📘 eLearning Module: Siemens Helium Free MRI

1. Theory / Content (~400 words)

What is Helium Free MRI?

Traditional MRI machines need thousands of liters of liquid helium (around 1,500 liters) to cool their superconducting magnets to extremely low temperatures. Helium is rare, expensive, and supply is unstable. Hospitals often face high costs and downtime when helium refills are needed.

Siemens Healthineers has pioneered the Helium Free MRI — a system that uses only 0.7 liters of liquid helium, sealed permanently inside the magnet. This design eliminates the need for continuous helium refills and makes MRI safer, more cost-efficient, and eco-friendly.

Why is it important?

• Helium is a scarce natural resource: less than 0.0005% of Earth’s atmosphere.

• Global shortages and price spikes threaten MRI operations.

• Siemens’ Helium Free MRI gives hospitals independence from helium markets.

How does it work?

• Siemens developed a DryCool Magnet with only a tiny sealed helium reservoir.

• No evaporation → No refill.

• Once installed, the magnet is lifetime sealed — no need to worry about helium logistics ever again.

• MRI performance is maintained with world-class image quality and advanced software.

Key Benefits for Hospitals & Patients:

1. Helium Independence – Avoids reliance on unpredictable helium supply chains.

2. Cost Savings – No ongoing refill or transport expenses.

3. Eco-Friendly – Preserves helium, a limited global resource.

4. Reliability – No risk of “quench” or system downtime due to helium loss.

5. Flexible Installation – Lighter and more compact design means easier setup in smaller facilities.

Sales Talking Points:

• Sustainability Leader: Siemens is the first to commercialize helium free MRI.

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Hospitals save money year after year.

• Reputation Boost: “Green technology” appeals to both hospitals and patients.

• Future Proof: Customers won’t be impacted by global helium shortages.

2. Video Links (Optional)

• Siemens Healthineers – Helium Free MRI

• Why Helium Free MRI Matters

3. FAQs

Q1: Why do MRI machines need helium?

A1: To cool the superconducting magnet so it can function properly.

Q2: What happens if helium runs out in a traditional MRI?

A2: The magnet can “quench” (lose superconductivity), causing costly downtime and repair.

Q3: How much helium does Siemens Helium Free MRI use?

A3: Only 0.7 liters, sealed permanently inside the magnet.

Q4: Does helium free mean lower image quality?

A4: No. Image quality is the same or better, thanks to Siemens’ advanced magnet and software.

Q5: Why should hospitals switch?

A5: To save costs, avoid helium risks, and lead in sustainable healthcare.

5. Grading Level

👉 Basic (non-medical sales audience).

✅ Now this is the correct Siemens Helium Free MRI training module, structured for sales education.

Would you like me to bundle CT + MRI + Helium Free MRI into one bilingual (English–Myanmar) handbook PDF with visuals and MCQ answer keys, so your sales team has a complete Radiology Imaging Training Kit ready for Odoo eLearning?


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🌡️ MRI-Grade Liquid Helium

• Purpose: MRI scanners use liquid helium (4.2 Kelvin / −269°C) to keep superconducting magnets cold.

• Form: Always supplied in liters (L), not cubic meters.

• Consumption: A typical 1.5T or 3T MRI holds ~1,500–2,000 liters of helium. Older scanners may need 50–200 L refills per year, while newer “zero boil-off” or “helium-free” models use much less.

💲 Pricing (as of 2024–2025 global market)

• U.S. & EU hospitals/universities
  • Current liquid helium price: $15 – $50 per liter
  • Example: Ohio State Univ. pays $21.57/L, discounted to $15/L for volume users【web†source】
  • University of Illinois: $32/L, plus handling & dewar rental【web†source】
  • Shortage periods can spike to $55/L+

• Asia (Thailand, Singapore, China, etc.)
  • Import-based, usually higher than U.S./EU due to shipping & logistics.
  • Typical hospital/industrial rate: $25 – $40/L
  • Thailand medical suppliers report 2023/2024 rates around $30–35/L delivered to hospitals.

• Myanmar
  • No domestic helium production → 100% imported (mainly via Thailand, Singapore, or China).
  • Price expected to be $35 – $50/L, depending on volume, urgency, and supplier contracts.
  • Small quantities (emergency fills) often cost even more due to transport from Thailand.

📊 Cost Example for MRI Refills

🔑 Key Takeaways for Myanmar

• Expect $35–50 per liter delivered for MRI use.

• Annual cost depends on scanner technology:

  • Older MRI (non-zero boil-off): 100–200 L per year → ~$3,500–$10,000.

  • Newer helium-saver MRI (zero boil-off): Only ~7–10 L per year for topping up.

• Most Myanmar hospitals source helium via Thai suppliers (Bangkok or Rayong-based industrial gas companies like Linde, Air Liquide, or Thai local distributors).
  
  Helium Suppliers in Myanmar- ? not many-
  1- Sein & Soe Co Ltd, Hlg- one of them Ms Kyi Kyi Sein Thet ( ex-Carbonix Factory)-