Helium: a precious and limited resource

As helium supplies face pressure, alternative solutions and regulatory changes drive industry adaptation.

Helium, the second most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen, is produced in stars through nuclear fusion. However, on Earth, helium is relatively scarce. It is primarily generated by the underground radioactive decay of uranium (238 U). Over time, this helium migrates through porous rock formations and eventually escapes into the atmosphere, where it dissipates into space. Due to its physical properties, helium is the only substance that escapes the atmosphere and is lost in space. Because of its inertness, if this were not the case, the concentration of helium in the atmosphere, which is stable at about 5.2 ppm, would constantly rise as the formation of geological helium continued.

To read the full article published in Manufacturing Chemist, click here.