Helium Pressure: Compressing & Lifting Capacity

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    Helium Pressure
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SUMMARY

Compressing helium to achieve a density greater than air requires increasing the pressure to approximately 107 psia. This process typically involves two stages of compression. At standard atmospheric pressure (14.7 psia) and 70°F, helium has a density of 0.0103 lbm/ft³, while air has a density of 0.0749 lbm/ft³. The techniques for compressing helium are similar to those used for air, but sealing helium is more challenging due to its properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gas laws and behavior under pressure
  • Familiarity with pressure measurement units (psia)
  • Knowledge of compression techniques for gases
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to gas temperature changes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of gas compression and the specific techniques for helium
  • Study the effects of temperature on gas density and behavior
  • Explore the design and operation of two-stage compression systems
  • Learn about sealing techniques for gases with low molecular weights
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in gas handling or compression, particularly those working with helium in various applications.

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Is it easy to compress helium,not into a tank,just enough to make it heavier than air?and how much weight can it lift per cubic meter under normal atmospheric pressures? please can someone help!
 
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Depends on what you mean by "easy". For any given increase in pressure, the temperature of helium will be higher than air. It's also more difficult to seal than air. However, the same techniques used to compress air can be used to compress helium.

To get the density of helium equal to that of air, it must be compressed to roughly 107 psia. Normally, this requires 2 stages of compression.

Density of helium at 14.7 psia and 70 F is .0103 lbm/ft3, compared to air which is .0749 lbm/ft3.
 

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