Okayama University Initiates Helium Gas Recovery Through HeReNet Project

Helium Gas Recovery Efforts at Okayama University

On May 3, 2026, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, initiated Phase 1 of its helium gas recovery project under the "Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network" (commonly referred to as HeReNet). This initiative aims to strengthen the sharing of research equipment and resources among regional universities, thereby supporting scientific innovation in the area.

The task force focused on enhancing the shared use of research equipment, led by Vice Task Force Leader and Chief URA Koji Hatanaka, recently visited Kagawa University and the Planetary Material Research Institute in hopes of advancing this project. The team includes technical staff and coordinators, who have begun to recover helium gas from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) devices.

During this first phase, a specialized compressor and helium recovery gas bags were provided to each participating institution, facilitating the connection of the NMR devices to the gas bags. The process involves gathering helium gas into these bags, which can then be compressed and stored in gas cylinders for future use.

Professor Masanori Sato from Kagawa University highlighted the financial burdens local universities face due to rising helium prices, asserting the necessity of collaborative recycling projects like HeReNet. He expressed optimism that such efforts could alleviate some of these financial pressures, ultimately benefiting regional educational institutions.

The expected intellectual resource enhancements will be significant, as six institutions now participate in helium collection: Tottori University, Tokushima University, Yonago National College of Technology, Okayama University of Science, Kagawa University, and the Planetary Material Research Institute. The ambitious timelines set for Phase 1 are being met ahead of schedule due to collaborative efforts among all parties involved.

Professor Xue Xianyu from the Planetary Material Research Institute stressed the importance of recycling helium, a finite resource predominantly imported from abroad.