Helium (HE)

Helium has the chemical symbol He, and atomic number 2. It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic, and inert gas that is lighter than air.

Although Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, it is rare on Earth, because it is so light that it escapes the atmosphere. All the Helium on Earth is trapped underground with natural gas and is extracted by the natural gas industry. As a result, it is a finite resource.

Simcoe Gases can provide the Helium gas / gas blend you need in a variety sizes to suit most requirements. Common Pure Helium cylinder sizes are:

Small 80 ft3

Medium 125 ft3

Large 300 ft3

Helium is an inert gas which is often used in container and system integrity testing.

Due to Helium’s small atomic size, it can easily find and pass through the tiniest leaks, making it highly effective for detecting microscopic flaws. Additionally, it is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safer to work with.

Also - Helium’s low natural concentration in the atmosphere makes it easy to detect even small amounts of leakage without interference from background gas.

Helium as delivered by Simcoe Gases is a high-pressure gas.

The actual temperature varies with pressure in the cylinder.

Helium is a gas at room temperature down to the very low boiling point of -269º C or - 425º F.

More Interesting facts about Helium and temperature:

Unlike other elements, Helium remains a liquid even at absolute zero (-273.15º C / - 459.67º F)

Below approximately -2710 C or 455.80 F, Helium enters a “Super Fluid” state, with zero viscosity, allowing it to flow with zero resistance, and even to exhibit strange behaviors like climbing walls.

If you don’t already have one, you can buy balloon filler valves here. (link to https://www.simcoegases.store/balloon-fillers--1)

Inhaling Helium can displace oxygen, leading to rapid suffocation and death. In case of accidental inhalation, move the victim to the fresh-air immediately.

Taking Helium direct from a cylinder or balloon filler valve is extremely dangerous. The pressure of the Helium flow can easily cause human lungs to explode.