Applications of Helium

It's no secret, in our industry, that helium is used to fill party balloons for decorative purposes. And, as we all know, balloons float as a result of helium being lighter than air. However, most people don't realize where helium comes from or how it's used outside of the party industry.

Helium is formed by decay of radioactive elements and is extracted as a byproduct of natural gas. Many may be aware of the helium shortage from a couple years ago, and it's said another 'shortage' may be around the corner. Luckily, a new helium source was recently discovered and this should help with future supply. Keep in mind that it will take time to allocate the resources and draw up contracts with different helium manufacturers.

So how is helium used? Well, besides making balloons float, helium is widely used in the medical, meteorological and laser technology sectors, to name a few. MRI machines use helium to cool the superconducting magnets. Meteorological balloons (as well as blimps and airships) are inflated with helium. Hydrogen was once the gas of choice for these types of balloons, but helium is a much safer alternative as it is non-flammable. From laser eye surgery to scanning a barcode, helium is utilized and critical to their functionality.

All of a sudden a floating balloon seems like the least impressive application of helium, right? For more information on helium and its various uses, read this.

Written by: Miriam E. Medellin

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A Sleeping Giant by Marshall Peterson

We share a great amount of information with employees and customers alike to ensure safe interaction with the gases and cylinders we sell. The following poem creatively illustrates the potential danger of pressurized gas. Some of you may recognize this as we have it posted in our store, as well as on our website . Though we do not intend to scare anyone away from using helium or the like, it's important to recognize the risks associated with gas under pressure. It commands great care and respect, as you'll see. A Sleeping Giant I am a compressed gas cylinder. I weigh in at 175 pounds with or without gas. I am pressurized at 2,200 pounds per square inch (psi). I have a wall thickness of about ¼ inch. I stand 57 inches tall. I am 9 inches in diameter. I wear a cap when not in use. I wear valves, gauges, and hoses when at work. I wear many colors and bands to tell what tasks I perform. I transform miscellaneous stacks of material into glistening ships and many ot...

Cylinder Sizes

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HX Loyalty Program for Large Cylinders

Chances are you've heard about or read up on our loyalty program. We've had such a great response to this program that now we're taking it one step further. Many of you asked if the program extended to large cylinders and we're happy to announce that now it does! Here's the breakdown... A large cylinder alone costs $300.00. You still need to fill it with helium and purchase a valve. We recommend purchasing a valve with a gauge so that you can monitor the amount of helium you have in your cylinder. This would cost $524.95. As you know, we granted massive discounts for small and medium-sized cylinders. And our newest program for large cylinders is no different. Now, you can purchase a large cylinder (full of helium) and a valve with a gauge for just $420! When you need it refilled, just pay $145*! Compare it to our other size options and see which one works for you . Written by: Miriam E. Medellin *Edited on July 24, 2019 to reflect price increase

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