Helium Quench Pipes / MRI Quench Pipes – Expert Design, Manufacture, and Installation

MRI scanners rely on liquid helium to cool their superconducting magnets. This liquid helium is maintained at an ultra-low temperature of approximately 4.2 Kelvin (around -269°C). In the event of a magnet quench, where the superconducting state is lost, the liquid helium rapidly boils off and turns into helium gas. This expansion can create a sudden and extreme increase in pressure. A Helium Quench Pipe, also known as an MRI Quench Pipe, is essential to safely vent this expanding gas outside of the building, protecting both equipment and occupants from the potential hazards of helium such as an explosives release, asphyxiation or structural damage.

At ICE Ltd, we ensure all quench pipes are designed to meet strict industry standards. MRI Quench Pipes must be made of high-grade stainless steel capable of withstanding cryogenic temperatures as low as -261°C. The material must also maintain structural integrity under rapid gas expansion and high-pressure conditions. Our systems typically use stainless steel with a minimum wall thickness of 0.5mm. All joints are manufactured to be both helium gas-tight and water-tight, and we highly recommend welding all connections to ensure maximum durability and leak resistance.

As part of our commitment to safety and performance, ICE Ltd designs Helium Quench Pipes to accommodate changes in gas volume and temperature. During a quench, the expanding helium gas increases in volume dramatically as it warms. Therefore, the pipe system must transition into a larger diameter vent section after it exits the MRI magnet room. This ensures that the helium is safely and efficiently expelled to an external location, such as a rooftop discharge point, well away from patient, staff and plant working areas.

Our installations also take into account thermal insulation requirements. While the MRI Quench Pipe must be thermally insulated within the Examination Room to prevent frost or condensation issues, thermal insulation is generally not needed for the pipework inside the building outside of this area. We tailor every solution to meet the specific building layout and safety regulations of the installation site.

Whether you are installing a new MRI scanner or upgrading your existing medical imaging suite, ICE Ltd provides a full-service solution for Helium Quench Pipes. Our team works closely with healthcare providers, engineers, and construction professionals to deliver systems that are compliant, efficient, and built to last.

Contact ICE Ltd today to discuss your project requirements or to get a quote for a custom-designed MRI Quench Pipe system. Your patients’ and staff’s safety is our priority, and we are proud to deliver industry-leading solutions in helium gas management.