Every Trimix diver trusts the numbers in their gas plan. But even the most skilled blenders know that calculated fractions and actual fractions do not always match. Small variations in filling, temperature shifts, and equipment tolerances can change a mix more than most people realize.
The only way to confirm your true helium percentage is to measure it directly.
A helium analyzer provides that certainty, turning guesswork into verified data before you lock in your decompression profile.
What Is a Helium Analyzer?
A helium analyzer is a device that measures the exact amount of helium inside a breathing gas mixture. It gives divers and gas blenders a clear, numerical reading that confirms the mix is correct.
Although the filling process is calculated, the final blend can still differ from the expected values. This is why Trimix diving relies on verification. By checking the helium percentage, blenders can confirm that the gas matches the planned MOD, END, and decompression schedule.
Because of this, the helium analyzer becomes an essential tool in every technical diving setup. It ensures that each cylinder contains the precise mix required for deep, controlled, and predictable dives.
How a Helium Analyzer Works
The reason is a physical property called thermal conductivity. Helium carries heat much faster than air, and a helium analyzer measures this difference.
Imagine heat trying to move through a crowded room. Now compare that to heat moving through an empty hallway. The “hallway” represents helium, where heat can travel far more quickly.
The analyzer’s thermal conductivity sensor measures this rate of heat transfer:
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A gas sample is drawn into a chamber containing the sensor.
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The sensor measures how quickly heat passes through the gas.
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It compares this rate to a known reference, usually pure air.
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The difference in heat transfer corresponds directly to the percentage of helium, which is displayed digitally.
Because helium is inert and non-reactive, the analyzer doesn’t require oxygen-cleaning procedures, though it’s still vital to keep sensors, fittings, and flow paths dry and contaminant-free to ensure consistent accuracy.
When and Why Helium Analysis Is Used
Helium analysis plays a central role in technical diving, where every part of the breathing gas must match the planned dive profile. Because Trimix uses oxygen, helium, and nitrogen, the exact helium fraction must be known before the gas can be used safely.
1. Technical Scuba Diving
In Trimix diving, the helium fraction must be verified before every deep dive. Even small variations can affect narcosis levels and change the decompression schedule. A helium analyzer confirms that the final blend matches the planned mix, making it an essential tool for safe and accurate gas preparation.
2. Leak Detection
Helium analyzers are also used to trace tiny leaks in pressurized systems. Because helium moves easily through small openings, it becomes an effective tracer gas for locating microscopic leaks in equipment such as vacuum chambers, cryogenic systems, and pipelines.
3. Semiconductor Manufacturing
In semiconductor production, helium purity must be extremely high. Analyzers measure trace levels of impurities in helium used during chip fabrication. This ensures that sensitive manufacturing processes remain stable and that the final products meet strict quality standards.
Why Choose NRC Helium Analyzer?
NRC helium analyzers deliver dependable accuracy for every Trimix blend. The innovative detection technology utilizes the speed of sound, eliminating the need for helium sensor replacement. Each unit is compact, durable, and easy to use in dive centers, on boats, or in the field.
It also integrates smoothly with NRC blending panels, boosters, and membrane systems for a complete gas management setup. Trusted worldwide, NRC analyzers provide the precision and reliability that professional diving operations depend on.
Explore NRC International’s professional-grade helium analyzers and ensure every Trimix blend meets the highest standards of safety and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a helium analyzer used for?
A helium analyzer is used to measure the percentage of helium in a gas mixture. In technical diving, it is essential to verify the helium fraction in Trimix to ensure the final blend matches the planned dive profile.
How does a helium analyzer differ from an oxygen analyzer?
A helium analyzer uses a completely different detection method. Instead of relying on a chemical reaction, it measures how quickly heat moves through the gas. This change in thermal conductivity reveals the helium concentration with high accuracy.
How often should I calibrate a helium analyzer?
You should calibrate the analyzer before each use or at the start of every blending session. Regular calibration ensures the measurements remain precise, especially when preparing critical gases for deep diving.
