University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
IN-2: Innovation 2

Helium is a rare gas in short supply but one vital to the University of Illinois’ research mission. It is one of the few elements that leaves the planet – making it an extremely finite resource. To better steward its use of this natural resource, the University has invested in improved infrastructure to capture and recycle (via re-liquefication) approximately 95 percent of wasted helium. Superconducting magnets require liquid helium (at a temperature of 4K) to maintain a uniform electrical current used to study molecule structure. As the helium warms, it boils off and is currently lost. The new improvements will capture helium lost from more than a dozen magnets and recycle it to be used again – rather than continuing to purchase and waste 100 percent of a precious resource. Increased helium recycling capacity will not only will this reduce demand for raw helium, it will also ensure stability of price and availability of liquid helium for researchers, promoting sustainable research for years to come.

Raw helium demand at a fraction of previous levels – less fracturing and drilling required to get at resource Decreased price of helium for end-user: At 95% efficiency price will drop from the current $14 to $8. Further price reduction after full return of investment.