnesota, USA, flowed North America’s highest concentration of helium at 14.5%. Commercially viable helium project concentrations begin @ 0.3%.
