Helium Gas: Helium Tank with Helium – Helium Tank Hire – Helium Gas Tank Near Me

How Long Do Helium Balloons Last – How Long Will a Helium Balloon Last? How long does helium last in a balloon?

People ask this question in a lot of different ways: Helium balloons how long last; how long a helium balloon will last; how long do balloons last with helium; how long do balloons with helium last; how long do helium balloons last; how long does balloons last with helium; how long does balloons with helium last; how long does helium in a balloon last; how long does helium in balloons last; how long should helium balloons last; or how long will a helium balloon last?

Likewise, there are a lot of different answers…

Typically, balloons will last anywhere between 2-5 days.
However, there is more science in balloon longevity than you might think.

• Confetti filled balloons contain more weight inside, so regardless of size they only last about 24 hours.
• Latex balloons with HI-FLOAT, a sealant product, inside will last about 2-5 days.
  • Constant heat and rain will reduce the float time (to about 2 days).
• Balloons last longest in air-conditioning, with a longevity of about 3-5 days.
• Balloons will always last better in the cooler months, than the hotter months!
• Latex balloons without HI-FLOAT only last about 8-12 hours after inflation.
• Foil balloons float for about 5-7 days.
• Plastic Bubble balloons float for 1-2 weeks.
• Air-filled balloons can last for months, but they don’t float like helium balloons.
• Large balloons will last longer than small balloons because the volume of helium contained is greater.

Helium balloons last for a limited time due to helium’s ability to escape through the balloon material.

This is because the helium molecules are very small, as it is the second smallest molecule on the periodic table.

Storing them in a cool, non-humid environment, like an air-conditioned room, is the most beneficial for helium balloon longevity.

Noble gases are Group 18 elements from the periodic table.

They include Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon, and Oganesson.

They are recognised by their full outer electron shells, which makes them very stable with high ionization energy and low electron affinity.

They seldom react because they don’t readily mix with other elements or molecules.

However, heavier ones like Xenon and Radon can form compounds or have specific uses.

Noble gases are mainly unreactive monatomic gases as single atoms, not pairs (like N₂ or O₂), that are colourless, odourless, tasteless, and have extremely low boiling/melting points.

Uses include lighting (like neon signs), as shielding gases for welding, and cooling, like with liquid helium because of their inertness, amongst other applications.

Noble Gas Elements Symbols and Applications:

• Helium (He): Lightest noble gas, used in lighter-than-air applications and for cooling, typically as liquid helium in cryogenics
• Neon (Ne): Known for red-orange glowing signs
• Argon (Ar): Most abundant noble gas in the atmosphere, used in incandescent light bulbs, windows, and welding
• Krypton (Kr): Used in high-intensity lights and photography
• Xenon (Xe): Used in lasers, high-intensity headlights, and tanning beds
• Radon (Rn): Radioactive, thus posing health risks, whilst being historically used in radiation therapy
• Oganesson (Og): Highly radioactive and synthetic

A helium atom (atom for helium) has a nucleus with two protons, and two neutrons (with the most common Helium-4 isotope), with two electrons orbiting the nucleus.

As the second element (number 2) on the periodic table, a neutral helium atom is electrically balanced with an equal number of protons and electrons.

Helium is a noble gas and is chemically inert, meaning it does not easily form compounds because its outermost electron shell is complete.

It is relatively unreactive due to having a full outer electron shell.

An ionized helium nucleus, which consists of two protons and two neutrons, is known as an alpha particle and is emitted during radioactive decay.

Why is helium so rare on Earth?

Once helium is released in the atmosphere it is lost forever, as it will continue rising into space, making it the only truly non-recoverable element.

Helium in recoverable form and quantities is only found a few locations on Earth, and these sources are being rapidly depleted.

Helium is primarily found within natural gas deposits, especially in the United States, where it’s extracted as a byproduct.

Are we running out of helium? What will result if we run out of helium?

The largest current use of helium is for cryogenics. If our helium supplies run out, it could mean the end of MRI testing machines, where it is used as a cooling medium for superconducting magnets, LCD computer screens and birthday party balloons.

At the very least, as it runs out, it could make all of those things much more expensive.

However, worldwide reserves, exclusive of the US, was estimated to be approximately 31,300 million cubic meters, so we are not going to run out soon.

Based on these figures, we estimate the current worldwide reserves will sustain the supply for approximately 300 years at current rates of consumption according to UCSB. 

However, another group of experts warn that the world could run out of helium within 25 to 30 years, based on supply and demand.

Whilst argon can be substituted for helium for welding purposes, no other element can do what helium can do in super cold applications, where helium is used for the thawing process.

Helium, as an inert noble gas.

This means it is non-reactive and not flammable.

Its molecular structure is what makes it so unreactive and non-flammable (inflammable).

Helium is one of the six noble gases, which are inert gases which have very low chemical reactivity.

Helium is rare and there are now shortages of helium.

Helium is lighter than air and is frequently used to inflate balloons.

As it is expensive, less expensive hydrogen is sometimes used as a substitute, but hydrogen is extremely flammable.

Most helium is sourced from raw natural gas and must be separated, during natural gas processing, as it would hinder the flammability of the methane.

It is separated using a cryogenic gas separation process.

Helium is non-flammable. Unlike hydrogen, which is extremely flammable (the Hindenburg was filled with hydrogen), helium is non-toxic, colourless, tasteless, odourless and helium is totally non-flammable.

In fact, helium can even be a fire retardant, as a helium atmosphere which has no oxygen cannot support combustion.

Balloon gas or helium gas and balloons are used for helium balloon inflation.

The number of balloons filled* is an approximation only, as it can be affected by temperature and fill technique.

The chart below shows how much helium is used in balloons and the quantity of helium gas and balloons needed, based on helium tank hire sizes.

By combining the cheapest helium gas and balloons, you can budget for the helium tanks (helium gas tank) and event.

The dangers of helium inhalation are real although it may seem like harmless fun.

It is an asphyxiant, causing dizziness or unconsciousness. In addition to generalise hypoxia, it can cause disorientation and even death. Inhaling it can even cause a ruptured lung.

Inhaling helium is dangerous. The helium gas danger is not that it is poisonous, as helium is an inert gas.

The helium gas danger is as an asphyxiant, when inhaled instead of normal air. Helium does not make you high. Helium is non-flammable.

Inhaling helium is dangerous because it can cause your body’s oxygen level to drop to dangerous low levels, initiating Hypoxia.

This is known as Inert Gas Asphyxiation.

Breathing just helium, or any inert gas, creates a dangerous absence of oxygen.

The helium displaces the air, including the required oxygen, in your lungs.

Saying “Helium Helium Helium” is just reiterating the name of the number 2 chemical element on the periodic table.

The following is a timeline of the major events in the history of helium:

1868 – Theoretical evidence of the existence of Helium was based the discovery of a bright yellow spectral line (at 587.49 nanometers) from a prism of sunlight.  The discovery was made by Pierre Jules César Janssen, a French astronomer, during a solar eclipse.
1868 – Joseph Norman Lockyer named it Helium, after the Greek sun god – Helios.
1882 – Helium was first observed on Earth by Italian physicist Luigi Palmieri, whilst analysing lava from a volcano.
1895 – Actual helium gas was isolated by Sir William Ramsay, a Scottish chemist, by treating cleveite with acids.
1903 – Significant quantities of helium were found in particular natural gas fields within the USA.
1908 – Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes was the first to liquefy helium.

Helium comes from from natural gas processing.

We make Helium from a process called fractional distillation, which uses very low temperature to separate the gases.

You find helium is made as a by-product of natural gas but Helium sources are found only in certain locations on earth, most notably in the USA.

You can find helium to be as much as 7%.

The helium is then produced by purifying it using activated charcoal.

Finally, the helium made is liquefied cryogenically so that it can be transported on an economical basis.

Helium gas changes your voice when you inhale helium.

Helium affects your voice timbre, because helium is much less dense than air.

This is a result of sound travelling faster through helium than air, as well as helium favouring high pitched sounds.

When you speak, you rely on your vocal chords to make the sounds.

The air passing through your larynx causes the vocal chords to vibrate.

The mouth, lips and tongue then convert the sound into speech.

Inhaling helium is dangerous. The helium gas danger is not that it is poisonous, as helium is an inert gas.

The helium gas danger is as an asphyxiant, when inhaled instead of normal air. Helium is non-flammable.

Inhaling helium is dangerous because it can cause your body’s oxygen level to drop to dangerous low levels, initiating Hypoxia.

This is known as Inert Gas Asphyxiation.

Breathing just helium, or any inert gas, creates a dangerous absence of oxygen.

The helium displaces the air, including the required oxygen, in your lungs.

You do need to get helium gas for a balloon arch if it is self-supporting.

If there is some kind of framework to hold the balloons in the arch shape, then you do not need helium gas for a balloon arch.

Inhaling helium too deeply or directly from a gas cylinder is an even greater helium gas danger.

The pressurised helium gas can cause a dangerous embolism.

An embolism is a blockage of a blood vessel which, in this case, is caused by a gas bubble.

This can cause a stroke, seizures or death.

The inhalation of pressurised gas can also damage the lungs.

Air sacs in the lungs are likely to rupture and death follows almost immediately, as victims literally drown in their own blood.

The atomic number for helium is 2, meaning every helium atom has 2 protons, as the atomic number is based on the number of protons in the atom’s nucleus.

Common Uses of Helium

Helium has many uses, including cryogenics with the cooling of superconducting magnets in MRI machines.

Industrial applications include welding, fiber optics, semiconductor manufacturing, and scientific purposes (weather balloons, gas lasers, and breathing mixtures for divers and patients with respiratory issues.

Helium is used to fill hard drives, improving storage capacity and energy efficiency.

In welding it provides an inert shielding gas for welding metals like aluminum.

Helium is used to grow crystals for computer chips and as a purge gas to keep semiconductor manufacturing equipment clean.

Fiber optics: It’s used in a pure helium atmosphere to manufacture fiber optic cables, preventing air bubbles from forming.

The most well-known use is as a lifting gas to fill party balloons and large airships because it is lighter than air.

It’s also used in leak detection systems for its ability to pass through small openings.

Its inert, low-density, non-flammable, and extremely cold liquid form make it essential in many high-tech and medical fields, while its buoyant property allows it to be used for balloons and airships.

Medical and scientific applications include gas lasers.

Helium is used as a buffer gas in helium-neon lasers, used in barcode scanners and medical surgery.

In research it is used in studies of quantum mechanics and as a lifting gas for weather balloons.

It is also used in gas chromatography to separate and analyze compounds.

Rockets: It is used to purge and pressurize the fuel tanks in rockets, particularly those carrying liquid hydrogen, as it remains a gas at extremely low temperatures.

A helium atom typically consists of a nucleus with two protons and two neutrons, bounded by two electrons.

The two protons, with a positive charge, are balanced by the negative charge of the two electrons.

This makes the atom electrically neutral.

Nearly all of the atom’s mass is in the nucleus because protons and neutrons as they are much heavier than the electrons.

The resulting Hypoxia is a condition that develops when the body is deprived of an adequate supply of oxygen.

Generalised hypoxia can cause dizziness, disorientation, abnormal heart function, unconsciousness and even death.

Helium has two protons as its atomic number is 2, and the atomic number equals the number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.

Most helium atoms have two neutrons and two electrons in a neutral state.

Helium (𝐻𝑒) is a chemical element with atomic number 2.

Helium element is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic noble gas that is lighter than air, has the electron configuration 1𝑠², and is the second-lightest element in the universe after hydrogen.

Helium has a very low boiling point, making it the coldest liquefied gas.

It is known for its extremely low boiling point (−268.9∘𝐶) and is used in applications like filling balloons, medical devices (like MRIs), cryogenics, and as a protective atmosphere for welding.

Properties and characteristics

• Symbol: 𝐻𝑒
• Appearance: Colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas.
• Atomic Number: 2
• Atomic Mass: 4.002602 u
• Electron Configuration: 1𝑠²
• Appearance: Colourless, odourless, tasteless gas
• Classification: Noble gas
• Density: Less dense than air
• Flammability: Helium is non-flammable.
• Reactivity: It is chemically inert and has very low chemical reactivity.
• Solubility: Helium is only slightly soluble in water.
• Toxicity: Helium is non-toxic.
• Boiling Point: −268.9∘𝐶  (−452.1∘𝐹), the lowest of any element
• Melting Point: It does not have a melting point at standard pressure and can only be solidified by applying pressure.
• Superfluidity: Helium exhibits superfluidity, a unique property, at very low temperatures.

Uses

• Balloons and Airships: Used as a lighter than air lifting gas
• Medical: Required for MRI and NMR machines
• Industrial: Used as an inert shielding gas for welding and to detect leaks in systems like air-conditioners
• Scientific: Used to cool superconducting magnets in cryogenics, in research, and for semiconductor production
• Deep-sea diving: Mixed with oxygen to create a breathing mixture for divers in high-pressure environments to prevent “the bends”

Helium is a noble gas.

It is the first element in noble gases Group 18 of the periodic table.

Helium is the first element in Group 18, alongside neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.

Helium is known for its inertness due to a full outer electron shell.

Its full outermost electron shell makes it very unreactive, though under extreme pressure, it can form compounds.

The electron configuration for helium (He) is 1𝑠²

This means that electronic configuration helium has two electrons, both of which occupy the first energy level’s
𝑠 orbital.

The superscript “2” indicates that the 1𝑠 orbital is filled with the maximum number of two electrons it can hold.

The symbol for helium in the periodic table is He, and its atomic number is 2.

The periodic symbol for helium is He.

It is an element in Group 18 on the Helium element table, identifying it as one of the noble gases.

Atomic mass of helium – Helium atomic mass – Mass of helium – Atomic mass in helium – Molar mass of helium

The atomic mass of helium is approximately 4.0026 atomic mass units (u) or 4.0026 g/mol.

This value represents the average mass of helium’s isotopes.

The most common isotope, helium-4, has an isotopic mass of about 4.002603 u.

Helium does not have a melting point at standard atmospheric pressure because it remains a liquid down to absolute zero.

However, under high pressure of about 25 atmospheres, it can be solidified, with a melting point of approximately -272.2 °C (-458 °F).

Helium cannot be solidified, at standard pressure, by cooling alone and will remain a liquid at all temperatures, down to near absolute zero.

A melting point can be achieved under high pressure.

The melting point is approximately 0.95 K, or -72.2 °C.

Helium has a triple point, where solid, liquid, and gas phases coexist, which occurs at 2.177 K and 5.043 kPa.

The density of helium gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP) is approximately 0.1785 g/L

Liquid helium, at its boiling point, has a much higher density of around 0.125 g/cm3 4.22 K

The density of a gas changes significantly with temperature and pressure, while the density of a liquid is relatively stable.

Temperature and Pressure Affect Density

As temperature goes up, gas density decreases because the gas particles are moving faster and spread farther apart.

As pressure goes, gas density increases because the gas particles are forced into a smaller volume.

How do you dispose of a helium tank?

To dispose of a helium tank, take it to a Household Chemical Clean-out event or Community Recycling Centre.

You can find details and locations through your local council website.

First, ensure the tank is completely empty and label accordingly as “empty”..

If the manufacturer or recycling center requires it, puncture the disc on the tank after all gas has been released to show it is safe for recycling. 

Do not mix it with household waste in your household garbage bins, as it could result in explosion, damage and injury.

Helium changes your voice because sound travels significantly faster through helium than through air because of helium’s low density.

Sound waves travel about three times faster in helium than in air because of helium’s lower density and lower compressibility.

The faster speed amplifies higher frequencies in your voice as the natural resonant frequencies of your vocal tract shift higher, emphasizing the harmonics that are higher in frequency.

This alters your voice’s timbre to sound higher pitched.

However, your vocal cords still vibrate at the same original frequency, so the pitch is unaffected.

A denser gas has the opposite effect of helium, with a slower speed of sound, causing a lower-pitched voice.

Sulphur hexafluoride is an example of a denser gas.

Helium is a gas above its boiling point: −268.9∘𝐶  (−452.1∘𝐹), which is the lowest of any element

Liquid helium is the coldest liquid on Earth, with a boiling point of −269°C.

Below its lambda point (2.17K), it becomes a superfluid.

Liquid helium becomes a “superfluid” with zero viscosity, allowing it to flow without friction, creep up the sides of a container, and pass through tiny pores.

It has extremely high thermal conductivity, making it an excellent coolant.

Its properties are used for cooling in superconducting magnets in MRI machines and for other industrial applications including leak detection and in the manufacturing of electronic and optical products.

In scientific research, liquefied helium is used in cryogenic experiments, including those related to superconductivity and quantum computing.

Safety Hazards

Exposure to liquefied helium can cause severe burns due to its extreme cold.

Its high rate of expansion from liquid to gas can displace oxygen in enclosed areas, leading to asphyxiation.

Improperly vented containers can over pressurize and burst, as the liquid turns to gas.

Helium (He) is the second-lightest and second-most abundant element in the universe.

It is lighter than air and second only to hydrogen in this respect.

It is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic, and inert (unreactive) noble gas with the lowest boiling point of any element, remaining a liquid near absolute zero.

It is vital for cryogenics (MRI magnets), deep-sea diving mixes, and balloon inflation due to its lightness and non-flammability.

It is a rare on Earth, non-renewable resource and formed from radioactive decay and extracted from natural gas.

Its scarcity is because it slowly escapes into space.

However, it is the second most abundant element (after Hydrogen).

It is created in stars through hydrogen fusion and formed on Earth from the radioactive decay of uranium/thorium.

Warning

Inhaling helium temporarily raises voice pitch but is dangerous.

It can cause hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and potential harm, including death.

Where do i buy helium? Where can you buy helium?

You can buy helium from Stargas in metropolitan areas of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast.

ELGAS Stargas are industrial gas suppliers with products offered including compressed industrial gases with oxyfuel welding, cutting gases, shielding gases, hospitality gases, beer gas and LPG.

The hospitality gas offer includes a wide range of beverage dispensing gases as well as helium (balloon gas) and LPG for heating applications.

Stargas are industrial gas suppliers with service designed to cater for small to medium businesses.

We can offer value-for-money products without compromising safety or service.

Owned and operated by Elgas, Stargas also offers industrial users its high quality forklift gas.

The Elgas Stargas^® offer is supported by a fleet of delivery vehicles offering delivery, at no additional charge.

Helium is a not a metal, it is a colourless, odourless gas at standard conditions.

More specifically, helium is a noble gas (Group 18), extremely unreactive, doesn’t easily form chemical bonds, and is a gas at room temperature.

Whilst its name ends in “ium,” a suffix usually indicative of metals, it is not a metal.

Helium is the only nonmetal with this ending, which can be confusing.

Its outer electron full valence shell (1s2) makes it very stable, whereas metals typically share electrons. 

How Do Helium Balloons Work

Helium makes balloons rise because it’s lighter than air, providing lift as it displaces the surrounding air, as the helium gas inside weighs much less than the air it displaces, creating a skyward buoyant force.

It is usually sold in tanks for party use.

New safety standards in Australia require added oxygen to prevent misuse (accidental asphyxia) and emphasizing stern safety warnings about inhaling it due to asphyxiation risk.

You can buy small helium cylinders or get balloons filled at stores.

Balloons can be made from latex or foil.

Foil balloons generally float longer than latex ones, whilst adding a Hi-Float treatment to latex balloons can significantly extend float time. 

Helium Safety & Regulations

Inhaling helium is dangerous as it displaces oxygen, causing dizziness, loss of consciousness, and potentially death from asphyxia.

Australian Standards: Mandatory safety rules now require non-refillable helium cylinders to contain about 21% oxygen, reducing the purity of “balloon gas” to deter suicide attempts and accidental asphyxiation.

Some retailers impose age restriction for purchase.

Age Restrictions: Some retailers, like Kmart, won’t sell helium products to those under 18 without ID due to these risks. 

Where to Buy Helium – Helium Balloon Tank

Gas suppliers like BOC provide helium balloon tank and refills for DIY inflation. 

Major retailers and local helium balloons store​ offer inflation services and tanks.