Electronics and research industry
Helium is widely used in the electronics industry, particularly in the manufacture of semiconductors and silicon wafers. It is also used in particle accelerators, lasers and various analytical instruments where an inert and clean gas is required.
Medical applications
Liquid helium is indispensable for the cooling of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, as its very low boiling point allows the operation of superconducting magnets. Helium is also used as a breathing gas in deep-sea diving because it reduces the side effects of nitrogen.
Aerospace and lifting gases
Helium is lighter than air, which is why it is used as a lifting gas in weather balloons, blimps and balloons. Unlike hydrogen, helium is non-flammable, making it a safer alternative.
Helium as a welding gas
Helium is an effective shielding gas, especially for TIG and MIG welding. Its use is common when welding heat conductive metals such as aluminium, copper and magnesium, as well as thick materials where high heat input is required.
The arc produced by helium is hotter and wider than argon, allowing deeper penetration, higher welding speeds and better weld quality. Helium also reduces the porosity of the weld, which improves the durability of the structure. Its good thermal conductivity makes it an excellent choice for mechanised and automated welding processes where high welding speeds and precise thermal control are required.
Because helium is lighter than air, its shielding performance in the weld zone is weaker than argon. For this reason, a much higher gas flow rate is required to protect the weld from oxygen and contaminants.
Helium also has a high ionisation energy, which makes it more challenging to ignite the arc. It is therefore most often used as a mixed gas with argon. Argon facilitates the ignition of the arc and stabilises the arc, while helium increases the temperature of the arc and improves heat transfer. This combination achieves high quality and efficient welding in demanding conditions.
Leak detection and tightness measurements
Helium’s small atoms and inert nature make it an ideal gas for leak detection. It is used for leak testing in applications such as medical equipment, refrigeration and space technology.
Refrigeration and superconductivity
Liquid helium is used in cold research and for cooling superconductors. Its low temperature allows experiments where a near absolute zero point is required.
