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Helium is almost all captured from gas wells by cryogenically liquefying the nitrogen out of it. I guess you could do technically do that with the fab's air but
by AngryData 6mo ago
Helium is almost all captured from gas wells by cryogenically liquefying the nitrogen out of it. I guess you could do technically do that with the fab's air but it is a LOT of volume of air to liquefy and likely costs more than even inflated helium prices.
Most helium from most wells is simply vented because it is expensive to separate even with its relatively high concentration, and I imagine even the best case scenario for capturing it from a fab has abysmal concentration of helium. But because most of it is vented it also means if the capital is put down to build more helium separators on gas wells it wouldn't take long to increase supply. Short term for a year or two it can be a problem, but beyond that it is simply a cost versus demand issue. There is neither a technological nor source limitation, it is a pure capital investment limitation.
- seany 6mo agoThe fact that all helium escapes the atmosphere, and is essentially impossible to produce makes things a bit more complicated.
- deleted 6mo ago[deleted]
- throwaway2037 6mo ago> Helium is almost all captured from gas wells by cryogenically liquefying the nitrogen out of it. This is wild. I never thought about how they separated gases from natural gas fields. The carbon footprint of each kg of that helium must be astonishingly large.
- citrin_ru 6mo agoI hope systems which separate helium: 1. have very good thermal insulation 2. use heat exchangers so separated gases can cool down incoming gas.
- wolvoleo 6mo agoWell yes but that's only if you consider the helium to be the only reason for the natural gas extraction which is obviously isn't. It's more of a byproduct in that sense.
- extraduder_ire 6mo ago> Most helium from most wells is simply vented because it is expensive to separate even with its relatively high concentration I remember a similar situation with neon early in the Ukraine invasion a few years ago. What I expect to happen is some other source coming online that currently doesn't try to capture it for economic reasons. Helium recovery in scientific settings for cost saving reasons is already done, so it's not like there isn't expertise in using it.