Okayama University Implements Helium Recovery from MRI Equipment without Gas Return Line as Part of Regional Core Research University Initiative

June 7, 2026
National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆Overview

　The task force for promoting the sharing and enhancement of research equipment at Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) began the recovery of helium gas (Phase 1) on May 28 and 29, 2026, as part of the "Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network (HeReNet)" project, from an MRI machine (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, dedicated to small animals) that does not have a gas recovery line installed on campus. This is the first gas recovery from an MRI machine in the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet.

　Participants from the university included Professor Masashi Ueda from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutical Sciences), Koji Hatanaka, Deputy Task Force Leader and Director of Inter-Institutional Collaboration Division (Chief URA), Makoto Ishii, Section Chief of the General Technology Department, Hisayuki Uragaki, Technical Specialist, Haruna Ando, Technical Staff, Hideaki Yamazaki, Specialist of the Research Cooperation Division, Ryota Tomosada, Chief, and Ikumi Tsuboya, Chief URA of the Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization.

　In this recovery, in addition to delivering one helium gas recovery compressor and ten helium gas recovery bags (1 m³ each), the gas bag collection manifold unit designed by Technical Specialist Uragaki was introduced for the first time. This unit can connect ten gas bags and collect gas simultaneously into each bag, making it easier to recover the large amount of helium gas generated at once during liquid helium replenishment of the MRI machine.

　On the 28th, work was done to connect the MRI machine and gas bags with dedicated hoses, install the gas bag collection manifold unit and gas bag rack, store helium gas from the MRI machine into the gas bags for about 24 hours, and on the 29th, after a trial run of the recovery compressor, the recovery of helium gas from the MRI machine to the gas bags (Phase 1) began. The project is planned to proceed in the order: helium gas recovery (Phase 1) → helium gas recovery and partial supply (Phase 2) → helium gas recovery and nearly full supply (Phase 3) → full-scale operation.

　Professor Ueda stated, "Our university has been selected for the Regional Core and Distinctive Research University Strengthening Project (J-PEAKS) and is working to strengthen the research base. It is very gratifying that the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet project will establish a recycling and stable supply system for liquid helium, a limited natural resource that supports research activities, and I would like to cooperate in future development."

　As an open regional core and distinctive research university, Okayama University aims to expand the scope of research and development using liquid helium by supplying it to not only within the university but also to nearby universities, research institutes, technical colleges, and companies through the "Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet" and "HeliGet." Since Japan currently relies 100% on imports for helium, this initiative is extremely important from the perspective of economic security.

　Furthermore, the university is also developing a helium-related human resource development program "HeliSET" aimed at fostering the next generation of helium users and stabilizing helium prices. The university will continue to promote the "HeReNet," "HeliGet," and "HeliSET" as an integrated initiative, the "'He3' (Three) Project."

　We look forward to your continued support for the efforts of Okayama University, an open regional core and distinctive research university, and its participating institutions to improve Japan's research capabilities, strengthen innovation creation, and take on challenges in the framework of economic security.

First introduction of the gas bag collection manifold unit

Recovering helium gas from MRI machine to gas bags

Professor Ueda working on helium gas recovery

Recovery compressor in operation

Overview of the initiative

◆References

・Okayama University Research and Innovation Co-creation Organization

　https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・Okayama University General Technology Department

　https://techall.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・Okayama University Core Facility Portal Site (CFPOU)

　https://corefacility-potal.fsp.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・SX Platform ~From "Ownership" to "Sharing." Affordable rental and lease platform for research equipment~

　https://sxplatform.jp/

◆Reference Information

・[Okayama University] Implementation of Phase 1 Recovery of the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet at SPring-8

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004031.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Start of Phase 1 Recovery of the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet at Kagawa University and Okayama University Planetary Material Research Institute

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003968.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Iwate University Technical Staff Visit Okayama University ~Exchange of opinions for expansion of the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet to the Tohoku region~

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003955.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet: Okayama University Starts Phase 1 Helium Gas Recovery at Okayama University of Science

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003826.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima HeReNet-HeliGet: Okayama University Participates in Helium Recovery from Used MRI by Iwate University and Iwate Medical University ~Recovered over 500L of helium~

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003825.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Starts Phase 1 Helium Gas Recovery at Yonago National College of Technology, Tottori University, and Tokushima University

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003739.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Exchange of opinions with the University of Electro-Communications on helium recycling business

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003624.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Exchange of opinions with Iwate University on helium recycling business

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003540.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Recovery of Helium Gas from Spent Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Equipment (NMR) ~A big step toward the Chugoku-Shikoku-Harima Helium Recycling Network~

　https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003541.000072793.html

・[Okayama University]