A Unique Resource
Just as helium is unique among our natural resources, customers who need it require a supplier with unique capabilities. In fact, since early in the 20th century Praxair has developed more in-depth, hands-on experience in helium supply, and related technologies and services than any other company in the world.

Helium's molecules are extremely small, making the gas a perfect tool for detecting and locating even the most minute leaks -- or ensuring there are no leaks -- in pressure and vacuum systems.

GTS-Welco leak detection capabilities include:

	»	Handheld detectors
	»	Benchtop units
	»	Leak-detection service for buried pipelines, chemical reactors

Industry's that Benefit
GTS-Welco's leak detection capabilities have benefited a broad range of industries, including:

	»	Aerospace
	»	Automotive
	»	Chemical and Petrochemical
	»	Cryogenic vacuum
	»	Food
	»	Nuclear
	»	Refrigeration
	»	Semiconductor

	Aerospace Helium continues to play a pivotal role in helping aerospace companies launching satellites tap into their expanding market with both high-purity liquid and gaseous helium.
	Aerostat/Balloons For decades, helium has been giving a lift to everything from simple party balloons to sophisticated lighter-than-air aircraft and aerostats carrying cargos ranging from weather forecasting instruments, television equipment and radar stations to communications relays.
	Atmospheric Plasma A plasma is a partially or fully ionized gas consisting of electrons, ions, neutral species, and photons. Overall, the gas is electrically neutral. Helium provides a more uniform plasma at ambient pressure and near ambient temperatures than other inert gases.
	Diving Deep-sea divers rely on gaseous helium as a carrier gas for oxygen in synthetic breathing mixtures. This enables divers to conduct scientific investigations and explorations as well as develop offshore oil and gas resources.
	Electronics The world of electronics we often take for granted would not be possible without helium. That's because helium provides enhanced thermal conductivity and creates the controlled environments necessary for manufacturing semiconducting devices.
	Fiber Optics Gaseous helium is a critical consumable for producing the optical fibers in telecommunications cables that connect the "information highway." We meet this need by ensuring an uninterrupted helium supply.
	Metals Helium is used to do more than create an inert gas as a shield in heat-treating applications and metal finishing. Helium also makes it possible for metallurgists to extract, smelt and refine a variety of advanced materials.
	MRI/NMR Liquid helium's low boiling point (-452°F or -269°C) makes it ideal for cooling the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnets that create the magnetic field medical professionals need to develop the detailed images of body tissue that can eliminate exploratory surgery and biopsies.
	Welding Welders find helium's inert properties at arc temperatures ideal for welding materials with greater heat conductivity, such as aluminium and magnesium alloys.