This week marks a momentous event in the field of helium science; the discovery of the element helium in its purest form yet. For many years, helium had only been found in its superfluous non-gaseous state — suspended as tiny bubbles in the atmosphere around us. However, Japanese researchers have spent the last several years researching a new method of extracting helium out of dated rocks and vegetation.
The research team, led by Professor Satoshi Mizuta from the Helium Evolution Research Institute, spent four years studying a mix of helium-bearing materials found deep beneath the Izu-Oshima volcano, off the coast of Japan. Through painstaking effort, the team was able to effectively separate trace elements from the rock samples in order to safely extract the purest form of helium yet discovered.
The resulting discovery has been dubbed “platinum-grade” helium, and its successful extraction marks a tremendous breakthrough for researchers in the field. Unlike other gases such as nitrogen, which can easily be isolated from the environment, pure helium is incredibly rare and difficult to obtain. Up until this week, the purest forms of the element had been achieved through an arduous, lengthy extraction process involving powerful lasers and chemical agents.
The platinum-grade helium is subject to the same constraints; but has been found to be approximately ten times more efficient in its extraction process compared to pre-existing methods. This drastic improvement is due to several significant advances in helium extraction technology, such as new chemical agents and improved sampling techniques.
Combined with the fact that platinum-grade helium is essentially non-toxic and non-flammable, the discovery of this new form of the element marks a major step forward for the helium industry. It is expected that the increased efficiency of the extraction process will lead to far less waste, and a much more economical extraction process .
Professor Mizuta and his team of researchers have made an incredible breakthrough for the study of helium; they have successfully isolated the highest grade of helium yet discovered. Consequently, this discovery is sure to have a lasting impact on the industry and is sure to be seen in the expansion of the helium market in the coming years.