Helium is a key raw material. Due to its cooling and inert properties, it is indispensable for many industries, such as aerospace, medicine, and semiconductors, to name just a few. The global helium demand is rising steadily and is expected to exceed 322 million cubic meters by 2035. (source: IDtechex)
Today, helium is produced in only a handful of countries: USA, Qatar, Algeria, Australia, Russia, and Poland. Those locations are often far from the end customer, and disruption-free supply is not guaranteed due to the geopolitical situation.
The growing demand and difficulties with the supply caused helium prices to double in the last 5 years. (source: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/helium-statistics-and-information)
Not only is helium a major cost factor for manufacturers, but it also has a relatively high CO2 footprint. Helium is extracted as a byproduct of natural gas processing. The helium separation is energy-intensive. Transportation of helium in pressurized tanks across the globe adds to its carbon footprint.
At ReiCat, we believe that a radically new approach is required when it comes to handling helium. In most manufacturing processes, helium is not consumed but merely contaminated. ReiCat Helium Recycling Systems recover up to 98 % of the contaminated helium. Thus, the manufacturer becomes independent from the supply market, OPEX is reduced by up to 80 %, and CO2 emissions are minimized.