Helium: A Precious Element Diffusing into Space

The History and Future Prospect of its Demand and Supply

Abstract

A review is presented of how helium has been produced, supplied and consumed domestically in Japan and worldwide. In the majority of fields of helium consumption, recovery or recycling is not common due to cost issues. Historically, fields of end-use as well as production and supply of helium resources have been heavily affected by federal legislation in the United States. Considering the declining production and diminishing reservoir in the United States and rather unstable operation of resources in other countries in the future, at least domestically, development of low-cost helium recovery apparatuses and strategic promotion of helium recycling as performed for rare metals is crucial.