Uses

Helium has many uses even though it is inert.  There are three major uses for helium in the united states, low-temperature cooling systems and pressure, lighter-than-air objects and purge systems.

Helium can be very useful in low-temperature cooling because at -270*, or liquid temperature, is able to cool anything because it is so cold.  A good example of this as useful is in superconducting devices, because superconducting (electricity can pass from one place to another without wasting any energy) can occur only at very low temperatures. 

In pressure  systems a gas is used to pressurize the system but the gas is not acceptable if it is able to react with any of the surroundings.  Helium is an inert gas that is ideal for these situations.  As well, in a purge system an inert gas is used to sweep all gas in a container without reacting with the contents, being inert it is ideal for these situations as well.

Helium is ideal for blimps, balloons and other lighter-than-air crafts because it is neither flammable nor have the lifting effects of hydrogen, this makes it much safer.  Although only used for advertising and other limited purposes, it is an ideal element to make these possible

Some other common uses for helium include:

• leak detection systems

• welding

• growing silicon and germanium crystals; protective shield

• titanium and zirconium production; protective shield

• nuclear reactors; cooling medium

• diving and others working under pressure; artificial atmosphere with 20% oxygen

• supersonic wind tunnels

• cryogenic applications

• liquid fuel rockets; pressurizing

• effecting voice if breathed