The Importance of Helium

Isaiah Garza3/14/13, 1B

Abrams

What is Helium?•The second most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen•Discovered on the sun before it was found on Earth•Colorless•Odorless•Inert gas•Lowest boiling and melting points of all elements.

Where Does it Come From?•Non-renewable natural resource•Texas•Oklahoma•Kansas •International sources of natural gas tend to have lower helium concentrations.

What is it Used For?•It is an essential resource for the•aerospace industry• aluminum helium arc welding•medical uses•scuba diving mixtures•Party balloons•Surveillance devices•MRI•Military

What Companies Supply Federal Helium to End Users?•Praxair•Linde•Air Products Helium•Provide for almost one-third of the world’s crude helium demand

Is there Currently a Worldwide Shortage?•Yes•The current global shortage of helium is real•Rising demand outpacing supply•Maintenance issues at plants in - Qatar-Algeria- Australia•New plant in Wyoming that has been delayed•Drop in natural-gas prices which has reduced helium production.

What is the Bureau of Land Management’s role in the Federal Helium Program?•Operates and maintains government helium storage•Supplies crude helium to the private helium refining companies•Supplies 42% of the U.S. crude helium requirements •Supplies 35% of the world’s demand of crude helium

Helium ShortageWill this Shortage Improve Soon or in the future?

• Acute shortage expected into 2013

• More commonplace shortage if demand remains high

Has There Been Previous Shortages?

• Yes• Not as long as the current

situation• Not all factors occurred at

the same time or same degree as now (Winter 2012-2013)

Helium Shortage Video

Helium shortage is no laughing matter - YouTube

What is the Price for Helium?•Federal government announced rise from $75.75 to $84.00 per thousand cubic feet•Last year prices only rose 75 cents•Threatening to create a shortage

Is There a Way Out?

• Congress has taken no action on the bill since its introduction in April

•U.S. Senate considering a bill named“ Helium Stewardship Act of 2013”•Allow government to supply world with helium•Getting government out of helium business isn’t completely possible yet

Cactus Thorns. http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/20797

Stars: The Beginning of the End. http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/labs/star_life/starlife_after.html

Helium Shortage for Balloonist. http://www.usairnet.com/2012/10/10/helium shortage-for-balloonist/1003019/

Helium Shortage 2012.

http://www.ceekay.com/CompanyNews/HeliumShortage.aspx

Bibliography