[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of helium, the use of helium-common sense of life

Helium's properties

Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2, the second element in the periodic table. Helium is a colorless, tasteless, odorless and non-toxic monatomic gas, a member of the group of rare gases (inert gases). Because of its extremely stable electronic layer structure, helium hardly participates in chemical reactions and has high chemical inertness. Helium is the only gas known to be unable to solidify at atmospheric pressure, only at extremely low temperatures (below -268.9°C) and high pressures.

Helium's use

Helium is widely used in many fields because of its unique physical and chemical properties. In cryogenic technology, helium is widely used as a refrigerant, such as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for cooling superconducting magnets. Helium is used as a filling gas in balloons and airships because it is lighter than air and non-flammable. Third, helium is used as a shielding gas in welding technology to prevent oxidation of the welding area. Helium also plays a key role in electronics manufacturing and optical fiber production, as a high-purity gas for vapor deposition and wafer fabrication.

Helium upstream and downstream raw materials

The upstream feedstock for helium is mainly derived from natural gas. Natural gas contains a small amount of helium, which can be extracted from it by cryogenic separation technology or pressure exchange adsorption technology (PSA). Natural gas resources typically contain low proportions of helium (0.3 to 2%), requiring efficient extraction processes. The downstream products of helium mainly include industrial helium, medical helium and helium for scientific research. Industrial helium is used for welding, leakage detection, etc.; medical helium is used for cooling and breathing mixed gas of MRI equipment; helium for scientific research is used for laboratory and high-tech equipment.

Helium storage method

The storage of helium requires special consideration. Due to the small atomic size of helium, it is easy to escape through the pores of metal and non-metal materials, so special high-pressure gas cylinders or cryogenic liquid storage tanks are required. High-pressure gas cylinders are usually used to store gaseous helium at pressures up to 200-300 bar. Liquid helium storage requires a cryogenic insulated container (Dewar), maintained at a temperature of about -269°C, to maintain the liquid form of helium. Liquid helium storage has a higher energy density, but requires more sophisticated cooling and insulation technologies.

Helium market supply and demand situation

The supply and demand situation of the global helium market is influenced by several factors. Major helium producers include the United States, Qatar and Algeria. The United States is a traditional helium producer, and its abundant natural gas resources provide a solid foundation for helium production. The supply of helium has fluctuated in recent years due to changes in natural gas extraction technology and markets. Qatar and Algeria also have significant positions in the global helium market due to their abundant natural gas reserves. On the demand side, with the development of technology and medical industry, the demand for high-purity helium is increasing, especially in the field of MRI equipment and semiconductor manufacturing.

Helium price fluctuations

The price of helium fluctuates greatly, mainly affected by factors such as supply and demand, production costs and market expectations. Due to the difficulty of helium extraction and high storage and transportation costs, its market price is relatively high. Changes on the supply side, such as production adjustments in major producing countries or geopolitical factors, can lead to significant fluctuations in helium prices. For example, the adjustment of the national helium reserve policy in the United States and the change of natural gas production in Qatar have triggered drastic changes in the global helium price.

Helium Industry Trends

Looking ahead, the helium industry will continue to be driven by technological advances and changing market demands. With the continuous development of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, semiconductor manufacturing and aerospace technology, the demand for high-purity helium will continue to increase. The development and application of new helium extraction and storage technologies may reduce production costs and improve the efficiency and stability of the supply chain. Environmental and sustainable development requirements may prompt the helium industry to explore more recycling technologies to reduce resource waste and environmental impact.

Conclusion

As an important industrial gas, helium has been widely used in low temperature technology, welding, electronic manufacturing and medical treatment due to its unique physical and chemical properties. The production of helium mainly depends on the extraction of natural gas resources, and its storage and transportation require specific technologies and equipment. The global helium market is affected by a variety of factors, such as supply and demand and production costs, and the price fluctuates greatly. In the future, with technological progress and changes in market demand, the helium industry is expected to usher in new development opportunities and challenges.