MRI

MRI And Medical Devices

Helium—specifically liquid helium—is a critical component in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines because it cools the superconducting magnets inside the device to extremely low temperatures (around -269°C or 4 Kelvin). This cooling allows the magnets to operate with zero electrical resistance, making them efficient and powerful without generating heat.

Why liquid helium? It's one of the only substances that can maintain the ultra-cold temperatures required for superconductivity.

Function in MRI: The main magnet in an MRI is always on, and to keep it superconducting, it needs to stay below a critical temperature. Liquid helium enables this.

Cryogen consumption: Traditional MRI machines can use hundreds to over a thousand liters of helium, but newer "zero boil-off" and "helium-free" designs use much less.

Current Helium Market Size for MRI

As of 2024, the global helium market is valued at approximately $6 billion, with the MRI sector consuming around 20-25% of that total. That puts MRI-related helium use at roughly $1.2 to $1.5 billion annually.

Future Market Size and Trends

Forecast (2025–2030):

The global MRI market is expected to grow at a CAGR of ~5-6%, fueled by increased healthcare access, aging populations, and rising chronic disease rates.

Helium demand in MRI is forecasted to grow more modestly (~2–3% CAGR) due to:

Adoption of low-helium MRI systems

Recycling and helium recovery systems being installed in hospitals

Supply chain volatility and high cost encouraging innovation

2028-2030 Estimates:

MRI-related helium market could grow to around $1.7 to $2 billion, assuming moderate adoption of newer, efficient MRI machines.