How do people collect and store helium?

Answer 1

Besides the obvious answer "In the common Helium filled balloon used for amusement", Helium has at least the following additional uses:

1. To fill larger balloons for research purposes (i.e., carrying instrumentation packages into the upper atmosphere for scientific or meteorological purposes, including ordinary weather balloons).

2. To fill blimps, mostly used for advertising and aerial Photography.

3. For leak detection in high vacuum systems.

4. As a coolant in certain types of nuclear reactors.

5. In underwater breathing apparatus.

6. As liquefied Helium for cooling various things to very low temperatures (approximately 4 degrees above absolute zero or less) for experimental purposes.

7. Specifically, as liquefied Helium for cooling detectors used for special infrared telescopes which may be lofted by (helium) balloons, carried aloft by airplanes, placed in orbit around the Earth, or sent into deep space.

8. Specifically, as liquefied Helium for cooling certain materials to temperatures at which they become superconducting, either to investigate superconductivity itself, or to operate as high intensity magnets.

9. Specifically, to investigate superfluidity, a property of liquid Helium itself.

10. Specifically, in sub-atomic particle detectors.

The uses described above involving very low temperatures generally fall within the area called "Cryogenics".

Answer 2

Helium is a by-product of natural gas production. It is removed as an impurity and stored.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helium#Modern_extraction_and_distribution

Answer 3

companies get helium from under the ground along with the other chemicals under ground.

Answer 4

You do this thing and stuff...