Alert for Helium Shortage

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There is an impending situation that you may or may not be aware of. We have been informed by some members that helium shortages are looming and that helium users may be put on allotments as early as August. The allotments are likely to be in the neighborhood of 70% of current consumption, although some areas may experience larger reductions. 　If your business is using helium for its welding processes, including CO2 laser welding, GTAW welding and the like, you may want to consider ways to reduce the amount of helium consumed for operations.
Reply:The original US helium plant outside of Amarillo was shut down many years ago, but they are still producing some helium in that area.   The article below indicates that they are producing helium as fast as they can, and that supply is not much more than demand.I am rather interested in the history, and have been to the Helium Monument in Amarillo.  Amusingly, when I mentioned that to a friend in Texas, she said that her father said that was the only good thing in Amarillo.   ;-)  There is a good history museum in Canyon, just south of Amarillo, although I don't remember seeing a lot about helium.lhttp://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/new.../NR0701_2.htmlhttp://amarillo.com/stories/061909/new_news2.shtmlhttp://ludb.clui.org/ex/i/TX3162/RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Helium is almost impossible to contain. It will eventually deplete, but likely not in our lifetime.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:Helium only comes from natural gas wells. It doesn’t exist as part of the atmosphere. That’s why Europe never really used helium for welding. It was way too expensive to import. But now with the Polish natural gas reserves being discovered, perhaps that will change.