1. Packaging
Helium is typically packaged in high-pressure steel cylinders. These cylinders are gray in color and marked with the green Chinese character for "Helium" (氦). The filling of gaseous helium must be conducted in accordance with the Chinese National Standard GB14194. According to China's classification system for the packaging, storage, and transport of hazardous materials, it falls under Class 2.2 (Non-flammable Gas); its hazardous goods packaging mark is "5."
2. Storage and Transport
Helium is non-corrosive; at ambient temperatures, it can be stored using any standard engineering materials. At cryogenic temperatures, materials such as copper, aluminum, and stainless steel are primarily employed. Helium may be stored in either gaseous or liquid form. Gas cylinders should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse where the temperature does not exceed 30°C. They must be kept away from ignition sources and heat sources, protected from direct sunlight, and stored separately from flammable, explosive, or combustible materials.
Helium can be transported via pipelines or directly via portable tank containers, which range in capacity from 1 liter to 30 cubic meters. For industrial applications, liquid helium is transported and stored for extended periods using specialized liquid helium transport dewars or stationary storage tanks, typically ranging in capacity from 100 to 500 liters.
Helium cylinders should be stored upright in a safe, well-ventilated area that is sheltered from adverse weather conditions; storage temperatures must not exceed 52°C. The storage area must be free of combustible materials and located away from high-traffic zones and emergency exits; furthermore, the area should be free of salt or other corrosive substances. For unused cylinders, the valve caps and output valve seals must be kept intact and protected. Empty cylinders should be stored separately from full ones. Overstocking and prolonged storage periods should be avoided, and accurate storage records should be maintained.
