Liquid helium is created from helium gas. It is a colourless, odourless liquid used for cryogenic refrigeration and superconducting magnets, such as those required to operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machinery. It is a non-flammable and non-corrosive substance.
Liquid helium is inert, colourless, odourless, non-corrosive, extremely cold, and non-flammable. It is created by converting helium gas into a liquid at a temperature of -269 degrees Celsius.
This liquid is difficult to create which can often affect the price of liquid helium. However there are several essential liquid helium uses, making it an important substance that can serve a variety of functions in different industries. Most commonly, liquid helium is used for:
- Cryogenic refrigeration
- Superconducting magnets such as those used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Magnetoencephalography (MEG), and physics experiments
Liquid helium can cause injury if not handled, stored, and transported correctly. In normal circumstances, liquid helium is inert and will not react with other elements.
That said, liquid helium can still pose safety risks due to the low temperatures used to store it. Anyone working with liquid helium should wear appropriate PPE.
While non-toxic, if too much helium gas is present in a confined space, it can cause asphyxiation. As helium is odourless and colourless it can be difficult to detect. Liquid helium is typically stored in vacuum insulated dewars.
Is helium a liquid, solid or gas?
Helium is a gas, but when it gets to a certain low temperature it turns into a liquid.
How cold is liquid helium?
Liquid helium is -268 degrees Celsius.
How is liquid helium made?
Liquid helium is made through a cryogenic separation process, by converting helium to a liquid state. To do this, helium must be compressed and cooled down to -268 degrees Celsius.
Is liquid helium flammable?
No, liquid helium is non-flammable.
Can liquid helium explode?
No, liquid helium is not reactive or flammable, so it cannot explode.
Does liquid helium float?
Helium gas is lighter than the air we breathe, which makes it rise. However, liquid helium is much denser and will not float.
Does liquid helium rise because it's less dense than air?
While helium is lighter than air, liquid helium does not float.
Where can I rent liquid helium in Australia?
If you’re seeking to buy liquid helium, please contact our specialty gases team at specialtygassales@supagas.com.au.
Facebook
Linkedin
Instagram