FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HELIUM

The purpose of this web site is to inform the general public about the marvelous element helium. The following lists of questions came from people posting questions to my e-mail address or from the many attendees of cryogenics demonstrations presented by the chemists at Helium Operations. If you can't find your question answered here. . . then send it to the attention of Samuel R.M. Burton. Thanks.

  • 1. Q: What is helium?

    A: Helium is an element, an inert, colorless, odorless gas.

  • 2. Q: Where does helium come from?

    A: Helium is extracted from natural gas sources in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles and Southwest Kansas that have economically recoverable amounts of helium (0.2%). The element is believed to be trapped in the natural gas pockets after disintegration from uranium and thorium.

  • 3. Q: What can you do with helium?

    A: See the uses list on the main page.

  • 4. Q: How much does helium cost?

    A: If you purchase helium as a gas you will pay $38-$55 per thousand cubic feet depending on your vendor. Market forces will determine current prices.

  • 5. Q: Why does helium float?

    A: Helium "floats" because of differences in the density of helium as compared to the air around it. Helium is less dense and, therefore, floats in air.

  • 6. Q: Why did the government establish the helium program?

    A: The program was started to conserve 100 years worth of helium for future needs, to insure a ready supply of helium for national defense, and encourage the development of a private helium industry. The program has accomplished its stated objectives.

  • 7. Q: Why did the government want to store helium?

    A: Because it is a "non-renewable" resource. As helium containing natural gas is burned, any unextracted helium is released into the air and "lost". This is now going to happen again since the natural gas market is unstable.

  • 8. Q: Why did the government abolish the helium program?

    A: Ask your Federal Representative and Senator. They will probably say they did it to save you tax money.

  • 9. Q: Will the helium in the ground be sold?

    A: It looks like Congress is tring to decide how best to protect the Gas Industry from "dumping" cheap helium on the market. There is some talk about turning half the reserve over to the Department of Defense (DOD).

  • 10. Q: Since the program was formerly in the now abolished Bureau of Mines, where is Helium Operations now?

    A: Well the program is being downsized and has been moved over to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

  • 11. Q: What will be left of Helium Operations two years after the reorganization?

    A: The Cliffside Storage Facility, the 43+ billion cubic feet of helium, and about 40 federal workers to manage the gasfield and pipeline stuctures.

    Please note:This FAQ's list is still growing, send in your questions!