CU Boulder recovers helium - a depleting, irreplaceable resource
When most people think of helium, they think of balloons, which float as a result of the low density of the inert gas.听However, helium has many uses beyond birthday party decorations. Helium plays a critical role in scientific research, medical technology, high-tech manufacturing, space exploration听and national defense. Helium鈥檚 unique properties 鈥撎齣ts low boiling point, low solubility, low density听and inertness 鈥 make it an important resource.
Due to its low density 鈥 much lower than air听鈥撎齢elium escapes earth鈥檚听atmosphere. Most of earth鈥檚 helium deposits are underground in natural gas reserves. Unfortunately, according to the,听these finite reserves are being 鈥渞apidly depleted.鈥 As a result, there is a need for efficient and baby直播appally viable helium recovery.
Luckily, researchers across the world have attempted to offer solutions to this ever-growing problem. At听CU Boulder, the physics department operates a helium recycling/liquifying facility that received a CU Green Labs Award in 2022. As researchers in physics and JILA use liquid helium, it is captured and sent back to the shop for re-liquefaction, reducing the amount of helium lost and saving the researchers money.
The physics helium liquefier could become a critical resource for keeping research going on campus through enhanced re-use of helium.听The physics helium facility at CU Boulder is paving the way towards a sustainable helium future and serves as an example for other campuses to follow.