Free space is conventionally measured using helium because it is nonadsorbing and does not condense at cryogenic temperatures. Helium is, however, relatively scarce on Earth and comes with a high price tag due to its limited availability and the costs associated with its extraction and purification. Despite its rarity, helium is widely used in scientific, medical, and industrial applications. Additionally, with few suppliers worldwide, unexpected disruptions can further compound to the challenges of procuring it.
Other gases like nitrogen and argon are more plentiful in the atmosphere and can be separated more readily. Therefore, they are generally more cost-effective compared to helium. Micromeritics is introducing a new feature on our gas adsorption instruments which allows operators to utilize gases other than helium for determining free space. This enhancement offers users increased flexibility and helps addresses procurement challenges.
