[Okayama University] Conducted helium gas recovery and liquid helium supply (Phase 2) of the "Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima HeReNet" initiative at Yonago National College of Technology

June 11, 2026 Okayama University

◆Overview

The task force for research equipment sharing at Okayama University visited Yonago National College of Technology (Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture) on May 15, 2026, to implement the first "Phase 2" of the Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima Helium Recycling Network (HeReNet), which involves the recovery of helium gas and the supply of liquid helium.

Participants from Okayama University included Makoto Ishii, Manager of the General Technical Department, along with technical staff members Hisayuki Urakami and Haruna Ando, and Hideaki Yamazaki from the Research Cooperation Division. Participants from Yonago National College of Technology included Eiichi Hino, a technical specialist from the Technical Education Support Center.

At Yonago National College of Technology, since December 2025, technical specialist Eiichi Hino has been regularly recovering helium gas from a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) device into gas bags and then into gas cylinders using recovery compressors.

On the day of the event, Okayama University transported approximately 90 liters of liquid helium, which had been pre-filled into specialized containers, to Yonago National College of Technology. Yonago National College of Technology spent about an hour filling the liquid helium into their NMR device. Subsequently, gas cylinders filled with recovered gas were transported back to Okayama University.

The overall flow of the Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima HeReNet involves sequentially implementing Phase 1 (gas recovery), Phase 2 (gas recovery and partial supply), and Phase 3 (gas recovery and nearly full supply), with plans to transition to full-scale operations afterward. This was the first implementation of Phase 2.

Eiichi Hino of Yonago National College of Technology stated, "This is the first time we have been able to procure liquid helium through recycling. With prices continuing to soar, it is very helpful to be able to obtain liquid helium at a low cost. As this project aligns with the SDGs 'Responsible Consumption and Production,' we intend to keep creating a sustainable research environment."

As a regional core research university, Okayama University aims to broaden the reach of research and development using liquid helium by supplying it to neighboring universities, research institutions, colleges of technology, and companies through HeReNet and HeliGet. Since helium is 100% dependent on overseas imports, this initiative is also extremely important from the perspective of economic security. Furthermore, Okayama University is advancing the development of 'HeliSET,' a helium-related human resource development program aimed at fostering the next generation of helium users and stabilizing helium prices. Okayama University will continue to promote HeReNet, HeliGet, and HeliSET as an integrated effort under the 'He3' (He-three) project.