Helium is a non-renewable and valuable industrial gas. As its global supply becomes tighter and its price increases, efficient usage is now a necessity. A helium recovery system helps companies reduce both helium consumption and long-term operating costs. Beyond the financial benefits, these systems also contribute to sustainable manufacturing and resource conservation. In today's world of lean production and ESG goals, the ability to reclaim and reuse helium isn't just smart, it's essential. That's where MVS Technologies and our high-efficiency helium recovery units (HRUs) enter the picture.
The hidden cost of helium, and how to avoid it
Leak testing plays a vital role in many industries, such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and electronics. These tests often require large amounts of helium. Without a helium recovery system, this gas is used once and lost forever.
Companies face:
- Rising helium prices
- Irregular supply chains
- Unnecessary environmental waste
Installing a helium recovery unit allows manufacturers to capture and reuse most of their helium. This not only creates major cost savings, especially over time, but also supports the continuity of production lines during supply shortages.
What makes HRUs from MVS Technologies stand out?
MVS-designed HRUs are built with performance and flexibility in mind. These systems can work in a pressure range from 1 to 1000 bar and are compatible with various helium concentrations, making them perfect for a wide range of leak testing tasks.
Key benefits include:
- Up to 95% helium recovery efficiency
- Custom-built to match client requirements
- Available as both standalone and integrated models
- Support low-pressure (100–500 mbar) operations
- Can return reclaimed helium to tanks or cylinders
They are scalable and modular, meaning whether you're operating a small test bench or a large-scale production line, there's an HRU to fit your needs.
HRUs and sustainability: supporting ISO 14001 and ESG targets
Companies operating under ISO 14001 or aiming to meet ESG expectations need practical tools to reach environmental benchmarks. MVS HRUs help minimise helium waste, one of the key pillars of resource-efficient manufacturing.
These systems:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting helium production needs
- Lower total gas usage, which translates into fewer transport and delivery emissions
- Show regulators and stakeholders a commitment to sustainability in action
Rather than adjusting processes after the fact, integrating a helium recovery unit builds sustainability into operations from the start.
Tackling common challenges: preventing oil contamination in HRUs
A previous feature on our blog explored a critical issue in helium recovery system maintenance: oil contamination. This problem can clog components, reduce gas purity, and even damage leak detection systems.
Contamination often comes from:
- Compressor oil entering the recovery system
- Inadequate filtration
- Oil aerosols recirculating inside the system
To prevent these issues, MVS systems use:
- High-quality sealing
- Advanced filtration stages
- Real-time monitoring
- Temperature control to reduce condensation risks
If oil does enter the system, effective cleaning and flushing routines are available. Maintenance strategies like these ensure the helium recovery unit remains efficient and reliable over time.
The long-term business value of efficient helium use
Investing in a helium recovery system is not just a technical decision; It's a strategic one. The return on investment goes far beyond helium savings.
Business advantages of HRUs:
- Reduce helium purchasing costs
- Avoid production downtime due to a shortage
- Lower maintenance by using quality systems
- Support compliance with industry regulations
- Future-proof your processes with modular, upgradeable equipment
While initial setup requires planning and investment, the operational savings over three to five years typically make up for the cost and then some.
Building for the future: applications and innovations
MVS Technologies has over 30 years of experience designing systems for high-precision sectors. Our helium leak testing systems and recovery units are already used in:
- Automotive fuel tank testing
- Battery tray pressure tests
- Aerospace leak detection
- HVAC and refrigeration system qualification
With helium playing a growing role in clean energy and high-tech manufacturing, HRUs will only become more important.
Integration support and lifecycle assistance
One of the key strengths of MVS Technologies is its complete lifecycle support. From the initial concept to installation, and through maintenance and potential upgrades, MVS ensures our helium recovery systems continue to meet your goals.
That includes:
- Engineering consultation
- Custom system design
- Installation on existing lines
- Operator training
- Ongoing technical support
This commitment ensures that partners aren't just buying equipment, they're gaining a full-service helium efficiency strategy.
Companies looking to stay competitive, efficient, and sustainable must rethink how they consume helium. A modern helium recovery system isn't a luxury; it's an operational advantage. With proven cost savings, improved gas efficiency, complete regulatory alignment, and a substantial environmental impact, choosing a high-performance HRU like those from MVS Technologies is a step forward for any production environment.
Whether you're replacing outdated systems or planning a new facility, integrating helium recovery is a decision that pays off in both the short and long term.
Explore how MVS Technologies can help you reduce helium consumption, lower costs, and build a cleaner manufacturing future!
