Gazprom launches complete cycle of liquid helium production

Today, Gazprom launched the helium liquefaction unit OG-500 at the Orenburg helium plant. So far, the plant produced only marketable helium gas.

The event was attended by Gazprom’s deputy chairman, Vitaly Markelov, the heads of Gazprom's specialized subdivisions, subsidiaries and contracting organizations. The OG-500 unit is an innovative cryogenic technological line for the production and shipment of liquid helium. Its designated capacity is 4.2 million liters per year. Due to the latest equipment, the cleaning of the gas in the unit to the maximum level removes the various impurities. As a result, a high quality product with a helium content of not less than 99.9999% is produced. The system design provides for the ultra quick cooling of the helium, as well as low power consumption and the minimal consumption of liquid nitrogen. This enables to avoid any losses of the helium during the liquefaction, the company’s press centre reports.