What are the uses of helium in various industries?

Helium is used in industries such as healthcare, space exploration, welding, and electronics due to its unique properties.

Helium, a noble gas, is utilised in a variety of industries due to its unique properties. In the healthcare sector, helium is a crucial component in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. These machines use a superconducting magnet, which requires cooling to extremely low temperatures. Helium, due to its low boiling point, is ideal for this purpose. It helps to maintain the superconducting state of the magnet, enabling the MRI machine to function effectively.

In the field of space exploration, helium is used in the cooling systems of spacecraft. It is also used to pressurise the fuel tanks of rockets. This is because helium remains a gas even at very low temperatures, making it ideal for use in the extreme conditions of space. Additionally, due to its low reactivity, helium does not pose a risk of combustion, which is a critical safety factor in space missions.

In the welding industry, helium is used as a shielding gas. During welding, a gas shield is needed to protect the weld area from atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, which can cause defects in the weld. Helium, being a noble gas, does not react with other elements, making it perfect for this role. It also provides better arc stability and higher heat input, which can improve the quality of the weld.

In the electronics industry, helium is used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and fibre optics. It is used as a cooling agent in the production of silicon wafers, and as a carrier gas in the production of fibre optic cables. Its low reactivity and high thermal conductivity make it ideal for these applications. Furthermore, due to its small atomic size, helium is used in leak detection tests in various industries, as it can easily pass through the smallest leaks.