Why Is Helium Used in MRI Machines?

Helium serves as the essential cooling agent in MRI machines, keeping their superconducting magnets at extremely low temperatures of around -269°C (-452.2°F) to enable proper imaging function.

In this guide, we explain how this happens and why no other fluid can match helium’s properties and benefits in imaging technologies. You’ll then learn how several key advancements have addressed the safety concerns tied to the use of helium.

The Critical Cooling Role of Helium in MRI Technology

Think of helium in an MRI machine like the coolant in your car’s engine – but way more extreme. Without it, the whole system would overheat and fail to work.

The superconducting magnets in MRI machines need to maintain incredibly cold temperatures to function properly. These ultra-low temperatures are achieved through the use of liquid helium. Once the magnetic coils reach them, they become superconducting, which means they can conduct electricity with virtually zero resistance.

This super-cooling process allows the magnets to generate the powerful magnetic fields needed for creating detailed images of the human body.

Why Helium is Irreplaceable in MRI Systems

You might wonder why we can’t use another, potentially more cost-effective cooling agent. The answer lies in helium’s unique properties that make it irreplaceable for MRI technology.

Helium has the lowest boiling point of any element on Earth, making it the only practical choice for achieving the extreme temperatures needed. Other cooling agents can’t get cold enough while maintaining the stability required for medical imaging.

Traditional MRI machines use about 1,700 liters of liquid helium to maintain these extremely low temperatures (which is enough to fill about 10 bathtubs). Small amounts of helium naturally evaporate over time, so it needs to be topped off periodically.

Further Reading: What Is Helium Used for in Hospitals?

Safety and Modern Innovations in MRI Helium Systems

Modern MRI technology has come a long way in addressing safety concerns and helium conservation, which is crucial because helium is a non-renewable resource.

When helium suddenly boils off (also known as a quench), it rapidly expands into a gas that can displace oxygen in the room. Modern MRI systems are designed with safety features that direct this gas safely outside the building, protecting patients and staff.

Newer MRI designs also enable a more efficient approach to helium usage. Some modern systems use as little as 7 liters of helium in total, which is less than 1% of what traditional systems require.

Some of these newer systems also incorporate technology that contains the helium within the machine during a quench event. It’s like having a built-in safety net that protects both the expensive helium and the people nearby.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Helium Supplier

While helium might seem like just another component in your MRI system at first glance, it’s the essential element that makes this technology possible. Without it, we wouldn’t have access to one of modern medicine’s most powerful diagnostic tools.

Whether you’re running a traditional high-field MRI or one of the newer reduced-helium systems, having a dependable helium supplier is crucial for maintaining your imaging capabilities. Regular maintenance and proper helium management help prevent unexpected downtime and ensure optimal performance of your MRI system.

Further Reading: The Impact of Helium Extraction on the Price of the Gas.