It is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-flammable compressed gas stored in cylinders. At room temperature, it is a gaseous inert gas. The pressure is typically 15MPa, with a gas density of 0.1786g/L (0°C, 1 atmosphere) and a liquid density of 0.1250kg/(boiling point). High-purity helium is stable and usually does not form compounds. When excited in a low-pressure discharge tube, it can form He2 and HeH ions and molecules. Compounds can form with certain metals under certain conditions.
Aerospace Industry
High-purity helium is widely used throughout the entire process of aerospace and aircraft manufacturing, from production to flight. Spaceflight operations utilize high-purity helium to purify hydrogen systems, while ground and flight fluid systems use it as a pressurizing agent. Additionally, high-purity helium serves as the lifting source for meteorological and other observation balloons.
Section II: Automotive and Transportation Equipment
High-purity helium is used for testing critical automotive components such as radiators, heat exchangers, air conditioning units, fuel tanks, and torque converters to ensure compliance with quality standards. Additionally, high-purity helium is increasingly being used in conjunction with argon for inflating airbags in safety systems.
Diving
Divers can effectively eliminate nitrogen narcosis, reduce the resistance of deep breathing, and shorten decompression stops by combining the use of oxygen with high-purity helium during dives. Helium-oxygen mixtures allow divers to stay underwater for longer periods at greater depths. The deeper the dive, the higher the concentration of high-purity helium, enabling divers to descend further and achieve extended welding times.
IV. Electronics
High-purity helium plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of semiconductors, liquid crystal panels, and optical fibers, enabling rapid cooling of components to enhance productivity. It also controls the rate of heat transfer, improving production efficiency and reducing defects. Additionally, high-purity helium can act as a carrier gas during the production process.
Welding and Metal Fabrication
High-purity helium, with its inertness under arc temperature conditions, makes it the ideal gas for welding high-conductivity materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and magnesium alloys. It is also used as quenching gas in heat treatment processes and as furnace gas, enhancing part durability and quality.
