Dr Shababa Selim predicts that demand will double over the next 10 years
Helium plays an important role in a variety of industries including medical imaging, thermal management systems, aerospace engineering, pharmaceuticals and the list goes on. Helium plays a crucial role in propping up many technologies and industries, without it, these technologies would no longer function.
Helium possesses high thermal conductivity as well as chemical inertness and cryogenic properties. This makes the element perfect for applications where there are no other alternatives in application. This is an added incentive for companies to invest in conservation strategies mixed with reclamation technologies.
IDTechEx predicts demand will double by the year 2035, in part due to Helium’s key roles in energy transmission, digital transformation and space exploration. These uses have put Helium onto the EU list as a critical mineral. Despite its importance, the Helium supply chain is extremely vulnerable due to geopolitical strains and lack of production diversification. This makes the price extremely volatile.
Manufacturing
Thermal management during semiconductor production, fibre optics and quality control processes are all dependent on Helium. HVAC equipment and fuel tanks are both tested for leaks with Helium, which is a critical part of ensuring these devices are safe to use. Welding semiconductor nodes is also dependent on the use of Helium, as there are currently no other alternatives for this role.
Helium as a Cryogen
Being the only liquid at absolute zero (0K) makes it critical in MRI and NMR machinery in both medical and chemical usage. This is also important for scientific research, such as being used in the Large Hadron Collider as well as nuclear fusion reactors. The use of hydrogen in cryostats is essential in quantum computing. Several qubit modalities require cooling between 10mK and 4K. This is only possible using Helium in cryostats.
MRI scanners have seen improvements in reducing the sheer volume of Helium they consume. A sealed-for-life hardware design prevents any Helium from escaping through cracks in the design, whilst artificial intelligence helps the machine operate in more efficient manners. New materials have also been used in the design such as metamaterials and high-temperature superconductors. MRI scanners lead the way in Helium usage by end-users, but these improvements help reduce the amount these machines use.
Helium in the aerospace industry
Hydrogen systems are purged using Helium, as it can be used as an inert gas. It also has wider functions, such as pressurising ground and flight fluid systems, leak-test components and as a shielding gas during precision welding operations. With increased orbital launch frequency comes increased Helium requirements. This is both for commercial and scientific expansion.
Trends in Helium production
Geopolitical tensions will impact Helium supply, even with two major players, Russia and Qatar, increasing their production capacity. A solution many small players on the market are investigating is primary/green Helium solutions, this being where reserves are present in non-hydrocarbon gases. Extensive data and validation will be required for Helium production on a long-term basis. Using low-capex separation systems can produce Helium in a new way. These processes involve upgrading and purifying the Helium found in these reserves.
IDTechEx’s verdict
Due to the historically low price of Helium, there has been no incentive for companies and industries to innovate around Helium. Now, because of the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, companies are investing in conservation techniques with Helium, as the supply chains are no longer as secure as they once were. This is especially true of industries where there is no viable alternative to Helium.
