The Magnificent Yet Scarce Element: A Look Into Helium's Crucial Role in Technology

Sunday - February 25 2024, 16:42 UTC - 8 months ago

Helium is a crucial element for technology, being used as a refrigerant for MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and other advancements. However, the limited supply and increasing demand have resulted in high costs and shortages. Measures such as recycling systems are being implemented to combat these issues and ensure the sustainable use of helium.

In the nuclear magnetic resonance facility at Mississippi State University, three powerful magnets make it possible to see how atoms form bonds. Chemists there use the technology to design new polymers and study how bacteria bind to surfaces. To make it all work, they need an element that's commonly found in grocery stores, but is also in perpetually short supply: helium. The use of helium is critical for keeping the magnets cool enough to function, as it remains a liquid at temperatures that are near absolute zero .

The university pays a significant amount every 12 weeks to replenish the liquid helium, greatly impacting their budget and driving up user fees. It's not just Mississippi State University that relies heavily on helium for technology. MRI scanners, some fusion reactors, particle accelerators, quantum computers, and even the James Webb Space Telescope all require helium as a refrigerant. In these industries, helium is essential for its ability to conduct heat and keep temperatures very low .

Without it, these advancements in technology would not be possible. The importance of helium for the future cannot be ignored. Both the European Union and Canada have listed helium as a critical element, highlighting its crucial role in the development and advancement of technology. However, obtaining helium is not always an easy task, as the world's supply is heavily dependent on just three countries and a small number of companies .

This makes the market for helium highly sensitive to disruptions, such as plants going offline or conflicts arising. The demand for helium continues to grow, but the supply remains limited. As a result, the price of helium has nearly doubled since 2020, reaching a historic high of $14 per cubic meter in 2023. This has greatly impacted research labs and hospitals, who depend on helium for their work .

To combat the increasing costs and shortages, some research labs and MRI manufacturers have started implementing recycling systems for helium. This not only helps alleviate some of the financial burden, but also reduces the impact on the limited supply. As technology continues to advance and rely heavily on helium, it's important to consider sustainable and efficient ways to obtain and utilize this essential element .