Many people do not know that an MRI machine is designed to run continuously. Shutting it down can lead to losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars because of a very special Gas helium, often called “light gold.” Helium is considered extremely valuable because it is the second lightest element in the universe and plays a critical role in many advanced technologies.
Today, however, helium has become one of the most valuable resources in the world. People are saying that the future will belong to those who control helium supplies.
Imagine explaining this to a child:
“There is a gas in this world that science cannot manufacture easily. Nature creates it over millions of years, and the nation that controls it may control the future.”https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/the-7-most-expensive-substances-ever-found-on-planet-earth
The Origin of the Name Helium Gas
The story behind helium’s name is fascinating. Scientists first discovered evidence of helium not on Earth, but in the Sun. The word “helium” comes from the Greek word “Helios,” which means “Sun.”
By studying sunlight and its spectrum, scientists realized that the Sun contained an unknown element. Eventually, that element was named helium.
How Is Helium Gas Formed?
Deep inside the Earth, radioactive elements such as uranium undergo radioactive decay and release alpha particles. An alpha particle is essentially the nucleus of a helium atom. When these particles capture electrons from their surroundings, helium gas is formed. The alpha particle is essentially the nucleus of a helium atom. As these alpha particles move through rocks, they capture electrons and become helium atoms. Over millions of years, helium accumulates inside rocks and underground reservoirs. If helium escapes into the atmosphere, it rises into space because Earth’s gravity is too weak to hold it.
How Is Helium Gas Extracted?
Helium remains liquid at approximately 268.9°C.
This is one of the coldest temperatures achievable on Earth.
For comparison:
- Liquid nitrogen exists at approximately 196°C.
- Liquid helium exists at approximately 268.9°C.
Because of this unique property, helium has become indispensable in advanced technologies.https://unbiasedpollkhol.com/
How Does an MRI Machine Work?
This extraordinary property makes helium essential for MRI machines. MRI scanners use powerful superconducting magnets that must be kept at extremely low temperatures. Liquid helium cools the system and reduces electrical resistance almost to zero, allowing the machine to produce a powerful magnetic field. If the temperature rises even slightly, the liquid helium quickly turns into gas and escapes. This process, known as helium quenching, can result in enormous financial losses, which is why MRI machines are rarely switched off completely.
Helium also plays a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, aerospace engineering, and rocket technology. Silicon wafers used in computer chips require helium during production, while quantum computers rely on extremely low temperatures that can only be achieved with liquid helium. Modern space programs also depend heavily on helium for various applications, including cryogenic cooling systems.
Only a few countries control most of the world’s helium supply. The United States, Qatar, Russia, Canada, and China are among the leading producers, while countries such as India rely heavily on imports. Increasing demand for artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, quantum computing, and space exploration has made helium more valuable than ever before. Recent export restrictions and geopolitical tensions have further intensified concerns about global helium supplies.
India is now trying to diversify its helium imports, establish strategic reserves, recycle helium used in hospitals and research facilities, and explore potential domestic sources, including deposits found near Bakreswar in West Bengal.
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