Stringent Control Over Every Link to Build a Core Barrier for Efficient Helium Recovery

Helium is a scarce and non-renewable resource. Its efficient recovery serves as a key approach to cost reduction, efficiency improvement and green development. As the core carrier for helium transmission, separation and purification, the piping of helium recovery systems directly determines recovery efficiency, gas purity and operational safety of the entire system. Professionalism and rigor in its design, material selection, installation and maintenance are essential. Tailored to helium’s special operating characteristics including high permeability, low boiling point and high purity requirements, every technical procedure must be strictly controlled.

Piping: A Critical Component of Helium Recovery Systems

Piping design for helium recovery systems strictly abides by specifications including Technical Specification for Helium Extraction from Natural Gas Systems (T/CCGA 20007—2024) and Design Code for Industrial Metallic Piping (GB 50316), with refined design based on process parameters. Key points are as follows:

1. Piping layout follows the principle of short routes and fewer elbows. For pipelines with helium mole fraction ≥ 10%, fully automatic orbital GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) is adopted instead of threaded connections to eliminate leakage risks and guarantee weld quality.

2. Pressure and temperature adaptation: The design pressure shall be no less than 1.1 times the maximum working pressure to enhance pressure resistance of pipelines in pressurization sections. Thermal insulation with multiple layers shall be installed on cryogenic pipelines in accordance with GB/T 31480 and GB/T 31481 to minimize cold loss, condensation and icing.

3. Auxiliary pipelines such as vent lines and bypass lines, as well as relevant valves, shall be reasonably arranged. Parallel pipelines equipped with valves and breather valves are installed at shell connections, and vent devices are fitted at the bottom to facilitate system maintenance and maintain gas purity.

Installation & Testing: Strive for Perfection to Eliminate Hidden Risks

Piping installation shall fully comply with construction regulations. All pipelines and fittings are thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to installation to remove contaminants. During installation, pipelines are firmly fixed with controlled gradient. Welding operations are monitored throughout the process, and weld seam inspection is conducted to ensure installation quality.

Comprehensive testing is implemented across all stages. Pressure testing and helium mass spectrometer leak detection are carried out post-installation to meet leak rate standards. Cleanliness testing is performed on high-purity pipelines. During system operation, pressure, temperature and leak rate are monitored regularly, and inspection records are maintained for timely troubleshooting.

Operation & Maintenance: Routine Management for Long-Term Stable Operation

Piping maintenance adheres to the philosophy of prevention first and regular management. Regular inspections are conducted on leakage-prone areas; pipelines are cleaned and purged periodically, and thermal insulation layers of cryogenic pipelines are checked. Complete maintenance files are established to realize full-lifecycle management of pipelines and sustain long-term reliable system operation.