#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #HeReNet #Electro-Communications University

Collaboration on Helium Recycling

On December 5, 2025, Okayama University, based in Kurashiki, Okayama, engaged in a significant discussion with the University of Electro-Communications regarding helium recycling projects, particularly the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network (commonly known as HeReNet). This meeting was a part of a broader initiative to strengthen research equipment sharing and infrastructure through a dedicated task force.

The task force sent a delegation, including Deputy Task Force Leader Koji Hatanaka, who is also the Director of the Equipment Collaboration Division, along with technical and administrative staff. The University of Electro-Communications was represented by Toshiyuki Kobayashi, an academic engineer from their Research Equipment Center, and Hitomi Suzuki, Chief URA from their Research Education Management Promotion Office. Additionally, Naoya Inakazu, a technical specialist from Osaka University's Graduate School of Science, contributed insights on the maintenance and management of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) equipment.

During the exchange, participants discussed the process of helium gas retrieval and its subsequent supply as liquid helium, highlighting logistical and pricing considerations for transportation agreements with Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The discussion also included updates on initiatives surrounding HeReNet, cryogenic electron microscopy, the Tomography Academia, data sharing among universities, and the Okayama University Next-Generation Researcher Challenge Research Program (OU-SPRING/OU-BRIDGE).

The visit involved on-site inspections of helium recovery operations at the University of Electro-Communications, followed by an explanation regarding helium gas recovery at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology's Koganei campus, where they observed collection equipment and NMR devices.

Moreover, discussions were held regarding the 'HeliGet' initiative aimed at recovering liquid helium from used equipment. This synergistic dialogue is poised to foster collaborative efforts in helium recovery, further enhancing the operational success of helium recycling projects across the region.

The collaboration between Okayama University, a core research institution, and other participating universities aims to supply liquid helium through projects like HeReNet and HeliGet. This endeavor holds the potential to significantly widen the scope for research and development activities that utilize liquid helium, thereby contributing to an increase in Japan's research capacity and fostering innovation.

The University is looking forward to establishing a cooperative framework that will ensure the success of helium recycling operations, sharing valuable insights on effective practices and challenges faced in this industry.

Future Directions

In the coming phases of experimentation planned under HeReNet, various test sessions will be conducted. These will include step-by-step experimentation, where helium recovery processes will be gradually implemented, ensuring a reliable and systematic approach to helium recycling. The phases include:

1. Phase 0: Reconstructing the collaboration environment for demonstration experiments at Okayama University.
2. Phase 1: Collecting helium gas from gas cylinders at collaboration partner sites.
3. Phase 2: Transporting small quantities of liquid helium while simultaneously recovering helium gas.
4. Phase 3: Increasing the quantity of liquid helium transported while enhancing gas recovery efficiency.

Each phase of experimentation has been meticulously planned to support the systematic scaling of these initiatives, culminating in successful helium recycling. The task force is confident that fostering such collaborations will significantly boost the research landscape in the Okayama region, and they encourage stakeholders to look forward to these impactful developments.

For more information on Okayama University’s research equipment sharing initiatives and their commitment to enhancing innovation through collaboration, visit the Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-Creation Organization.