[Okayama University] Implementation of Helium Recovery (Phase 1) at SPring-8 as part of the "Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima HeReNet" initiative

The Task Force for Strengthening the Shared Use and Maintenance of Research Equipment at Okayama University visited the large-scale synchrotron radiation facility SPring-8 (Sayo-cho, Hyogo Prefecture), a partner institution of the "Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima Helium Recycling Business Network (HeReNet)," on May 7, 2026. To promote this project, they conducted a Phase 1 helium gas recovery from the Inelastic and Nuclear Resonant Scattering beamline (BL35XU). Participants from the university included technical experts Hisayuki Urakami, Satoshi Hirota, Haruna Ando, and research cooperation staff Hideaki Yamazaki and Ryota Tomosada. From SPring-8, Yuka Ikemoto, Deputy Director and Chief Researcher of the User Promotion Division, researcher Nobumoto Nagasawa, and chief supervisor Hiroyuki Ikehata participated. Okayama University had previously delivered 10 gas bags (1㎥ each) to SPring-8. After user experiments, the superconducting magnet used at BL35XU was connected to the bags via hoses, and researcher Nagasawa and his team spent about three days recovering the helium gas. The gas was collected in two bags at a time, with hoses switched as each pair filled up, eventually filling all 10 bags. On the day of the visit, university participants used a compressor to transfer the helium from the bags into gas cylinders. The process was completed in about an hour, successfully recovering approximately 10㎥ of helium gas, which was then transported to the university's Tsushima Campus. This was the first attempt by the Chugoku-Shikoku/Harima HeReNet to recover helium from equipment other than Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) devices. Researcher Nagasawa stated, "Since helium is a finite resource, I hope this project will lead to the effective use and stable supply of helium." As a regional core research university, Okayama University aims to expand the scope of research and development using liquid helium by supplying it not only within the university but also to neighboring universities, research institutions, technical colleges, and companies through "HeReNet" and "HeliGet." Since Japan relies 100% on imports for helium, this initiative is also crucial for economic security. Furthermore, the university is developing "HeliSET," a human resource development program for helium users, and will continue to promote "HeReNet," "HeliGet," and "HeliSET" as an integrated "He3 Project." Please look forward to the continued efforts of Okayama University and its partners in enhancing Japan's research capabilities, fostering innovation, and strengthening economic security.