DOTmed Industry Sector Report: Liquid Helium Services (Keep Cool & Cool Down)

by Becky Jacoby, Reporter | February 11, 2009

Does helium boil-off or leakage cause any safety concerns? Helium poses very little risk to the environment or to humans as it is an inert gas, however there are safety concerns. In liquid form, the liquid is extremely cold. Contact with skin or eyes will cause immediate frostbite.
Also, the expansion rate of liquid helium to gaseous helium is greater than 700:1. This means that in a confined space, helium gas can displace oxygen posing an asphyxiation risk. All MRI suites and mobile trailers have a special venting to exhaust any helium gas boiled-off out of the suite and into the atmosphere. During filling operations field technicians should use portable oxygen monitors to ensure their breathing air quality is not compromised.
Finally, the high expansion rate of liquid helium requires the magnet system to vent helium properly. If air or water is allowed into the system, ice formations can cause a blockage in the venting restricting the flow of gas, this can be dangerous if not addressed properly. Too, an over-pressurization risk can occur if magnets are not properly configured for transport or decommissioning.
Without these professionals keeping their cool when doing this demanding and dangerous job, MRI magnets wouldn't keep their cool either.

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