Monday, August 9, 2021

Helium (Balloon Gas) and Helium Safety.

Balloon Gas

We often talk about using helium to inflate balloons that we want to float. However, in the UK. (I am unsure about other countries) we mostly use a product known as Balloon Gas. Balloon Gas is a re-cycled product that derives from helium that has been re-captured after being used for other purposes and is no longer suitable to be used in 
medical or science applications. This re-cycled helium would be wasted if not re-used in balloons.

It is often speculated that helium is wasted when used for balloons.

The simple answer is no – it is not a waste. As cylinders of pure helium are filled, the escaped gas mixes with air and is captured and compressed into cylinders as balloon gas. Some manufacturers capture this helium when filling MRI scanners.

Manufacturers have stated that this wasted helium is considered a ‘recycled product’ as it would have been lost to the environment had it not been captured and re-purposed. If the balloon market demand declined, manufacturers would have to re-evaluate other markets and consider the possibilities of re-liquefying it. Re-liquefying is currently considered uneconomical from the locations of where the filling application take place.

Let’s not forget that the balloon market is only one application and makes up less than 10% of the worldwide helium market, there are several other applications that also use helium.

Helium Facts

Helium is an inert gas, and is the second lightest element next to hydrogen. It is colourless, odourless and tasteless. INERT means it will not react to any other elements, therefore it is impossible to cause a fire or to burn. However, it is very important to know that helium is an asphyxiant, and therefore inhaling helium can cause serious harm that could result in fatality, so it is definitely not safe to inhale helium!

Is there a safer alternative to helium? This is a definite no! 

Helium Safety Tips

  • To avoid muscle strain and injury, use correct lifting techniques. Larger cylinders should not be lifted manually due to their weight. Cylinder trolleys should always be used.
  • NEVER drag a cylinder along the ground. 
  • When transporting a cylinder by car or van, make sure that the vehicle is well ventilated and that the cylinder is very well secured.
  • Ensure that cylinders are stored in well-ventilated areas, away from direct heat.
  • When inflating a balloon, always point the balloon and inflator away from you, and close the cylinder valve after use. Some professional balloon artists will wear protective eyewear when inflating balloons. Always offer staff protective eyewear when inflating balloons.
  • Always secure a cylinder to a secure support in an upright position when in use, as cylinders can cause serious injury if they fall over or roll on to you.
  • Do not attempt to catch a falling cylinder; move out of the way.
  • Keep cylinders away from children at all times.
  • The valve on high-pressure balloon gas cylinders should never be opened unless the appropriate filling kit is attached.
  • Always use the correct inflation equipment designed especially for inflating balloon and the cylinder type that you are working with and NEVER repair, alter or change equipment as this can result in serious accidents, remember you are working with gas under very high pressure.
  • Slowly open the cylinder valve by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction.  Listen for any obvious leaks. If there is a leak, turn off the valve, release any excess gas in the filling kit and check you have fitted the filling kit correctly.
  • Remove the filling kit if moving the cylinder any distance or ceasing use.  Before removing the filling kit, turn off the cylinder valve and release the pressure in the kit.
How long does helium last inside a latex balloon?

Balloons look fantastic when they are filled with helium, majestically floating in the air,  but it does require some thought when using them for events. Since latex is porous, helium begins to seep out from the surface of the balloon the moment the balloon is filled. How long the helium lasts inside the balloon depends on the size of the balloon. An 11" latex balloon will typically float for up to 18 hours, but will only look good for around 12 hours. It is recommended to inflate latex balloons with helium as close to the time of the event as possible to ensure that they look their best throughout the event.
To make latex balloons float for longer they can be treated with HI-FLOAT. ULTRA HI-FLOAT is a patented liquid solution that dries inside latex helium-filled balloons to form a coating that helps hold in the helium. A single squirt inside the balloon keeps it floating longer – up to 25 times longer! The chart below will give you the average floating time for different size latex balloons. Please be aware that not all latex balloons are of the same quality, and therefore I always recommend that you use Qualatex balloons.




Will latex balloons still float if you mix helium and air together?

Yes! It is possible to mix air with helium to save on your helium costs. However, you need to be aware that adding air into the helium will make the balloons heavier and reduce the floating time and liftability of the balloons (this means that a balloon cannot lift the same weight as a balloon that is filled with helium only.) Personally, I would only recommend using this technique if you are working with balloons 16" and larger, and also if you only require them for a shorter length of time. You cannot use a 60/40 mix of helium and air with foil balloons.

Conwin makes a range of 60/40 inflators. For more information visit https://www.conwinonline.com/shop/60-40-helium-air-inflator/



I hope that this information has helped you. It is always good to know a little bit more so that you are always informed and have responses available to give to customers who may have their concerns regarding the use of helium in balloons.

Happy Ballooning! 

Sue
Follow me @Suebowler










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