Helium Recovery In Fiber Optic Production: Benefits and Application

摘要

Helium is an essential component used in the manufacture of optical fiber and has proven substantial advantages over alternative gases. Due to the increased demand for helium combined with limited available new capacity, supply of this valuable gas has recently become tight. This situation has resulted in increasing helium prices as suppliers seek and develop new sources to meet demand. In an effort to help encourage conservation and provide cost saving solutions to customers, Praxair has been very active for several years in bringing helium conservation and recovery technology to optical fiber producers, and other large helium consumers. The decisions made now may have a material impact on each fiber producer's ability to effectively control future costs and reap the benefits of uninterrupted production. This paper serves to examine helium supply and demand drivers, advantages of using helium in fiber optics manufacturing, and important aspects of applied helium recovery technology, in order to assist the optical fiber producer in formulating a plan appropriate to their specific circumstances.