Why MRI Scanners Need Liquid Helium
Superconducting magnet cooling to 4.2K (-269°C).
1,500-2,000 liters per scanner (cost: $30,000+).
Purity Requirements (ISO 8573-1:2010)
99.999% He to prevent magnet “quenching”.
Oxygen/moisture limits: <1 ppm.
Helium Shortage Impact on Hospitals
Scanner downtime risks (300+ clinics affected in 2022).
Cost escalation: $40+/liter in shortages.
Mitigation Strategies
Zero-boil-off (ZBO) magnet designs.
Helium recapture systems during refills.
The Future: Alternatives & Innovations
High-temperature superconductors (NioMRI).
AI-enhanced helium recycling.
Post time: Jul-08-2025