Scientists in the US are concerned about helium supply and its impact on the progress of important cryogenic research projects and medical applications.
According to Phil Kornbluth of Kornbluth Helium Consulting, LLC, we are now in our third period of sustained helium shortage since 2006. The result of gradually diminished production capacity, the lack of new capacity coming into the market, and renewed growth in helium demand, have caused helium suppliers to begin allocations. This makes it difficult for all end users, but scientists, whose work is often time sensitive, are really feeling the pinch.
The depletion of the US Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Federal helium reserve in Texas is of particular concern, especially for federal users (scientists, engineers, and researchers) who have enjoyed supply assurances through the BLM’s In-Kind Helium Program.
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