Helium
Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe. Is a colorless gas known for its low density and low chemical reactivity. It is a highly specialized product. It is chemically inert and non flamable, with high thermal conductivity, low molecular weight and the lowest boiling point known.
Helium is used:
- To inflate party/decorative balloons, scientific/weather balloons, and airships/blimps.
- To fill lighting balloons which would float in air to illuminate film sets during scene shooting and photo shooting.
- In liquefied form as a cooling medium for the superconducting magnets in MRI scanners, and NMR spectrometers.
- To treat diseases that affect lungs.
- To keep the satellite instruments cool.
- To provide an inert protective atmosphere for making fiber optics and semiconductors, and for arc welding.
- To detect leaks, for instance in car air conditioning systems.
- To fill car airbags after impact
- By deep-sea divers and others working under pressurized conditions to create artificial atmosphere where Helium and Oxygen are used as a mixture in 80:20 proportions. This helps them to breathe better.