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Recovering Helium from NMR Devices: A Collaborative Breakthrough

On November 5, 2025, Okayama University made headlines with a groundbreaking initiative in helium gas recovery, partnering with Ehime University. The two institutions conducted an innovative operation at the Ehime University Shihoku Campus in Matsuyama on September 9 and 30, successfully retrieving helium gas from obsolete Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) machines. This marks a significant milestone for the "Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network," commonly known as "Chugoku-Shikoku HeReNet."

The Importance of Helium Recycling

Helium, an essential resource in advanced medical imaging techniques like MRI and NMR, is often subject to atmospheric release during the decommissioning of research equipment. In response to this ongoing issue, Okayama University aims to establish a stable helium supply system while maximizing the utility of this increasingly scarce resource. The project is part of the university's broader HeliGet initiative, which focuses on recovering liquid helium from outdated research instruments.

During the planning stages, Ehime University's Academic Support Center (ADRES) contributed significantly to the project, particularly with the guidance of Deputy Technical Officer Hiroko Kamata. The team sought to address the existing challenge: the historic release of helium gas to the atmosphere during NMR equipment disposal. With cooperation from the equipment manufacturers, the recovery operation came to fruition.

Process of Helium Recovery

On September 9, the project team visited Ehime University, where they prepared six gas bags, including one from the university's inventory, and performed a thorough inspection of the hose connections required for helium retrieval. Over a two-week period, Kamata led the efforts to extract helium gas from the NMR devices. The operation was efficiently executed, with team members seamlessly transitioning hoses to new gas bags as they became filled, ensuring optimal collection rates.

On September 30, Okayama University’s Vice Task Force Leader Koji Hatanaka and a team of technicians and administrative staff participated in a verification experiment. Using a gasoline-powered compressor that required no electrical power, they compressed the approximately 6.2 cubic meters of helium gas collected in the gas bags into gas cylinders. This labor-intensive process took less than two hours and successfully capped off their initial recovery efforts.

The helium gas collected is set to be supplied to the liquefaction system on Okayama University's Tsushima campus for subsequent reuse. This success not only bolsters the goals of Chugoku-Shikoku HeReNet and the HeliGet initiatives but also signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing helium supply security in the region.

Global Context and Future Prospects

With rising global demand and geopolitical challenges, helium supply and pricing have been concerning trends in Japan. Consequently, Okayama University has launched efforts aimed at recovering and re-liquefying atmospheric helium emissions from universities, research institutions, and technical colleges throughout the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima region. Starting in 2024, the institution plans to implement the HeReNet project, which will include the support of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

As part of this initiative, they are committed to upgrading helium liquefaction equipment by the end of fiscal year 2026, resulting in nearly double the liquefaction capacity compared to existing systems. Additionally, ongoing plans include establishing the necessary infrastructure, such as gas bags and compressors, for collaborating partners.

The broader vision behind these projects not only encompasses the recovery of helium but also the establishment of a resource-circulating economy. The existing practice of releasing helium into the atmosphere during the disposal of research instruments will be replaced with a sustainable and effective recovery solution.

Contributions to Research and Innovation

Okayama University is positioning itself as a core educational institution that fosters research and innovation through the HeReNet and HeliGet initiatives. By collaborating with neighboring universities, research institutions, and corporations, the university aims to support research and development that relies on liquid helium, ultimately contributing to enhancing Japan’s overall research capacity and innovation capabilities.

In conclusion, as articulated by President Nasushi Yasutomo, this collaboration with Ehime University is just the beginning of a robust helium recycling network that will serve the greater community. The successful recovery of helium gas signifies a strong commitment to innovative scientific practices and resource sustainability. Stakeholders eagerly await further updates as these ground-breaking initiatives progress in the coming years.