Grant helps DKICP and UH Hilo reduce helium waste

DKICP and other UH Hilo researchers have been awarded a grant of $317,910 from the National Institutes of Health for the purchase and maintenance of a helium recovery/liquefaction system. This new device will help to improve the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of biomedical research conducted by faculty at DKICP and across the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, explains Dianqing Sun, DKICP professor and the grant’s principle investigator.

“This new helium recovery/liquefaction system represents a green technology, allowing the university to help reduce global helium waste,” he says. “It will enable major advancement in our chemistry core operation, promote strategic use of shared resources, and significantly strengthen and synergize biomedical research at DKICP and UH Hilo.

“In addition, it will provide outstanding teaching, training and advising opportunities for our students to participate in meritorious biomedical research,” he adds.

Helium is a scarce resource, used across a broad range of research and medical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. This new system allows vaporized helium to be used, then captured in gas form and reliquefied for use again.