6 Superfluid Helium Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for superfluid helium as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 6 superfluid helium manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked superfluid helium companies as of November, 2024: 1.Linde Gases, 2.Middlesex Gases & Technologies, Inc., 3.Airgas, Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is Superfluid Helium?
Superfluid helium is formed when helium is cooled below its cryogenic temperature of 2.17 K, transitioning into a viscosity-free liquid state.
As helium's temperature decreases, it first changes from gas to liquid. Further cooling leads to a secondary phase transition at the λ-point, resulting in superfluid helium.
This state is characterized by extremely weak interatomic forces, allowing helium atoms to penetrate tiny spaces and exhibit unique phenomena due to the absence of viscosity.
Both helium 3 and helium 4 can achieve superfluidity, although their respective λ-points differ.
Uses of Superfluid Helium
Superfluid helium, an excellent conductor of heat, is used primarily for cooling. Its theoretical infinite thermal conductivity makes it an ideal cooling medium.
In practice, superfluid helium is often used in place of liquid helium due to the high costs associated with maintaining its superfluid state.
One significant application is in cooling superconducting helical coils in MRI machines, where it generates stronger magnetic fields than liquid helium, thereby enhancing measurement precision.
It is also crucial in equipment used for measuring minute signals, where even minimal heat generation can impact accuracy, necessitating efficient cooling with superfluid helium.
Characteristics of Superfluid Helium
In its superfluid state, helium exhibits zero friction between atoms, leading to the absence of viscosity.
This lack of interaction between atoms allows them to move freely and penetrate narrow spaces. Consequently, superfluid helium can creep up container walls and spill over (superfluid phenomenon).
Just as an electric current in a superconductor can flow indefinitely once initiated, superfluid helium can flow endlessly once set in motion. Similarly, if rotated at high speed, it continues to rotate indefinitely.
Due to its non-viscous nature, it also flows at a constant rate in thin pipes regardless of pressure and does not achieve thermal equilibrium, allowing for highly efficient cooling systems via superheat conduction.
Maintaining cryogenic temperatures is crucial for retaining superfluid helium's properties, which are lost if the temperature rises above its λ-point, posing a challenge in its application.
Currently, superfluid helium is mainly used for cooling, with ongoing research into harnessing its unique properties for other technologies.
List of 6 Superfluid Helium Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
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WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc.
Liquid helium
Company Overview
WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc., founded in San Diego, CA, in 1970 is distributor of gases and equipment. The company's product portfolio includes gas control systems, fluid control accessories, such as fittings, connectors, and tubing, pressure regulators and high-pressure valves, including ball valves, needle valves, gate valves, and check valves. The company serves industries such as Petrochemical and Refining Chemical Processing, Power Generation and Aerospace and Aviation. The company also offers customized services, and technical support.
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Iwatani Corporation
Industrial Gases & Machinery
Company Overview
Iwatani Corporation, estabished in 1930 in Tokyo, Japan is a manufacturer of ‘decarbonized’ energy-related products such as liquified petroleum gas, natural gas, helium and hydrogen gas. The company specializes in producing energy for commercial purposes and develops home propane gas, cassette gas-associated products, LPG, hydrogen gas, and diverse energy development products which are used in applications such as residential and commercial cooking, heating, industrial processes, and fuel for vehicles as a clean energy source for the environment.They are also engaged in various other businesses such as industrial chemicals, machinery, livestock and agricultural products.
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Airgas, Inc.
Liquid helium
Company Overview
Airgas, Inc. is an American distributor of specialty gasses and related hardgoods that was established in 1982 following parent company Air Liquide’s acquisition of Connecticut Oxygen. Based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, the company primarily offers gasses for medical and industrial applications, including argon, helium, and acetylene. It also stocks gas-related equipment such as cylinders and flowmeters, as well as welding products, safety products, and tools. Airgas chiefly serves clients in the construction, energy production, chemical processing, and life sciences sectors.
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Matheson Tri-Gas
Helium
Company Overview
Matheson Tri-Gas is a merger between Matheson Gas Products and Tri-Gas, Inc and is a manufacturer of semiconductors, industrial cylinders, and equipment since 1927 in the United States. Matheson Tri-Gas offers industrial, specialty, and medical gases including liquids, gases, and gas mixtures in various purity grades, and different types of cylinders or containers. The company also designs and manufactures various types of gas-handling equipment such as regulators, flow meters, filters, and purifiers. Matheson's range of customers includes food, medical and biotech companies.
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Linde Gases
Liquid helium
Company Overview
Linde is a global industrial gases and engineering company that was established in 1879. Their two primary areas of operation are gas (industrial and medical gases) and engineering, procurement, and construction. Located in Germany, they have office locations in 27 countries and offer services to customers in chemical and energy, food and beverage, metals and mining, and other industries. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used to produce clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems, life-saving medical oxygen, and high-purity & speciality gases.
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Middlesex Gases & Technologies, Inc.
Liquid helium gas
Distributor Overview
Middlesex Gases & Technologies, Inc., founded in 1949, is an American supplier of industrial gases and related technologies, with its headquarters located in Everett, Massachusetts. The company offers a range of gases, including specialty gases tailored for biotechnology and life science companies. Additionally, Middlesex Gases supplies cryogenic gases and cryogenic liquids to various industries such as pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, and medical device research. Medical gas products like anesthetics are also among the company’s product offerings. Middlesex Gases’ gas systems and distribution networks serve the New England area, covering Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
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Superfluid Helium Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linde Gases |
52.6%
|
| 2 | Middlesex Gases & Technologies, Inc. |
15.8%
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| 3 | Airgas, Inc. |
10.5%
|
| 4 | Iwatani Corporation |
10.5%
|
| 5 | WestAir Gases & Equipment Inc. |
5.3%
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| 6 | Matheson Tri-Gas |
5.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the superfluid helium page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- Iwatani Corporation: 1,319
Newly Established Company
- Airgas, Inc.: 1982 (42 years ago)
- Iwatani Corporation: 1930 (94 years ago)
- Matheson Tri-Gas: 1927 (97 years ago)
Company with a History
- Matheson Tri-Gas: 1927 (97 years ago)
- Iwatani Corporation: 1930 (94 years ago)
- Airgas, Inc.: 1982 (42 years ago)
Superfluid Helium Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Superfluid Helium Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
1 | 50.0% |
United Kingdom
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1 | 50.0% |
