Helium is the second lightest element and the second most abundant in the universe. It is an odorless, colorless, and non-flammable gas. Helium is used in many applications, from medical imaging to rocket propulsion and welding.
One of the most important uses of helium is as a lifting gas for blimps and balloons. It is also used to pressurize and cool rocket fuel tanks and other spacecraft components.
At present, the Earth’s supply of helium is being depleted quickly due to a combination of factors. In the United States, the National Helium Reserve, which was established in 1925, is set to run out of supply by 2021. In other parts of the world, helium reserves are also being depleted.
What is the Current Status of Helium Reserves?
According to the US Geological Survey, the estimated reserves of helium in the world are just over 5.5 billion cubic meters. Of this, the US holds the largest reserves, at 1.2 billion cubic meters. The remaining supply of helium is distributed among other countries, with Russia, Qatar, and Algeria holding the largest reserves.
The US National Helium Reserve, which is located in Texas and Oklahoma, was established in 1925 and holds about 33% of the world’s helium reserves. The remaining helium reserves are held by private companies.
What Are the Major Causes of Helium Depletion?
The main cause of the depletion of helium is the lack of new sources of helium being discovered. In addition, the demand for helium has grown over the years and there is no way to replenish the reserves.
Other factors such as high demand from medical and scientific applications, helium leakage from pipelines, and the burning of helium as a fuel source have all contributed to the depletion of helium reserves.
What Are the Consequences of Helium Depletion?
The depletion of helium has serious consequences for many industries and applications. For example, the medical industry relies heavily on helium for MRI scans, and will be affected significantly by the depletion of helium reserves.
In addition, the aerospace industry uses helium to pressurize and cool rocket fuel tanks and other spacecraft components. Without a reliable source of helium, these industries will have to find alternative sources of fuel or cooling.
Finally, helium is used as a lifting gas for blimps and balloons, and its depletion will affect the entertainment industry.
What Are the Possible Solutions to Helium Depletion?
There are several solutions to the problem of helium depletion. The first is to reduce the demand for helium. For example, the medical industry could switch to other gases such as nitrogen or argon, which are both abundant in the atmosphere.
In addition, the development of new sources of helium could help to replenish the reserves. For example, researchers are exploring the possibility of extracting helium from natural gas deposits. Finally, governments could invest in new technologies to capture and store helium, such as cryogenic storage tanks.
What Can We Do to Conserve Helium?
There are several steps we can take to conserve helium. First, we can reduce our consumption of helium by using it only when absolutely necessary. For example, we could switch to other gases for medical applications or use helium only for the most critical applications.
In addition, we can invest in new technologies that capture and store helium. Governments can also provide incentives for companies to develop new technologies that capture and store helium.
Finally, we can support research into new sources of helium and invest in research into more efficient ways to use helium.